Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist

Veterans Health Administration • Des Moines, IA

15h • Onsite

About The Position

The Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist works in support of the medical equipment management program. The specialist troubleshoots and performs planned maintenance on a range of medical devices and clinical systems. The position manages the lifecycle of medical equipment and clinical systems, documents work in a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), responds to equipment hazards and recalls, supports network connectivity and cybersecurity, manages related projects, and provides customer support and staff education. The role may also serve as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and/or purchase card holder, develop purchasing documentation, and monitor contractor performance.

The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, from 0700 to 1530. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. The full performance level is GS-11; selection may be at GS-5 through GS-11. Physical requirements include a driving physical, and a pre-employment examination or evaluation is required.

Applicants must meet one of the specified education, training, experience, or certification pathways in biomedical technology, electronics, information technology, or engineering, and must be proficient in spoken and written English. Grade-specific qualifications include relevant experience and knowledge or skills in biomedical equipment, electronics, test equipment, networking, technical documentation, standards, troubleshooting, maintenance, and project management. The position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Meet at least one basic qualification pathway: an associate or higher degree in biomedical technology or biomedical engineering; an associate or higher degree in electronics, information technology, or other engineering plus one year of creditable experience; completion of a qualifying Department of Defense biomedical equipment technician training program; completion of qualifying DOD electronics systems or information technology repair and maintenance training plus one year of creditable experience; completion of a biomedical engineering technician or Healthcare Technology Management certificate program with an internship or apprenticeship; completion of such a certificate program without an internship plus one year of creditable experience; or current or past certification as a CBET, CRES, CLES, or CHTM.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Meet applicable grade-specific experience and knowledge, skills, and abilities requirements for the selected GS grade. GS-7 requires one year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-5 and knowledge of physics, anatomy and physiology, electronics, standard test equipment, basic networking and information security, CMMS documentation, and ability to learn equipment procedures.
• For GS-9, one year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-7 and knowledge of ACL, TCP/IP, and VLAN networking; computer and server hardware and software; and ability to interpret technical data, use standard test equipment, and perform maintenance and operating procedures.
• For GS-11, one year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-9 and knowledge of applicable NFPA, FDA, Joint Commission, and AAMI standards; skill with test and calibration equipment, technical data, and networking principles; and ability to conduct advanced troubleshooting, maintain medical computers and software, and manage projects.
• Submit a transcript or certificate when relying on education; foreign education must be evaluated as equivalent to U.S. education and accompanied by the required documentation.
• Pass a pre-employment physical examination and any required background/security investigation; applicants tentatively selected for a testing-designated position are subject to urinalysis.
• Register for Selective Service if male and born after December 31, 1959.
• Complete the online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Complete all application requirements described in the announcement's Required Documents section.

Responsibilities

• Manage the lifecycle of medical equipment and clinical systems.
• Troubleshoot medical equipment and clinical systems using technical data and complete corrective actions.
• Perform incoming inspections and planned maintenance on medical equipment and clinical systems.
• Document all work in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
• Respond to and remediate hazard alerts, recall notifications, and incidents concerning medical equipment and clinical systems, and document actions in the appropriate system.
• Monitor system backups, ensure network connectivity, mitigate cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and maintain clinical systems.
• Use test equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
• Manage projects involving medical equipment and clinical systems.
• Provide customer support to staff, evaluate issues and needs, respond with solutions, and communicate status.
• Educate staff on safe operation and user-level maintenance of medical equipment and clinical systems.
• Serve as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and/or purchase card holder.
• Develop documentation to purchase commodities and/or vendor services.
• Manage, monitor, and evaluate contractor performance and address issues or deficiencies.
• Comply with applicable standards, policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to expand professional knowledge and technical skills.
• Maintain and enhance knowledge of technological advancements through professional development and technical training.

Benefits

• The job announcement states that federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits and eligibility depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree