Advance Your Career as a Registered Dietitian with the Indian Health Service

Are you a dedicated nutrition professional looking to transition into a role that prioritizes community impact and public health? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently seeking a motivated Registered Dietitian to provide high-quality nutritional care to tribal communities. This role offers the chance to apply your clinical skills while working within a mission-driven federal agency.

Job Responsibilities

As a Dietitian with the IHS, your daily contributions will have a direct impact on patient health outcomes. Key responsibilities include:

Nutritional Counseling: Providing expert advice to patients regarding dietary plans and nutritional needs.
Care Planning: Assessing patients' nutritional status to develop personalized care plans that respect cultural and psychological requirements.
Diabetes Management: Working specifically with pre-diabetic and diabetic populations to manage symptoms and improve overall health.
Professional Collaboration: Participating in interdisciplinary team meetings to provide recommendations on dietary changes and clinical care.
Education & Training: Offering in-service training and educational workshops for both clinical staff and the community.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific educational and professional standards:

Educational Degree: A Bachelor’s or graduate degree in dietetics, nutrition, or related science from an ACEND-accredited program.
Registration: You must possess and maintain a current registration as a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level, or a combination of graduate education and professional experience.
Background Check: Successful clearance of a federal background investigation.

Salary and Benefits Comparison

Feature	Details
Position Level	GS-09
Annual Salary Range	$61,722 - $90,882
Pay Frequency	Per Year
Federal Benefits	Health, Life, and Retirement Plans included

Application Tips

Resume Precision: Ensure your resume includes the exact start and end dates (month/year), hours worked per week, and a detailed description of your duties for each relevant position.
Document Everything: Always attach unofficial transcripts and proof of your current RD/RDN registration to avoid disqualification.
Assessment Readiness: When you receive the link for the USA Hire assessment, prioritize it immediately. The assessment is a mandatory component of the review process.
Stay Updated: Enable text alerts in your USAJOBS account to receive real-time updates regarding your application status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I work remotely?

This position is not listed as remote. It is based in either Mashpee, Massachusetts, or Madison Heights, Virginia.

What if I am a veteran?

Veterans who meet the minimum qualifications are eligible for veterans' preference. Please submit your DD214 Member 4 copy with your application.

Is this position open to the public?

Yes, this position is advertised under Delegated Examining Authority, meaning it is open to all qualified U.S. citizens.

Serving with the Indian Health Service is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to be part of a meaningful cause. If you have the passion, the qualifications, and the drive to help improve the lives of others, we encourage you to apply. Use the provided resources to prepare a strong application and take the next step in your public health career today.

Why This Dietitian Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on tribal health outcomes by joining the Indian Health Service as a Registered Dietitian.

Dietitian Job Overview

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Registered Dietitian to join our interdisciplinary healthcare team. In this role, you will provide critical nutritional services to tribal communities, specifically focusing on diabetes prevention and management. You will work in a collaborative environment to improve patient health outcomes through evidence-based dietary counseling, care planning, and education. If you are passionate about public health and dedicated to serving American Indian and Alaska Native populations, we invite you to contribute your expertise to our mission.

Requirements for Dietitian

U.S. Citizenship.
Possess and maintain current registration as a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
Bachelor's or graduate degree in dietetics, nutrition, or food service management from an ACEND-accredited program.
Successful completion of a background investigation.
Ability to pass an E-Verify employment check.
Must meet Selective Service registration requirements if applicable.
Must be able to provide two valid forms of ID (REAL ID compliant if using a driver's license).
Completion of required USA Hire Assessments.

Preferred Qualifications for Dietitian

Experience in long-term care, hospital, or community/public health settings.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement nutritional care plans.
Experience with diabetes counseling and special diabetes program management.
Strong skills in interdisciplinary team collaboration and patient education.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary package.
✓Opportunities for annual leave based on federal service tenure.
✓Comprehensive federal insurance and health benefits.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
✓Meaningful work with a focus on public service and community wellness.

💡 How to Apply Dietitian Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Dietitian Job

Review the full vacancy announcement in detail.
Prepare your resume including all required details (hours per week, salary, duties).
Create or update your USAJOBS account profile.
Click the Apply Online button and complete all questionnaires.
Attach all required documentation, including transcripts and proof of RD/RDN registration.
Complete the mandatory USA Hire assessments if notified via email or application screen.
Submit your final application before 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all federal requirements are met.
Ensure your resume explicitly lists job titles, specific dates of employment, and hours worked per week.
Double-check that your RD or RDN registration documentation is current and included.
Monitor your email and USAJOBS account regularly for assessment links and status updates.
Submit your materials well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this Dietitian position?

The position focuses on providing nutritional services to tribal communities, with a strong emphasis on counseling pre-diabetic and diabetic patients and supporting special diabetes programs.

Do I need to take a test for this position?

Yes, applicants are required to complete the USA Hire assessment as part of the evaluation process.

Is Indian preference applicable to this role?

Yes, Indian preference is available for eligible applicants who provide the required BIA-4432 form.

Job from Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services responsible for providing federal health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. 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 dynamic, interdisciplinary team where creativity, service, and problem-solving are at the forefront of every patient interaction.