Medical Technician (Laboratory Support)

Apply Medical Technician (Laboratory Support) Department of Health and Human Services Indian Health Service Various locations across the Agency Apply Print Share * * * * Save * Summary * This job is open to * Duties * Requirements * How you will be evaluated * Required documents * How to apply Summary Join the Indian Health Service as a Medical Technician (Laboratory Support) and make an impact! Use your laboratory skills to deliver accurate, life-saving results that support quality patient care in American Indian communities. Enjoy competitive benefits, professional growth, and a mission-driven career that truly matters. Apply today! USAJOBS Help Center - Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements Learn more about this agency Summary Join the Indian Health Service as a Medical Technician (Laboratory Support) and make an impact! Use your laboratory skills to deliver accurate, life-saving results that support quality patient care in American Indian communities. Enjoy competitive benefits, professional growth, and a mission-driven career that truly matters. Apply today! USAJOBS Help Center - Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements Learn more about this agency Overview Help Accepting applications Open & closing dates 02/02/2026 to 05/04/2026 Salary $40,736 - $59,978 per year Salary is determined by Duty Station. Certain locations are covered by a Locality Pay Table. Pay scale & grade GS 5 Locations Few vacancies in the following locations: Chinle, AZ Inscription House, AZ Kayenta, AZ Parker, AZ Show morefewer locations (54) Phoenix, AZ Pinon, AZ Polacca, AZ Red Mesa, AZ Shonto, AZ Tsaile, AZ Whiteriver, AZ Winterhaven, CA Towaoc, CO Fort Hall, ID Lawrence, KS Naytahwaush, MN Ogema, MN Red Lake, MN Browning, MT Crow Agency, MT Harlem, MT Lame Deer, MT Poplar, MT Wolf Point, MT Belcourt, ND Fort Yates, ND Albuquerque, NM Bloomfield, NM Crownpoint, NM Dulce, NM Gallup, NM Mescalero, NM Shiprock, NM Taos, NM Tohatchi, NM Zuni, NM Elko, NV Lockport, NY Anadarko, OK Carnegie, OK Clinton, OK El Reno, OK Lawton, OK Pawnee, OK Watonga, OK Salem, OR Warm Springs, OR Rock Hill, SC Eagle Butte, SD Fort Thompson, SD Kyle, SD Lower Brule, SD Pine Ridge, SD Rosebud, SD Sisseton, SD Wanblee, SD Fort Duchesne, UT Toppenish, WA Remote job No Telework eligible No Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position. Relocation expenses reimbursed Yes-Certain locations may authorize for reimbursement of relocation expenses or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) in accordance with agency policy. Appointment type Multiple - The majority of positions to be filled under this announcement are permanent. This announcement may also be used to fill time-limited appointments such as TERM and Temporary. Work schedule Multiple Schedules - The majority of positions to be filled under this announcement are full-time. This announcement may also be used to fill various work schedules, including full-time, part-time (less than 40 hours per week), and intermittent (as needed). Service Excepted Promotion potential 7 - Not all locations may have promotion potential to the GS-07 level. Contact the locations you are interested in to verify promotion potential. Job family (Series) * 0645 Medical Technician Supervisory status No Security clearance Other Drug test No Position sensitivity and risk Moderate Risk (MR) Trust determination process * Suitability/Fitness Financial disclosure No Bargaining unit status Yes - 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. Announcement number IHS-26-HQ-12866094-ESEP/MP Control number 856280800 This job is open to Help 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. Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista Individuals who have served at least 2 years with the Peace Corps or 1 year with AmeriCorps VISTA. 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. Videos Duties Help * Perform laboratory testing - Perform routine and standardized clinical tests across disciplines such as chemistry, hematology, microbiology, urinalysis, immunology, serology, and blood banking. * Maintain and calibrate equipment - Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instruments; documents activities per regulatory standards. * Handle specimen collection and processing - Collect blood and other specimens; follows established procedures in carrying out standard tasks. * Ensure quality assurance and reporting - Documents laboratory activities, quality assurance, and proficiency testing for accreditation requirements. * Support laboratory operations and training - Follows biosafety and infection control protocols, participates in continuing education to maintain proficiency and regulatory compliance. Requirements Help 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 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. 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 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): For candidates qualifying based on specialized experience, 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. 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: Performing a variety of standardized tests and examinations under complete technical supervision; following written procedures which provide detailed instructions on each step of the assigned test and examinations including the techniques, procedures, stains, reagents, chemicals, temperatures, measurements, controls to use and observe, machine settings, etc.; determining correct blood specimen for tests ordered; and adhering to quality control procedures. 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. 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. Education You may qualify for this position with 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: 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 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. A service agreement will be required. This position meets the criteria specified in pillar number one of the five pillars of the PHS Commissioned Corps. PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps MUST apply online under the merit promotion announcement indicated above in order to receive consideration. For more information on PHS Commissioned Corps, visit the website at: Not all locations may have a promotion potential to the GS-07 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. * 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? * In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? * How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? * 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). The first cutoff date will be February 9, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST. Future cutoff dates will be each Wednesday thereafter at 11:59 pm EST until the closing date. Your application will remain active for 90 days from the submission of application. Expand Hide additional information 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. Benefits Help Review our benefits 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. Eligible applicants will be referred out as vacancies occur. 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. To ensure a fair and consistent hiring process, IHS uses a multi-hurdle assessment process. Each "hurdle" must be passed before moving to the next step. This helps us evaluate applicants based on job-related qualifications, competencies, and experience. Below is what applicants can expect: 1. Minimum Qualifications Review - Hurdle 1 HR reviews your resume to confirm you meet the eligibility and minimum qualifications for the position (education and/or licensure (if applicable), listed above). Note: the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications. If you meet eligibility and minimum qualifications, you move to the next hurdle. 2. Technical Assessment (Subject Matter Expert Resume Review) - Hurdle 2 A panel of subject matter experts (SME) will review your resume to determine whether you clearly show the required specialized experience listed below. Note: 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). This assessment is Pass/Fail. Applicants who demonstrate the required experience will advance. Having knowledge of standard and accepted theories, methods, principles, practices, and techniques of mental health and substance use disorder. Provide counseling, guidance and assistance to incoming and outgoing patients and their families. Experience with the intake process and aftercare coordination. Demonstration of these specialized experience statements ascertain your competency in the following: * Attention to Detail * Technical Competence * Technology Application Click here to view vacancy questions: The first cutoff date will be February 9, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST. Future cutoff dates will be each Wednesday thereafter at 11:59 pm EST until the closing date. Your application will remain active for 90 days from the submission of application. Benefits Help Review our benefits Required documents Required Documents Help 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: 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 (along with the appropriate supporting documentation. For additional information regarding Veterans Preference visit: * Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP, follow the instructions below: * 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. How to Apply Help To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below. * To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement. * 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. * 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. * Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or supporting documents. * 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. * Read and complete all Eligibility questions. * 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). they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement. Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying for a job. Resumes should include information relevant to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of the position to which you are applying. IHS is unable to make assumptions about qualifications if not clearly listed. Helpful Hints for Creating a Two-Page Resume: * Prioritize most relevant and recent experience * Use concise, results focused language * Align language from the job announcement * Focus on demonstrating skills and competencies * Remove outdated or unrelated experience * Use the USAJOBS resume builder For additional questions please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) found here: 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 (Marla Avila-Frank, , and/or (605) 216-8342.) The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis. Agency contact information Marla Avila-Frank Phone (605) 216-8342 Email 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 are legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant. Fair and transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance. Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Financial suitability New employee probationary period Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy Selective Service Signature and false statements Social security number request Required Documents Help 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: 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 (along with the appropriate supporting documentation. For additional information regarding Veterans Preference visit: * Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP, follow the instructions below: * 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.

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