Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist

Veterans Health Administration • Hampton, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) at the Hampton VA Medical Center applies engineering and mechanical concepts and methodology to provide lifecycle management and technical support that improve health service delivery systems in VA facilities and communities. The specialist assists with lifecycle management and maintenance of medical equipment under local, regional, and national policies and procedures designed to satisfy accrediting-agency and governing-body standards.

The role uses common test equipment, maintains knowledge of safety codes and regulatory standards, documents work in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), and helps investigate, remediate, and document recalls and safety alerts. The specialist identifies and reports workplace hazards and pursues professional development in medical technology lifecycle management. The full-performance grade is GS-11; the vacancy may be filled at GS-05 through GS-11. The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; telework and virtual work are not available.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• 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 a qualifying Department of Defense biomedical equipment technician training program; qualifying DOD electronic systems or IT repair and maintenance training plus one year of creditable experience; completion of a biomedical engineering technician or HTM certificate program with an internship or apprenticeship; completion of such a certificate program without an internship plus one year of creditable experience; qualifying CBET, CRES, CLES, or CHTM certification (current maintenance of certification is not required); or eligibility under the stated VHA grandfathering provision.
• For GS-07 and above, one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade is required.
• For GS-07, demonstrate knowledge of physics, anatomy and physiology; electronics; standard test equipment; basic networking and computer/server hardware and software; and skill documenting services in a CMMS, plus ability to learn equipment operating and maintenance procedures.
• For GS-09, demonstrate knowledge of basic networking concepts including ACL, TCP/IP, and VLAN; computer and server hardware and software; 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 medical equipment safety standards; skill using test and calibration equipment and interpreting technical data; skill applying networking principles; and ability to conduct advanced testing and troubleshooting, maintain medical computers and software, and manage related projects.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Pass a pre-employment physical examination and, if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position, submit to urinalysis screening for illegal drug use.
• Meet background and security investigation requirements and complete the online onboarding process and application documentation requirements.
• Register for Selective Service if male and born after December 31, 1959.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a VA health care personnel requirement.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Use education from institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; foreign education used for qualification requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency and transcript.

Responsibilities

• Assist with lifecycle management of medical systems and maintain medical equipment in accordance with applicable local, regional, and national policies and procedures.
• Use common test equipment, including electrical safety analyzers, oscilloscopes, patient simulators, pulse generators, network analyzers, and multimeters.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of relevant safety codes and standards from regulatory and accrediting bodies, including TJC, NFPA, FDA, NRC, and AAMI.
• Document work performed in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), in coordination with a supervisor or more experienced BESS and/or Biomedical Engineer, following applicable documentation guidelines and requirements.
• Investigate, remediate, and document recalls and safety alerts within established timeframes, in coordination with a supervisor or more experienced BESS and/or Biomedical Engineer.
• Identify hazards during routine work and report them to a supervisor for remediation.
• Pursue professional development in medical technology lifecycle management, including technical skills.
• Depending on grade and assignment, troubleshoot and perform planned maintenance on medical equipment; assist with incoming inspections and documentation; perform advanced testing and troubleshooting; maintain medical computers and software; and manage projects involving medical equipment and clinical systems.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for employees and their families.
• Prior federal or military service may be credited toward annual leave accrual if requested and approved before appointment; approval is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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