Clarification from the agency

The IHS is required by law to give absolute preference to qualified applicants who meet the Secretary of the Interior's definition of Indian for appointment to vacancies within the IHS in accordance with established IHS policy as outlined in the Indian Health Manual Part 7, Chapter 3.

• Perform laboratory testing - Conduct a wide range of routine and moderately complex clinical tests across disciplines such as chemistry, hematology, microbiology, urinalysis, immunology, serology, and blood banking.
• Maintain and calibrate equipment - Operate, calibrate, and perform preventive maintenance on laboratory instruments; troubleshoot and document equipment performance in compliance with policy and standards.
• Handle specimen collection and processing - Collect blood and other specimens, verify labeling and integrity, and prepare samples for analysis or shipment to reference laboratories.
• Ensure quality assurance and reporting - Validate and release test results, document quality control and proficiency testing, and assist with audits and performance improvement activities.
• Support laboratory operations and training - Follow biosafety and infection control protocols, provide guidance to staff or students, and participate in continuing education to maintain regulatory compliance.

Conditions of employment

Selectee may be subject to a probationary period
ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period
U.S. Citizenship is required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.

IHS Selectees whose duties and responsibilities require them to work permanently, temporarily, or occasionally in an IHS healthcare facility must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy related to vaccine-preventable diseases, consistent with recommendations for healthcare workers. Vaccine exemption requests may be available, as outlined in the IHS Employee Immunization Policy and facility guidance.

Position may be subject to rotating shifts: days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.

Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.

You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.

Background Investigation: If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint check and background investigation. Fingerprint results and background investigation documentation must be cleared prior to hire. After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges. You may be subject to a credit check as a part of the background investigation process.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

BASIC REQUIREMENT(S):
All specialized experience must meet the following: (a) Technical medical laboratory support work such as performing laboratory tests and examinations (chemical, microbiologic, hematologic and blood banking) and preparing reports of findings or (b) technical support work in a closely related field, e.g., biological laboratory technician work, that required application of the methods and techniques for the position to be filled.

In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Your resume must demonstrate the following education and/or experience as outlined below for the grade level(s) you are applying to. Any specialized experience must be equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the tasks as identified.

GS-05: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: instruct patients on specimen collection; operate and maintain laboratory and phlebotomy equipment; perform routine tests on blood, urine, and other specimens; perform venipuncture and capillary collections; prepare reagents and media following detailed instructions or guidelines; label, clean, and sterilize instruments and work areas; log referral specimens; maintain supply inventory and monitor expiration dates.
OR
A Bachelor's degree with major study in medical or clinical laboratory or a related field such as chemistry and/or the biological sciences;
OR
A Bachelor's degree in any field that includes at least 24 semester hours in subjects appropriate to the position to be filled. Eligible courses may include: chemistry, hematology, blood banking, microbiology, or the biological sciences.
OR
A combination of education and experience.

GS-06: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: instruct patients on proper specimen collection and preservation; prepare and preserve specimen for analysis or referral following established procedures; performs patient phlebotomy via venipuncture and capillary methods ensuring correct patient identification; performs routine and standard clinical laboratory tests across chemistry, hematology, microbiology, urinalysis, serology, immunology and blood banking; evaluate test results and recognize normal and abnormal findings; operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instruments and troubleshoot issues; maintain records of quality control and equipment performance; prepare reagents and ensure temperature, humidity, and equipment standards are met; maintain laboratory records, quality control data, and reports using manual and computerized systems; adhere to federal standards and regulations to support continuous quality improvement processes.

GS-07: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: instruct patients and staff on proper specimen collection, preservation and transport procedures; collect and process patient specimens using venipuncture and capillary techniques; verify identification, labeling, and specimen integrity; perform a variety of clinical laboratory tests across multiple sections in chemistry, hematology, microbiology, urinalysis, serology, immunology, and blood banking to support patient diagnosis and treatment; evaluate and interpret test results; identify deviations from norm and report abnormalities to supervisor or senior laboratory staff; calibrate and operate analytical instruments to independently perform recurring tests; perform preventive maintenance and record laboratory equipment performance; communicate findings to healthcare providers; document quality control activities in compliance with federal standards and regulations; assist with quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives.
OR
Completion of 1 year (18 semester hours) of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position.
OR
A combination of education and experience.

Click on the following link to view occupational requirements for this position: Medical Technician 0645, Technical and Medical Support Positions

Time In Grade
Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).

You must meet all qualification requirements by the respective cut-off day of rating to be eligible for consideration.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the application process is complete, the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications.

Structured Resume Review: Subject matter experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required competencies. SMEs will review ONLY the first two (2) pages of your resume. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume).

Once the announcement closes, we will conduct a review of your application package to verify your eligibility and qualifications. If you are found qualified, your application will move forward to additional phases of the review process.

Click here to view vacancy questions: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12822383.

All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date of, 01/30/2026, to be considered.

USAJOBS Help Center - Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements.

Resume: You are highly encouraged to visit the USAJOBS Help Center before submitting a resume. USAJOBS Help Center - Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements

Required as applicable for the purposes of specific eligibility and appointment claim(s), and position requirements:

• Indian Preference Applicants: If claiming Indian preference, applicants must provide a completed copy of the Form BIA-4432, "Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS Only." Indian preference will not be given unless a properly signed and dated form is submitted with your application, including any verification by an authorized Tribal Representative or BIA Official of tribal enrollment records. For detailed instructions, see form BIA-4432. Refer to BIA-4432 link: https://www.bia.gov/sites/default/files/media_document/1076-0160_indian-pref_expires-04.30.25_508.pdf. When an Indian Preference candidate possesses Veterans preference the rules regarding Veterans preference apply under ESEP and the applicant must provide documentation in order to receive preference.
• Veterans Preference: If claiming Veteran's Preference provide a copy of your DD214 Form (Member 4 copy). To claim 10-Point Veterans Preference, submit a SF-15 Application (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf) along with the appropriate supporting documentation. For additional information regarding Veterans Preference visit: http://www.fedshirevets.gov.
• Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP, follow the instructions below: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf.
• Current or former Federal employee: Include your most recent SF-50 or if Reinstatement eligible include your Career SF-50.
• Noncompetitive eligibles: Submit additional documents to prove your eligibility to apply to this vacancy.
• Transcripts: You are encouraged to submit copies of transcripts (official or unofficial) although not required at the time of application. You must list your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Official transcripts will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer.
• Licensure, Certifications: Applicants should list their license/certifications on their resume, along with the expiration date, if applicable. Certification of licensure/certification will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer.

Next steps

Additional locations