Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist

Veterans Health Administration • Chesapeake, VA

10h • Onsite

About The Position

The Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) at the Hampton VA Medical Center applies engineering and mechanical concepts and methods to provide lifecycle management and technical support for health service delivery systems. The role helps maintain and improve medical technology and related systems at VA facilities and in the communities they serve.

The BESS maintains medical equipment and assists with its lifecycle management under local, regional, and national policies and procedures. Work is performed to meet requirements from accrediting agencies and regulatory bodies. The position documents services, supports investigation and remediation of recalls and safety alerts, identifies and reports hazards, and develops technical skills in medical technology lifecycle management. Entry-level work is performed with guidance and regular supervision; duties and qualifications vary by grade, with the full-performance level at GS-11 and selection possible from GS-5 through GS-11.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. Relocation or recruitment incentives are not offered.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen, subject to the stated exception under VA policy for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Must satisfy 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 specified DOD biomedical equipment or electronic systems/IT training (with one year of experience where stated); completion of a biomedical engineering technician or HTM certificate program with an internship/apprenticeship, or without one plus one year of creditable experience; or holding or having held an accepted certification (CBET, CRES, CLES, or CHTM). A specified grandfathering provision may apply to qualifying current VHA employees.
• For GS-07 and above, one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade is required, in addition to the grade-specific KSAs.
• For GS-07, demonstrate knowledge of physics, anatomy and physiology; analog, digital, and microprocessor electronics; standard test equipment; basic networking and computer/server functions, security tools, software patches and upgrades; skill documenting services in a CMMS; and ability to learn equipment 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 such as schematics, wiring diagrams, charts, and formulas; ability to use standard test equipment; and ability to perform equipment maintenance and operating procedures.
• For GS-11, demonstrate knowledge of applicable NFPA, FDA, TJC, and AAMI standards; skill using test and calibration equipment and interpreting technical data; skill applying networking principles; and ability to perform advanced troubleshooting, maintain medical computers and software, and manage medical equipment and clinical-systems projects.
• Must undergo a pre-employment physical examination and background/security investigation.
• Applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing-designated position are subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use before appointment; refusal results in denial of employment.
• Must comply with Selective Service registration requirements if male and born after December 31, 1959.
• Must complete required onboarding and application documentation and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a VA health care personnel requirement.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated and requires written certification to continue after the trial period.
• Education used to qualify must be from an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; foreign education requires the stated equivalency documentation.

Responsibilities

• Assist with lifecycle management of medical systems and maintain medical equipment in accordance with applicable policies and procedures, accrediting criteria, and standards.
• Use common medical equipment test instruments, including electrical safety analyzers, oscilloscopes, patient simulators, pulse generators, network analyzers, and multimeters.
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of safety codes and standards issued by relevant 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 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 so they can be addressed.
• Pursue professional development in medical technology lifecycle management, including technical skills.
• At the entry level, troubleshoot and perform planned maintenance on general medical equipment and assist with incoming inspections and documentation.
• At higher grade levels, perform equipment testing and maintenance, troubleshoot medical equipment and clinical-system interfaces, maintain medical computers and software, and manage related projects.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for employees and their families; specific eligibility and benefits depend on position type.
• Selected applicants may request consideration of prior work or military service for annual leave accrual credit, subject to approval and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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