Bio Equip Support Spec

Veterans Health Administration • Marion, IL

27d • Onsite

About The Position

Serves as a Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) in the Facilities Management Service at the Marion, IL VA Medical Center. The position supports the medical equipment management program by troubleshooting and performing planned maintenance on a range of medical devices and clinical systems. The full performance level is GS-11; applicants may be selected at grades GS-5 through GS-11.

The role includes managing medical equipment and clinical systems throughout their lifecycle, documenting service work in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), supporting cybersecurity and network connectivity, and responding to customer needs. The specialist may also serve as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and/or purchase cardholder, develop purchasing documentation, and monitor contractor performance.

The work schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is available on an ad hoc basis; this is not a virtual position. Relocation, recruitment incentives, and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Meet one of the listed basic qualification pathways: an associate or higher degree in biomedical technology or biomedical engineering; an associate or higher degree in electronics, information technology, or another engineering field plus one year of creditable experience; completion of an applicable Department of Defense biomedical equipment technician or electronics/information technology repair and maintenance training program, with one year of experience required for the latter; completion of a biomedical engineering technician or Healthcare Technology Management certificate program with an internship or apprenticeship, or without one plus one year of creditable experience; or current or prior certification as a CBET, CRES, CLES, or CHTM.
• For GS-07 and above, one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
• For GS-07, demonstrate knowledge of physics, anatomy and physiology; electronics; standard test equipment; basic networking and information security concepts; skill in CMMS documentation; and ability to learn equipment operating and maintenance procedures.
• For GS-09, demonstrate knowledge of networking concepts including ACL, TCP/IP, and VLAN; computer and server hardware and software functionality; ability to interpret technical data; ability to use standard test equipment; and ability to perform equipment maintenance and operating procedures.
• For GS-11, demonstrate knowledge of applicable NFPA, FDA, Joint Commission, and AAMI standards; skill in using test and calibration equipment and interpreting technical data; skill in applying networking principles including ACL, TCP/IP, and VLAN; and ability to perform advanced troubleshooting of equipment and system interfaces, maintain medical computers and software, and manage projects.
• Pass applicable pre-employment screening and requirements, including background/security investigation, drug testing for selected applicants in testing-designated positions, and required onboarding and identification checks.
• Meet the seasonal influenza vaccination requirement for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Complete application requirements detailed in the announcement's Required Documents section.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated.
• Education used to qualify must be from an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency and transcript.

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 work in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) and document other actions in the appropriate system.
• Respond to and remediate hazard alerts, recall notifications, and incidents involving medical equipment and clinical systems.
• 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 by evaluating issues and needs, proposing solutions, and keeping customers informed of 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 cardholder.
• 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

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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