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.

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• Controlling access to Federal buildings or restricted areas by verifying credentials and enforcing established entry procedures;
• Conduct patrols on foot or by vehicle to identify and help prevent unauthorized or suspicious activity, safety hazards, or unsafe conditions;
• Enforcing security rules, regulations, and procedures to maintain order and protect people and property;
• Responding to alarms, disturbances, or emergency situations in accordance with established protocols;
• Observing, reporting, and documenting security incidents, violations, or unusual occurrences;
• Preparing incident reports, logs, and other security-related documentation;
• Providing protective services while exercising judgment within established guidelines and procedures.

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.

On-call hours or standby duty may be required. Work schedules, shift assignments, and additional requirements may vary by location based on operational needs.

• 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.

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Performing security or protective services to safeguard personnel, property, facilities, or equipment; Controlling access to buildings or restricted areas and enforcing security rules, regulations, or procedures; Conduct patrols on foot or by vehicle to identify and help prevent unauthorized or suspicious activity, safety hazards, or unsafe conditions; Responding to alarms, disturbances, or routine emergency situations in accordance with established procedures; Observing, reporting, and documenting security incidents or violations; Exercising judgment to recognize security issues and take appropriate action within established guidelines. Experience must demonstrate the ability to independently perform recurring security duties consistent with the GS-5 level.

Your application will remain active for 90 days from the submission of application.

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.

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:
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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.

• Performing security or protective services to safeguard personnel, property, facilities, or equipment; Controlling access to buildings or restricted areas and enforcing security rules, regulations, or procedures; Conduct patrols on foot or by vehicle to identify and help prevent unauthorized or suspicious activity, safety hazards, or unsafe conditions; Responding to alarms, disturbances, or routine emergency situations in accordance with established procedures; Observing, reporting, and documenting security incidents or violations; Exercising judgment to recognize security issues and take appropriate action within established guidelines.

• Decision Making
• Physical Security
• Public Safety and Security
• Technical Competence

The first cutoff date will be February 9, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST. Future cutoff dates will be each Monday at 11:59 pm EST until the closing date.

Your application will remain active for 90 days from the submission of application.