Indian Health Service Logo
Position Title
Environmental Health Specialist
Agency
Indian Health Service
Announcement Number
IHS-25-BJ-12666237-DE Opens in new window
Open Period
Monday, January 13, 2025 to Wednesday, December 31, 2025
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
  • your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy AND
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50. For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
(limit characters)
3. Are you a recipient of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) Health Profession Scholarship authorized under Public Law 94-437?
If yes, confirm:
  1. You have completed or will be completing the requirements of the approved health profession program within the established timeframe
  2. Meet all eligibility criteria
  3. Entitled to a one-time priority referral/selection to fulfill their obligation to provide public service
You will be required to submit a copy of your transcripts. If you are pending completion of a health profession degree submit a copy of your transcripts and written proof from the education institution's registrar which provides the date for completing the professional program.
(limit characters)
4. Are you an American Indian/Alaska Native who is enrolled in a federally recognized tribe as defined by the Secretary of Interior? The Indian Health Service gives qualified American Indian/Alaska Natives preference when filling vacancies in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC, Section 472), with approved exceptions.

If eligible, submit a copy of your Bureau of Indian Affairs Form 4432, "Verification of Indian preference for employment in the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service," that has been completed by authorized tribal or BIA Officials. For more information, review the IHS Indian Preference guidelines: http://www.ihs.gov/jobs/permanentDocs/indianpreference.pdf.
(limit characters)
5. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position?

If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
  • your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy and
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of ICTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50. For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
(limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in this Environmental Health Specialist position with the Indian Health Service.
We will evaluate your resume and your responses to this Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are among the best qualified for this position. Your responses are subject to verification. Please review your responses for accuracy before you submit this questionnaire.
SECTION I. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND FACTORS.
 
(limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
1. Basic Requirement - General Medical and Healthcare Series
I have completed a Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree with a major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position. This degree must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained. Must submit transcripts.
(limit characters)
2. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, GS-0601-11
From the descriptions below, select the response that best describes your experience which demonstrates your ability to perform the work of this position at the GS-11.
(limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
3. Selective Placement Factor
In addition to the minimum requirements, the following Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) or Registered Sanitarian (RS) is determined to be essential to perform the duties and responsibilities of a particular position. Applicants who do not meet a selective placement factor are ineligible for further consideration. 
Are you registered in one of the following areas: Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) or Registered Sanitarian (RS)? (Note: You must attach a copy of your certificate(s).)
(limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
4. Interpret ordinances and regulations governing environmental sanitation. (limit characters)
5. Manage interpersonal conflicts to a mutually acceptable resolution using diplomacy and tact. (limit characters)
6. Work closely with individuals and groups to resolve problems, analyze alternatives, negotiate differences, and make improvements. (limit characters)
7. Work with external organizations on environmental health issues to facilitate positive outcomes for local communities. (limit characters)
8. Assist communities in injury prevention data analysis, selection, implementation, and evaluation of interventions. (limit characters)
9. Consider data and relevant sources of information to prioritize strategies and initiatives. (limit characters)
10. Establish performance goals and metrics, develop criteria for effectiveness, and evaluate the results. (limit characters)
11. Conduct environmental health and safety surveys based on Tribal Codes in Tribal Facilities (restaurants, gaming facilities, industrial establishments, swimming pools, grocery stores, etc.) to minimize environmentally related health risks for community members and visitors. (limit characters)
12. Conduct environmental health and safety surveys in Federal Facilities (hospitals, clinics, etc.) based on Federal or National codes to minimize environmentally related health risks for Federal employees and visitors. (limit characters)
13. Interpret codes (i.e., National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Codes, Food and Drug Administration Food Codes) or laws (i.e., Food Safety Modernization Act, Fire or Life Safety Device Act) that reduce environmentally related illness and injury. (limit characters)
14. Provide advice on environmental health matters to stakeholders (i.e., staff members or upper level management) to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements. (limit characters)
15. Assure that the language of all written communication is clear and understandable to diverse groups. (limit characters)
16. Conduct work activities with internal and external customers as well as co-workers and superiors. I have responded to inquiries regarding non-technical or routine matters. (limit characters)
17. Proofread and edit documents for format, grammatical, spelling, or typographical errors and to ensure consistency with requirements. (limit characters)
18. Write in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for negotiating with various audience. (limit characters)
19. Communicate written technical information on environmental health issues to a broad range of internal and external groups. (limit characters)
20. Create presentations on a broad range of environmental health issues to educate community members or other stakeholders. (limit characters)
21. Notify individuals or offices in writing of decisions, problems, or further actions needed. (limit characters)
22. Prepare reports of findings of inspections and investigations, noting conditions found and citing violations and deficiencies. (limit characters)
INSTRUCTIONS:
SECTION II. CERTIFICATION OF INFORMATION ACCURACY
As previously explained, your responses in this Assessment Questionnaire are subject to evaluation and verification. Later steps in the selection process are specifically designed to verify your responses. Deliberate attempts to falsify information will be grounds for disqualifying you or for dismissing you from employment following acceptance. Please take this opportunity to review your responses to ensure their accuracy.
 
Certification of Information Accuracy
If you fail to answer this question, you will be disqualified from consideration for this position.
 
(limit characters)
23. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001); my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied an appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in my not being considered for this position. (limit characters)