Pharmacist Job

Vacancy No. IHS-26-HQ-12867969-DHA Department Indian Health Service
Salary $127,590.00 to $175,945.00 Grade 11 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/29/2026 Close Date 4/29/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Camp Verde, AZChinle, AZCibecue, AZDennehotso, AZ
Inscription House, AZKayenta, AZMany Farms, AZMaricopa, AZ
McNary, AZParker, AZPeach Springs, AZPhoenix, AZ
Pinon, AZPolacca, AZRed Mesa, AZROCK POINT, AZ
Sacaton, AZShonto, AZSupai, AZTONALEA, AZ
Tsaile, AZWhiteriver, AZDavis, CAHavasu Lake, CA
Hemet, CARiverside, CAWinterhaven, CATowaoc, CO
Fort Hall, IDLawrence, KSMashpee, MACass Lake, MN
Naytahwaush, MNOgema, MNPonemah, MNPonsford, MN
Red Lake, MNBabb, MTBillings, MTBrowning, MT
Crow Agency, MTGreat Falls, MTHarlem, MTHays, MT
Heart Butte, MTLame Deer, MTLodge Grass, MTPoplar, MT
Pryor, MTWolf Point, MTCherokee, NCBelcourt, ND
Cannon Ball, NDFort Yates, NDWinnebago, NEAcoma, NM
Albuquerque, NMBernalillo, NMBloomfield, NMCochiti Pueblo, NM
Crownpoint, NMCuba, NMDulce, NMEspanola, NM
Gallup, NMMescalero, NMSan Felipe Pueblo, NMSAN FIDEL, NM
Sanostee, NMSanta Ana Pueblo, NMSanta Fe, NMShiprock, NM
Taos, NMThoreau, NMToadlena, NMTohatchi, NM
Zia Indian Reservation, NMZuni, NMElko, NVMoapa, NV
Wadsworth, NVLockport, NYManlius, NYAnadarko, OK
Carnegie, OKClinton, OKEl Reno, OKLawton, OK
Pawnee, OKWatonga, OKWewoka, OKSalem, OR
Warm Springs, ORRock Hill, SCBullhead, SDEagle Butte, SD
Fort Thompson, SDKyle, SDLower Brule, SDManderson, SD
Martin, SDMcLaughlin, SDMobridge, SDPine Ridge, SD
Rosebud, SDSisseton, SDWagner, SDWakpala, SD
Wanblee, SDFort Duchesne, UTAylett, VACharles City, VA
Indian Neck, VAMadison Heights, VAPROVIDENCE FORGE, VARichmond, VA
Suffolk, VAAuburn, WAForks, WANespelem, WA
Spokane, WAToppenish, WAWapato, WAWellpinit, WA
White Swan, WAFort Washakie, WY


Summary

Serves as a clinical pharmacist providing direct pharmaceutical care for patients within the Indian Health Service. This position is considered as the major source of pharmaceutical clinical information and is expected to manage selected patients with chronic disease states, as well as providing pharmaceutical care for acute patients.

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This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Individuals with disabilities

Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.

Native Americans

Native Americans or Alaskan Natives with a tribal affiliation.

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.

Duties

  • Responsible for proper interpretation and dispensing of prescribed products including the review of labeling for directions for use and precautions as necessary to assure proper protection of prescribed products to the patient.
  • Provide specialized services to assist patients with managing conditions such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure and other chronic illness.
  • Provide information and advice about drug therapy and usage, drug interactions, side effects, dosage, and proper medication storage.
  • Maintain records such as pharmacy files, patient records, inventories, and control records for narcotics or controlled drugs.
  • Compound and dispense medications as prescribed by physicians, dentists, and other licensed practitioners by calculating, weighing, measuring, and mixing ingredients.
  • May serve as a pharmacy consultant and advisor to such groups as the therapeutic agents committee, the hospital research committee, and the infection control committee.
Total Compensation Package - Check out IHS's outstanding total compensation package for this job:
Pharmacist Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov)

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Selectee may be subject to a probationary 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 that will work in an IHS health care facility may be subject to Employee Health Policies related to Measles and Rubella, and seasonal influenza immunizations. Vaccine exemption requests may be available according to the National and/or Service Unit guidance.

The selected individual is required to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any licensure requirements. If privileges are not obtained or maintained during employment, the employee will be subject to adverse actions, up to and including removal from Federal service.

On-call hours or standby duty may be required.

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 Requirement:

This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment.

A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individual's identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service.

Upon receipt of instructions, applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the 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 pharmacists must meet all three of the following basic requirements:

Degree: A doctoral degree in Pharmacy that is recognized by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.

Licensure: All applicants must have passed the North Pharmacist Licensure (NAPLEX) and the Multi-state Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). Applicants also must be licensed to practice pharmacy in a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States.

Medical Requirement: Must be able to distinguish basic colors.

Experience: Applicant's qualifications background must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary to perform the work of the position. Pharmacy work requires knowledge of the use, clinical effects, and composition of medications, including their chemical, biological, and physical properties. Qualifying professional pharmacy experience may involve, but is not limited to:

  • Dispensing medications prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and providing information to health practitioners and patients about proper usage of medications and side effects;
  • Evaluating medication use patterns and outcomes for patients in hospitals or managed care organizations;
  • Performing administrative, consultative, or staff advisory work for a medical facility's pharmacy program;
  • Planning, monitoring and evaluating medication programs or regimens;
  • Establishing medication-handling procedures for the storage and preservation of medications;
  • Researching medical literature and/or clinical medication information to provide accurate responses to inquiries; and/or
  • Maintaining all medication records required by law.

Basic Requirements for the GS-11 (or equivalent) Grade Level:Candidates must have 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree, Ph.D., Pharm.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.

Basic Requirements for the GS-12 (or equivalent) Grade Level: In addition to the requirements for the GS-11 (or equivalent) level AND your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Conducts hospital authorized outpatient pharmacy clinics for examination, diagnosis and treatment of specialized patients. Takes the appropriate health history, follows and adjusts the developed treatment plan and monitors the patient's outcome to the prescribed treatment plan. Interview patients to ascertain significant past medical history and medication history. Evaluate medication regimens for appropriateness, drug interactions, therapeutic duplications, non-compliance and adverse drug events.

You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Education

This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.

Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.

This position may be covered by a Bargaining Unit.

Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a 6 month service agreement will be required.

The Indian Health Service (IHS), National Health Service Corps (NHSC), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) have student loan repayment programs for qualifying health disciplines. This is a competitive process separate from the hiring process. Opportunities for LRP are based on agency hiring priorities and availability of funds. For additional information please visit:
For IHS - http://www.ihs.gov/loanrepayment/
For NHSC - https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loanrepayment/

This position has promotion potential to the GS-12 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.

You will be evaluated for this position in accordance with the OPM Merit Hiring Plan.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide short essay responses (200 words or less each) to the following four questions.

  1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government?
  2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness?
  3. How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role?
  4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements?
  • Your responses are optional and will not be scored.
  • However, they may be reviewed by hiring managers and agency leadership (or designees) during the evaluation process.
  • You will be asked to certify that your responses are written in your own words and that you did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) tool (such as ChatGPT or Copilot).

Financial Suitability Requirement:

This position requires a review of the applicant's financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations prior to applying. Individuals with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations-including, but not limited to, delinquent federal or state tax liabilities, defaulted federal student loans, court-ordered fines or fees, or child support arrears-may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the Indian Health Service (IHS).

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

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

This is an Open Continuous Announcement. There MAY NOT be immediate vacancies at all locations. You will be limited to selecting no more than 5 locations during the application process, and will only be considered for the locations you select. Interested applicants should contact the Human Resources point of contact concerning immediate employment needs.

The first cut-off date for receipt/referral of applications to be considered for available vacant positions will be 2/4/2026 and will continue every Wednesday thereafter. All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the cut-off date/day, to be considered.


Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.

This position will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. Category rating and Veterans' Preference will not be considered in evaluating applicants. For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet. Your application (resume and supporting documentation) will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required as listed on the announcement under qualification requirements. To be considered well qualified for the purposes of the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must substantively exceed the basic qualifications and meet all eligibility, physical, medical, suitability, and any other requirements.

Click here to view vacancy questions: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12867969.

All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date of, 04/29/2026, to be considered.

Required Documents

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  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date: 04/29/2026

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.

  1. To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
  2. You will be directed to the Login.Gov screen, here will you sign in if you have an existing USAJOBS account or Create a Login.Gov account.
  3. If you have an account you will be directed to select a resume or create a resume. If you create an account you can create an resume. Click save and continue.
  4. Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or supporting documents.
  5. Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJOBS or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
  6. Read and complete all Eligibility questions.
  7. Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process).
For additional questions please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) found here: http://www.ihs.gov/jobs/index.cfm?module=search&option=faq.

The IHS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources Office, The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

Agency contact information

David Groves
Phone
615-596-4225
Email
David.Groves@ihs.gov
Address
IHS Headquarter
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
US

Next steps

Stay Updated with Text Alerts
You can choose to receive text message notifications about your application status. To enable this feature:

  • Log in to your USAJOBS account.
  • Go to your Account Settings and select Notification Preferences.
  • Check the option to receive SMS/Text Messages.
Text message updates are optional and provided in addition to email notifications. Standard messaging rates may apply.

You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJOBS account. You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJOBS that your submission was successful once we have received your on-line eligibility questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJOBS Account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.

If all required documentation is not submitted with your application you will lose consideration. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information and documents entered, uploaded, or faxed are received, legible and accurate.

Additional locations

Inscription House, AZ
Kayenta, AZ
Many Farms, AZ
Maricopa, AZ
McNary, AZ
Parker, AZ
Peach Springs, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Pinon, AZ
Polacca, AZ
Red Mesa, AZ
Rock Point, AZ
Sacaton, AZ
Shonto, AZ
Supai, AZ
Tonalea, AZ
Tsaile, AZ
Whiteriver, AZ
Davis, CA
Havasu Lake, CA
Hemet, CA
Riverside, CA
Winterhaven, CA
Towaoc, CO
Fort Hall, ID
Lawrence, KS
Mashpee, MA
Cass Lake, MN
Naytahwaush, MN
Ogema, MN
Ponemah, MN
Ponsford, MN
Red Lake, MN
Babb, MT
Billings, MT
Browning, MT
Crow Agency, MT
Great Falls, MT
Harlem, MT
Hays, MT
Heart Butte, MT
Lame Deer, MT
Lodge Grass, MT
Poplar, MT
Pryor, MT
Wolf Point, MT
Cherokee, NC
Belcourt, ND
Cannon Ball, ND
Fort Yates, ND
Winnebago, NE
Acoma, NM
Albuquerque, NM
Bernalillo, NM
Bloomfield, NM
Cochiti Pueblo, NM
Crownpoint, NM
Cuba, NM
Dulce, NM
Espanola, NM
Gallup, NM
Mescalero, NM
San Felipe Pueblo, NM
San Fidel, NM
Sanostee, NM
Santa Ana Pueblo, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Shiprock, NM
Taos, NM
Thoreau, NM
Toadlena, NM
Tohatchi, NM
Zia Indian Reservation, NM
Zuni, NM
Elko, NV
Moapa, NV
Wadsworth, NV
Lockport, NY
Manlius, NY
Anadarko, OK
Carnegie, OK
Clinton, OK
El Reno, OK
Lawton, OK
Pawnee, OK
Watonga, OK
Wewoka, OK
Salem, OR
Warm Springs, OR
Rock Hill, SC
Bullhead, SD
Eagle Butte, SD
Fort Thompson, SD
Kyle, SD
Lower Brule, SD
Manderson, SD
Martin, SD
McLaughlin, SD
Mobridge, SD
Pine Ridge, SD
Rosebud, SD
Sisseton, SD
Wagner, SD
Wakpala, SD
Wanblee, SD
Fort Duchesne, UT
Aylett, VA
Charles City, VA
Indian Neck, VA
Madison Heights, VA
Providence Forge, VA
Richmond, VA
Suffolk, VA
Auburn, WA
Forks, WA
Nespelem, WA
Spokane, WA
Toppenish, WA
Wapato, WA
Wellpinit, WA
White Swan, WA
Fort Washakie, WY