Serve as an ISOU Flight Advanced Practice Provider and Medical Aircrew Member supporting ICE removal missions and DHS operations. Provide emergency and routine care in air, ground, and maritime environments; manage program activities; support IHSC clinics as needed; and deploy domestically and internationally on short notice. Frequent travel required.
This position is only open to USPHS officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates.
Summary
Serve as an ISOU Flight Advanced Practice Provider and Medical Aircrew Member supporting ICE removal missions and DHS operations. Provide emergency and routine care in air, ground, and maritime environments; manage program activities; support IHSC clinics as needed; and deploy domestically and internationally on short notice. Frequent travel required.
This position is only open to USPHS officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates.
Applicants must be a current USPHS Commissioned Corps Officer or USPHS Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidate.
Civilians are not eligible for this position.
Incumbent's primary duty is to serve as either a physician assistant or family nurse practitioner on a national level, with responsibilities for performing a variety of unusual and complex professional tasks without the benefit of close guidance. The incumbent's primary duties are to provide direct patient care to migrants as identified in the Alien Migrant Interdiction Operations and provide emergency medical care to U.S. Coast Guard staff in accordance with agency procedures and guidelines.
Incumbent serves as a flight advanced practice provider and a program manager.
Incumbent status is on-call and must respond within 24 to 48 hours' notice. A special operations advanced practice provider (i.e., nurse practitioner or physician assistant) officer may cover incumbent's on-call status as necessary. The incumbent works aboard U.S. Coast Guard cutters and deploys to the cutters via inflatable boats, small cutters, or helicopters.
Transfers may take place on ground vehicles or boats to aircraft. Impact of error can cause serious impairment to program, agency and division. As a provider, collaborates with persons outside the department, high level (i.e., diplomatic), serves as official representation of U.S. government while overseas. Work purpose is basic collaboration to meet the health care needs in agency mission.
Operate as a Medical Aircrew Member and First Responder during ICE removal missions and provide direct patient care for individuals in ICE custody, IHSC clinics, or during DHS missions in accordance with agency procedures, clinical nursing guidelines, and/or clinical protocols.
Serve as a medical aircrew member on a national level, with responsibilities of performing a variety of unusual and complex professional tasks without the benefit of close guidance in remote and austere conditions.
The incumbent works in small aircrafts, business jets, large airliners, or helicopters, which may be civilian, military and U.S. government local, state, or federal assets. The operations may also include care and transfers on ground vehicles, as well as on sea vessels in inclement weather.
Incumbent will be in frequent contact with individuals outside the department and high-level personnel (i.e., diplomatic),
Represent the US government as an ICE health official while overseas and with other federal agencies, military, and law enforcement when necessary.
Must be able to travel 50% of the time, as needed.
Capable of performing short- or long-term deployment with short notice.
Accept responsibilities and perform duties above the journeyman level.
Serve as 24/7 on call medical consultant to IAO for one week or more rotations as needed.
Assume responsibility for providing care to patients with complex physical, mental, or social needs.
Develop and implement a comprehensive plan for meeting actual and anticipated patient needs.
Manage ISOU specific program objectives to ensure their sustainability and growth. In addition, program managers serve as local and national program subject matter experts, coordinate activities related to policy development, research updates, program implementation and evaluation subject to regulations, policies, procedures, and pertinent laws.
Advise local and department level officials regarding policy development, review reports, identify and analyze problems, provide formal written analysis or reports and presentations; participate in the design and development of procedures to follow up on reports.
Perform specialized or complex professional tasks without benefit of detailed guidelines, independently establish criteria, formulate approaches and evaluation efforts.
Active participation in conferences, meetings, or presentations involving problems or issues of maximum consequences or importance.
When primary and secondary duties as AMIO provider, flight APP and program manager are met, incumbent may serve as a clinical APP in a facility in support of IHSC as needed.
The incumbent supports ICE/ERO Field Offices by providing medical guidance, delivering patient care to individuals in ICE custody, and participating in planning efforts. The incumbent also serves as a credentialed Federal Emergency Response Official and responds to agency emergency needs as requested. Performs complex tasks, technical skills, and procedures on patients utilizing sophisticated equipment and advanced practice techniques effectively and efficiently without the benefit of close guidance. Judgmental failure could seriously affect the health status of one or more individuals.
Perform other program duties and responsibilities as assigned.
The incumbent will complete and comply with all mandatory training to competently support austere operations, or other trainings as assigned.
The incumbent will be specifically trained to operate safely during ground and flight operations of the aircraft and is proficient with onboard emergency procedures/equipment
You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
You must successfully pass a background investigation.
You must successfully pass a drug screen.
Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service.
Requirements by Closing Date: Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Service Remaining Requirement Agreement: Upon appointment to this position, officers will be required to serve an 18 to 24-month commitment to IHSC.
ASSIGNMENT PAY AGREEMENT: You must not have a current Assignment Pay Agreement. However, if you have a current Assignment Pay Agreement, it must be fulfilled within 90 days of your application submission.
Applicants must be a current USPHS Commissioned Corps Officer or USPHS Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidate.
Civilians are not eligible for this position.
Applicants without a USPHS commission must begin the USPHS Commissioned Corps application process before applying to this position. Applicants must review the USPHS application requirements and submit an application at www.usphs.gov/apply-now/.
Continued employment is contingent upon appointment to, and maintenance of, active-duty status in the USPHS Commissioned Corps.
PHS officers must participate in IHSC TDY On-Call Schedule (ITOS.) ITOS is either an entire month or two 16-day periods a year where, depending on the needs of the agency, the officer is required to be available to serve.
Qualifications
COMPETENCIES:
Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.
Makes rapid decisions, based upon limited clinical information, frequently under time constraints and with sensitivity to cultural and international relations.
Strong emotional intelligence ability.
Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed.
Behave in an honest, fair, and ethical manner. Shows consistency in words and actions. Exhibits high standards of ethics.
Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.
Knowledge of teaching, training, research, making presentations, lecturing, testing, and other instructional methods.
Inspires and fosters team commitment, spirit, pride, and trust. Facilitates cooperation and motivates team members to accomplish group goals.
Ability to interface within other uniformed services components, federal law enforcement agencies and NGOs.
Deals effectively with pressure; remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity. Recovers quickly from setbacks.
Demonstrate strong diplomatic skills in adversity.
Demonstrates strong organizational and time management skills.
It is open to change and new information; rapidly adapts to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Hazardous duty position requiring extended flying time, extended sea operations, and frequent foreign country travel.
Required to perform CPR or emergency care standing and kneeling positions at times in confined spaces.
Must have the ability to assist sick, injured, or other during ingress and egress (e.g., may require lifting, dragging, wheeling, or carrying someone who weighs significantly more than oneself).
Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs. of medical equipment 100 yds. without assistance. Incumbent carries equipment when boarding and disembarking the vessels.
Must be able to see, hear, and smell with aids if necessary. Must be able to don full face mask, breathing apparatus or emergency fire escape mask or hood without difficulty for prolong periods.
Must easily alternate between kneeling, standing and walking in the confined space of small aircraft.
Phone and computer use for extended periods of time.
Sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time (8 Hours or more).
Must be able to perform the duties in a stressful and often austere environment with inclement weather and challenging sea states and altitudes without physical limitations.
Agency may require incumbent to work extended hours and remain at sea, confined cabin space, or aircraft during inclement weather and ground delays.
Must be able to physically able to climb ladders and stairs without impediment.
Must be able to tolerate sudden changes in environment, temperature, seasons, altitudes, geographies and weather.
Must be able to pass the FAA Class III Flight Physical for Altitude Physiology Chamber orientation.
The officer will be required to have basic swimming skills to allow for safe swimming at least one pool length and remain head out of water (Tread Water) for at least 5 minutes for mandatory aircrew safety training events.
Education
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Be Actively Boarded or New Call to Active Duty commissioned in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.
Meet the minimum education, years of experience, and license requirements for either nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
Family Nurse practitioner
Masters of science in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education;
Three years clinical experience as a family nurse practitioner;
A current, unrestricted, and valid Advanced Practice Registered Nurse license from a U.S. State (as defined in 42 USC 201 (f)).
Certification as a Family nurse practitioner (FNP) by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, American Nurses Credentialing Center, Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, or National Certification Corporation.
Physician assistant
Incumbent must possess an accredited master's degree and must have completed a physician assistant training program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) or one of the predecessor organizations
Three years clinical experience as physician assistant; and
A current, unrestricted, and valid certification as a physician assistant by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) from a U.S. State (as defined in 42 USC 201 (f)).
Incumbent must possess and maintain current CPR/Basic Life Support.
Knowledge of and ability to apply professional advanced practice principles, procedures, and techniques to patient care (for Nurse Practitioner), or medical principles, procedures, and techniques (for Physician Assistants).
Alertness and skill in providing care and reacting to emergency situations.
Knowledge of training methods and sufficient interpersonal skills to develop a rapport with patients and co-workers during which instructional and educational information is presented.
Knowledge of and participation in established clinic and accreditation requirements on safety, infection control, quality assurance, maintenance of records of patients seen, statistical information gathering, etc.
Knowledge of supply requisition procedure and ability to complete requests for equipment repair and maintenance.
Must be able to attain and maintain DHS Secret Clearance.
Must be able to attain and maintain a U.S. Government Official Passport.
Must be able to attain and maintain a U.S. Government/ICE Official Credentials
Must maintain minimum flight hour per Official Non-Aircrew member flight orders.
Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Experience in IHSC health system.
Correctional health care experience.
Certification as Correctional Health Care Professional (CCHP).
Knowledge and/or experience with IHSC policies, accreditation and PBNDS requirements.
Knowledge of public health preparedness, infection control and tuberculosis management.
Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS), Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC), Pre Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) certification. ACLS, and PALS certification.
Prior Patient Transport, Flight Nursing or Aerospace Medicine/Nursing experience.
ANCC Certification as National Healthcare Disaster Professional (NHDB-BC).
Proficient in Spanish or secondary language.
Additional information
The incumbent is supervised by a Section Chief of ISOU and the Unit Chief of ISOU serves as the reviewing official. This is a non-supervisory position.
The ISOU Advanced Practice Provider (APP) serves as a Medical Aircrew Member, stationed at an ICE facility, field office, clinic or assigned facility. The incumbent's duties are divided into primary and secondary responsibilities. Flight APP and Program Manager duties are primary. Clinical staff APP duties at an IHSC facility, as available, are secondary duties. The incumbent provides in-flight and ground medical care during ICE removal missions and DHS operations. Responsibilities include emergency response, patient care, and clinical support at IHSC facilities. The role requires advanced medical expertise, adaptability in austere environments, frequent travel, and readiness for rapid deployment domestically and globally.
The incumbent participates in domestic and global removal missions through ISOU Medical Air Operations (MedAirOps). MedAirOps provides medical services for individuals in ICE custody during domestic transfers, international removal, and in support of ICE/ERO objectives on land, air, and sea. The incumbent supports ICE ERO removal missions in charter flights and commercial air carriers. Serves as sole health care provider and first responder while in-flight and overseas. Ensures continuity of care and initiates emergency treatment in the absence of a physician for in-flight medical emergencies. ISOU provides comprehensive training to the incumbent from the following agencies to name a few: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of State (DoS), DHS Emergency Medical Service (DHS-EMS), Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), and Department of Interior (DOI). MedAirOps provides guidance and support to ERO/ICE Air Operations on air transport matters related to migrant care transport, and aerospace medicine.
Incumbent may be tasked to serve as a First Responder in other operations including providing direct migrant patient care on ground operations and transport and support of DHS/USCG Alien Migrant Interdiction Operations (AMIO) at sea aboard USCG vessels. The incumbent works in conjunction with ICE officers interacting with civilian and government organizations, contract staff, U.S. and foreign dignitaries, and domestic and foreign law enforcement agencies to provide continuity of care.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
The Section Chief of ISOU supervises the incumbent. The Unit Chief of ISOU serves as the incumbent's reviewing official. The ISOU Section Chief obtains input from the IHSC clinic leadership during COER rating periods as necessary. The clinical directors provide clinical oversight at the IHSC facility. The ISOU Section Chief obtains input from the IHSC clinic director and from the U.S. Coast Guard when conducting performance evaluations as necessary. The incumbent plans and organizes his/her own work, determines the sequence of assignments, selects and develops methods, and seeks assistance from experts as needed. Assignments are usually long-term, recurring, or broadly defined. Work is reviewed for feasibility, compatibility with other work, and effectiveness in meeting requirements or expected results. While under the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard Flight Surgeon provides clinical oversight for operations.
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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. You may be selected for an interview at the hiring authority's discretion. You will be notified of selection or non-selection.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position. A complete application includes:
U. S. Public Health Service Officers
Cover Letter/Letter of Interest.
Degrees. (Place under "Diploma/GED")
Professional license. (If applicable)
Additional professional certificates. (If applicable)
Three professional references. (i.e., name, title and contact information)
Official USPHS Promotion CV - e.g., relevant experience, education, training. (Place under "USPHS Promotion CV")
You may provide a civilian resume in addition to the USPHS Promotion CV to capture all relevant work experience.
A copy of your Certificate of Investigation (located in your eOPF).
*Three most recent Commissioned Officer Effectiveness Reports (COER). (Place under "Performance Appraisal")
For IHSC USPHS officers only, a copy of your current Service Remaining Requirements Agreement.
Indicate if you have an Assignment Pay (AP) Agreement and the date of the end of your AP Agreement. If you do not, please submit a memo attesting to no AP in the Assignment Pay (AP) Agreement section in the documents section of application.
New Call to Active Duty
Cover letter/Letter of Interest. Please include location preference here.
Degrees. (Place under "Diploma/GED")
Professional license. (If applicable)
Additional professional certificates. (If applicable)
Three professional references (i.e., name, title, and contact information)
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.
To apply for this position, you must submit the required documentation outlined under the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section below.
The complete initial Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/05/2026.
PLEASE NOTE: If your materials are not received by the closing date, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. Also, if you do not provide a valid email address, you may not be notified of the outcome of your application.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log into your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
Note: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. If you need further assistance, contact the Human Resources Office representative listed on this announcement at least one day prior to the closing date for further instructions.
ERO-DRO-IHSC Public Health Service
500 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20536
US
Next steps
Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best-qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information." We expect to make a job offer within 60 days after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. View more information on applying for federal employment.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position. A complete application includes:
U. S. Public Health Service Officers
Cover Letter/Letter of Interest.
Degrees. (Place under "Diploma/GED")
Professional license. (If applicable)
Additional professional certificates. (If applicable)
Three professional references. (i.e., name, title and contact information)
Official USPHS Promotion CV - e.g., relevant experience, education, training. (Place under "USPHS Promotion CV")
You may provide a civilian resume in addition to the USPHS Promotion CV to capture all relevant work experience.
A copy of your Certificate of Investigation (located in your eOPF).
*Three most recent Commissioned Officer Effectiveness Reports (COER). (Place under "Performance Appraisal")
For IHSC USPHS officers only, a copy of your current Service Remaining Requirements Agreement.
Indicate if you have an Assignment Pay (AP) Agreement and the date of the end of your AP Agreement. If you do not, please submit a memo attesting to no AP in the Assignment Pay (AP) Agreement section in the documents section of application.
New Call to Active Duty
Cover letter/Letter of Interest. Please include location preference here.
Degrees. (Place under "Diploma/GED")
Professional license. (If applicable)
Additional professional certificates. (If applicable)
Three professional references (i.e., name, title, and contact information)
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.
To apply for this position, you must submit the required documentation outlined under the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section below.
The complete initial Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/05/2026.
PLEASE NOTE: If your materials are not received by the closing date, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. Also, if you do not provide a valid email address, you may not be notified of the outcome of your application.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log into your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
Note: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. If you need further assistance, contact the Human Resources Office representative listed on this announcement at least one day prior to the closing date for further instructions.
ERO-DRO-IHSC Public Health Service
500 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20536
US
Next steps
Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best-qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information." We expect to make a job offer within 60 days after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. View more information on applying for federal employment.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
