Security Guard Job

Vacancy No. IHS-26-HQ-12995764 Department Indian Health Service
Salary $36,464.00 to $47,334.00 Grade 3 to 4
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/10/2026 Close Date 9/30/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Camp Verde, AZChinle, AZCibecue, AZInscription House, AZ
Kayenta, AZMaricopa, AZMcNary, AZParker, AZ
Peach Springs, AZPhoenix, AZPinon, AZPolacca, AZ
Red Mesa, AZSacaton, AZSupai, AZTsaile, AZ
Whiteriver, AZDavis, CAHavasu Lake, CAHemet, CA
Riverside, CAWinterhaven, CATowaoc, COFort Hall, ID
Lawrence, KSMashpee, MACass Lake, MNNaytahwaush, MN
Ogema, MNPonemah, MNPonsford, MNRed Lake, MN
Browning, MTCrow Agency, 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, VASuffolk, VA
Auburn, WAForks, WANespelem, WASpokane, WA
Toppenish, WAWapato, WAWellpinit, WAWhite Swan, WA


Security Guard

Department of Health and Human Services
Indian Health Service
Various locations across the Agency.

Summary

The position is located within Indian Health Service in various health care facilities throughout the nation. The incumbent performs protective service work in guarding federally owned, leased buildings or property, protecting Government equipment, materials and controlling access into the facility along with public safety.

A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).

This job is open to

Federal employees - Competitive service

Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.

Federal employees - Excepted service

Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Land and base management

Current or former employees of a base management agency.

Veterans

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference

Military spouses

Military spouses of active duty service members or whose spouse is 100 percent disabled or died on active duty.

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

All Grade levels MAY NOT be available at all locations.

  • Patrol building and grounds to prevent property, patients, employees and visitors from the threat of danger.
  • Enforce Health Center parking rules and regulations and monitor parking areas.
  • Provide internal building security by monitoring doors, locks, windows, and examine and report any tampered locks.
  • Uses daily sign in journal making notations of unusual circumstances out of the ordinary.

Requirements

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.

  • A valid state driver's license is required for this position and must be maintained as a condition of employment.
  • Some duty locations may require drug testing as part of the hiring process or as a condition of continued employment, in accordance with applicable laws and agency policy.
  • On-call hours or standby duty may be required. Position may be subject to rotating shifts: days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
Physical Demands: The work involves walking, sitting, standing, reaching and bending in the assessment and treatment of patients.

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/.

Selectee(s) must maintain an active bank account with a financial institution to receive salary payments through electronic direct deposit.

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).

Prior to the appointment, candidates must present two valid forms of identification. If one of the documents is a state-issued ID or driver's license, it must be REAL ID-compliant.

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.

NOTE: Competition for Security Guard positions is restricted by law to persons entitled to veterans' preference as long as such applicants are available for appointment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
GS-03: Six (6) months of general experience in one or more of the following areas: administrative, technical, clerical, military, or other work that involved following written procedures, rules, or regulations in contacts with coworkers, supervisors, or members of the public to provide a service, respond to inquiries, or obtain information.
OR
One (1) year of education above the high school level in an accredited college or university.
OR
Combination of post-high school education and general experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.

GS-04: Six (6) months of General Experience and Six (6) months of Specialized Experience.

  • General Experience: Experience such as administrative, technical, clerical, military, or other work that involved following written procedures, rules, or regulations in contacts with coworkers, supervisors, or members of the public to provide a service, respond to inquiries, or obtain information.
  • Specialized Experience: Experience such as work with a federal, State, municipal, local, or private protective organization that involved the protection of property against such hazards as fire, theft, damage, accident, or trespass; or maintaining order and protection of life. Such experience must have provided knowledge of protective systems and techniques. Acceptable experience includes service in the Armed Services or Coast Guard that involved the performance of guard duties on a regular or intermittent basis. Experience as a psychiatric nursing assistant or a similar position safeguarding patients is qualifying.
OR
Two (2) years of education above the high school level in an accredited college or university.
OR
Combination of post-high school education and general experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.

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 cutoff day of rating to be eligible for referral.

Education

You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. 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

Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement.

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 or may not be covered by a bargaining unit, depending on the duty location. Final determination will be made at the time of appointment.

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

This position has promotion potential to the GS-04 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.

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.

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.

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.

To determine if you are qualified for this position, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against the qualifications as defined in the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement.

  • Customer Service (Clerical/Technical)
  • Decision Making
  • Oral Communication
  • Personnel Security and Safety
  • Technical Competence


The following links below provide information on how you may be eligible for various hiring authorities. If you are a Veteran, qualified CTAP and ICTAP eligible, or an individual with a disability, please refer to the following links below for additional guidance. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Workforce Restructuring Career Transition website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. CTAP/ICTAP documentation requirements are listed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. Click here to view vacancy questions: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12995764.

Required Documents

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 - https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include

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: Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS 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.

This is an Open Continuous Announcement. Applications will be reviewed and referred as vacancies occur; however, there may not be immediate openings at all locations.

During the application process, you may select up to five locations and will only be considered for positions in those locations. Candidates with complete applications will remain eligible for consideration for up to three months from the date of application or until the announcement closes, whichever occurs first. Consideration will be based on your selected locations, qualifications, and job preferences.

Positions may be filled at any of the grade levels listed in this announcement, with or without promotion potential. Applicants should indicate the lowest GS grade level they are willing to accept.

The first application cut-off date for referral consideration will be five business days after the announcement opens. After that, applications may be reviewed and referred at any time as vacancies occur.

Your resume and any documents submitted will be retained for three months and may be used at any time during this period. After 3 months, you must reapply to this announcement in order to be considered.

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: https://www.ihs.gov/jobs/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 (Michael Harris, michael.harris3@ihs.gov, and/or 602-581-6955.) The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

Agency contact information

Michael Harris
Phone
602-581-6955
Email
michael.harris3@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. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.

Additional locations

Kayenta, AZ
Maricopa, AZ
McNary, AZ
Parker, AZ
Peach Springs, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Pinon, AZ
Polacca, AZ
Red Mesa, AZ
Sacaton, AZ
Supai, 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
Browning, MT
Crow Agency, 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
Suffolk, VA
Auburn, WA
Forks, WA
Nespelem, WA
Spokane, WA
Toppenish, WA
Wapato, WA
Wellpinit, WA
White Swan, WA

Indian Health Service

Become a part of an innovative, dynamic, nationwide organization of dedicated health care providers working to meet the individual health care needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Indian Health Service (IHS) employees are considerate in our care, creative in our approach, enthusiastic about our work and compassionate with our patients. Our lifestyle is adventurous, community oriented and focused on service and problem solving as part of a professional interdisciplinary team. Join us in improving the health outcomes of over 2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Agency contact information

Michael Harris
Phone
602-581-6955
Email
michael.harris3@ihs.gov
Address
IHS Headquarter
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
US

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