Embark on a Rewarding Career as a Laborer with the Indian Health Service

Are you looking for a stable, mission-driven career that allows you to work with your hands while supporting the health of the community? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently seeking hardworking, reliable individuals to fill Laborer positions in Sacaton, Arizona, and Wadsworth, Nevada. This is an excellent opportunity to join a federal agency committed to providing high-quality healthcare to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

About the Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. Our mission is to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level. We operate as a vast, nationwide network of healthcare providers and support staff. As a Laborer with the IHS, you aren't just performing maintenance—you are ensuring that our medical facilities are safe, clean, and welcoming environments where patients receive the care they deserve.

Job Responsibilities

As a Laborer, you will be the backbone of our facility operations. Your daily duties will be varied and dynamic, requiring both physical stamina and attention to detail. Key responsibilities include:

Building Maintenance: Replacing ceiling tiles, painting, fixing door hardware, and performing minor repairs.
Custodial Duties: Cleaning windows, emptying trash, mopping, and utilizing heavy-duty cleaning equipment like industrial floor buffers.
Groundskeeping: Operating complex riding mowers, trimming shrubs, edging, and performing snow or ice removal to ensure site safety.
Support Operations: Moving furniture, hauling supplies, and assisting with minor renovations or site improvements as needed.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet several fundamental federal requirements:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
Documentation: You must hold a REAL ID-compliant identification.
Background Checks: All candidates must pass a federal background investigation and an E-Verify check.
Financial Standing: You must demonstrate financial responsibility.
Eligibility: Males born after 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.

Comparison Table: Why Choose Federal Labor Roles?

Feature	Federal Laborer (IHS)	Private Sector Maintenance
Benefits	Comprehensive Federal Package	Varies by Employer
Job Security	High (Federal Agency)	Depends on Company
Retirement	FERS Pension Plan	Typically 401k only
Mission	Patient/Community Health	Profit/Facility Owners

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $21.38 to $27.27 per hour. Beyond the paycheck, federal employment with the IHS provides a robust benefits package, including access to competitive health insurance, a federal retirement system, and generous annual leave accrual. We also recognize prior non-federal or military service, which can impact your leave earning rate.

Application Tips

Use the Resume Builder: The USAJOBS Resume Builder is designed to ensure you don't miss any critical sections that HR professionals look for.
Be Quantifiable: When describing your past roles, specify the number of hours worked per week and provide exact start and end dates.
Follow Instructions: Pay close attention to the questionnaire. If you claim a specific skill, ensure it is clearly evidenced in your work history description.
Check Your Docs: Ensure all required forms, such as the BIA-4432 (for Indian Preference) or DD214 (for veterans), are complete and legible.

Working for the Indian Health Service is more than just a job; it is a commitment to community health. If you take pride in hard work and want to serve your community in a stable, respected role, we encourage you to submit your application by the deadline of July 15, 2026.

Why This Laborer Job Matters

Join the Indian Health Service and make a tangible difference in the upkeep of vital community facilities while supporting the health of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Laborer Job Overview

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a dedicated Laborer to join our maintenance team in Sacaton, AZ or Wadsworth, NV. In this role, you will provide essential support for our medical facilities and surrounding grounds, ensuring a clean, safe, and efficient environment for staff and patients. This position is ideal for individuals with a strong work ethic who take pride in manual labor, building maintenance, and facility operations.

Requirements for Laborer

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must be able to perform laboring duties without more than normal supervision.
Must complete a successful federal background investigation.
Must pass an E-Verify employment verification check.
Must demonstrate financial responsibility and satisfy legal financial obligations.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Must possess a REAL ID-compliant identification document.
Must successfully complete all background forms within five days of request.

Preferred Qualifications for Laborer

Proven experience in building and facility maintenance.
Ability to operate industrial cleaning equipment such as buffers and floor scrubbers.
Proficiency in groundskeeping tasks, including use of heavy landscaping equipment like riding mowers and chain saws.
Capability to troubleshoot and perform minor repairs on building systems.
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow both written and oral instructions.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal leave accrual based on years of service.
✓Opportunities for federal service credit for prior military or non-federal work experience.
✓Participation in the federal health and insurance programs.
✓Stability of working within a nationwide healthcare network.

💡 How to Apply Laborer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Laborer Job

Create or update your account on the official USAJOBS platform.
Prepare a resume that details specific duties, dates of employment, and hours worked per week.
Click the Apply Online button and complete the assessment questionnaire.
Upload required supporting documentation, such as veterans' preference or Indian Preference forms.
Review your application for accuracy before final submission to receive a confirmation notice.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure you capture all necessary information for federal hiring.
Be specific about your duties and include the total hours worked per week to ensure you receive credit for your experience.
Monitor your email for status updates and respond to any background check requests within the mandatory five-day window.
Ensure all your supporting documentation, including BIA-4432 forms, is signed and dated correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a Laborer at the IHS?

The Laborer performs diverse maintenance tasks, including custodial cleaning, minor renovations, landscaping, and operating machinery to support the daily operations of health clinics.

Is this a remote-eligible position?

No, this is an onsite position requiring physical presence to perform facility maintenance and groundskeeping tasks.

Does the position offer relocation assistance?

No, relocation expenses are not covered for this vacancy.

What if I have never worked for the government before?

*A: That is fine! This is a competitive vacancy open to the public, and we encourage all qualified individuals to apply.*

Is there an education requirement?

*A: No, there are no specific education requirements for this Laborer position.*