Become a Leader in Native Healthcare: Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist at the Indian Health Service

An exceptional career opportunity is now open for an experienced healthcare professional looking to step into a key leadership role in the federal government. The Indian Health Service (IHS) is actively recruiting for a Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist to direct radiological operations at the Cheyenne River Health Center in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. Operating under the GS-10 pay grade, this position offers a unique combination of clinical excellence, supervisory responsibility, and community service.

For radiologic technologists who have built strong foundational skills in medical imaging and are ready to transition into clinical management, this vacancy presents an ideal opportunity. Working in a modern facility with advanced imaging systems, the selected candidate will play a critical role in supporting diagnostic accuracy and improving overall healthcare outcomes for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.

About the Agency: The Indian Health Service (IHS)

The Indian Health Service, an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is the primary federal health care provider and advocate for American Indians and Alaska Natives. Its mission is to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level. Currently, the IHS provides comprehensive, culturally sensitive healthcare services to approximately 2.2 million individuals across the United States.

The Cheyenne River Health Center in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, is a vital facility within the Great Plains Area of the IHS. It delivers crucial preventative, emergency, and outpatient medical services, serving as an anchor of wellness and health education for the local tribal community. Employees at this facility join a close-knit, interdisciplinary team of clinical professionals who value compassionate care, creative problem-solving, and professional collaboration.

Job Responsibilities & Clinical Leadership

As a Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, your time will be split between administrative leadership and advanced technical duties. You will have full operational oversight of the imaging department, ensuring that the facility continues to provide precise and timely diagnostic services.

Key responsibilities include:

Departmental Administration: Manage and direct all aspects of the radiology unit, ensuring compliance with federal guidelines, civil service regulations, and Great Plains Area IHS policies.
Staff Supervision: Oversee clinical staff, establish daily work schedules, evaluate job performance, counsel team members on professional conduct, and participate in the hiring and interviewing process.
Accreditation and Quality Assurance: Lead Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) initiatives to maintain national healthcare accreditation standards across multiple imaging modalities, including general radiography, CT scanning, ultrasound, and mammography.
Technical Duties: Operate sophisticated, high-tech diagnostic x-ray and auxiliary equipment to produce complex specialized studies, assisting radiologists and other medical providers as required.
Logistics and Procurement: Act as the primary requesting official for work orders involving equipment installation, repair, and calibrations, while supervising contract agreements and general property management.

Qualification & Experience Requirements

Candidates must satisfy both the basic federal occupational standards for radiologic personnel and the specific specialized experience requirements for the GS-10 grade level.

Basic Requirements

In accordance with Public Law 97-35 (42 CFR Part 75), candidates must:

Have successfully completed an educational program accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Be certified as a radiographer in their specialized field.

Specialized Experience

Applicants must possess at least one full year of specialized clinical experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the federal service. This experience may be acquired in either the public or private sector and must demonstrate:

Direct supervision or mentoring of radiologic staff, including performance reviews and work assignments.
Quality control management and maintenance of clinical accreditation standards.
Performance of advanced imaging techniques, such as computerized tomography (CT), mammography, or ultrasound.
Coordination with physicians and medical providers regarding complex image readings and requests.

Requirement Comparison Table

To help clarify how candidates qualify, the following table compares the baseline entry requirements with the advanced requirements of the GS-10 supervisory position:

Professional Criteria	Basic Entry Level Requirements	GS-10 Supervisory Requirements
Minimum Education	Accredited program in Radiologic Technology	Accredited program in Radiologic Technology
Licensure / Certification	Active radiography certification	Active radiography certification
Clinical Experience	Entry-level radiologic procedures	1+ year equivalent to GS-09 in advanced imaging
Supervisory Authority	None required	Experience evaluating, scheduling, and hiring staff
Accreditation Duties	Compliance with daily protocols	Managing comprehensive unit-wide accreditation
Equipment Scope	General diagnostic X-ray machines	Advanced modalities (CT, Mammography, Ultrasound)

Salary Overview & Financial Incentives

The compensation package for this position is structured under the General Schedule (GS) system at the GS-10 level. The annual salary range is $78,386 to $101,897 per year, depending on experience, qualifications, and federal step-level determinations.

In addition to the base salary, the Indian Health Service provides exceptional financial incentives to help attract top-tier talent to the Cheyenne River Health Center:

Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: New federal hires or transferring employees may be authorized to receive recruitment or relocation bonuses. These incentives require signing a minimum 6-month service agreement.
Student Loan Repayment Programs: Because this position supports an underserved clinical area, candidates may qualify for premier loan repayment programs administered by the IHS, the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). These programs represent a valuable separate process to help reduce outstanding educational debt.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

As a career federal employee, you will enjoy a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance:

Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance: Choose from multiple nationwide plans with significant government premium contributions.
Retirement Security: Participate in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% employer matching contributions.
Paid Time Off: Earn paid annual leave (based on years of service), sick leave, and enjoy 10 paid federal holidays every year.
Leave Credit: The IHS may offer credit toward annual leave accrual rates based on prior non-federal professional experience or active military service.
Flexible Programs: Access flexible spending accounts for medical expenses and dependent care, alongside federal life and long-term care insurance options.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Applying for a federal position requires attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure your application package is completed successfully:

Prepare Your Resume: Update your resume using the USAJobs platform format. Make sure it explicitly details your supervisory experience and lists the specific dates, hours worked, and grade levels of your past employment.
Gather Support Documents: Collect copies of your professional radiography certifications, active licenses, and educational transcripts. If you are claiming Indian Preference, you must include a properly completed and signed Form BIA-4432.
Access the Portal: Navigate to the official vacancy announcement and select the "Apply Online" option. You will be redirected to Login.gov to sign in or register.
Upload and Attach: Upload your resume and all necessary supporting documents into the system.
Complete the Assessment: Answer the occupational questionnaire, which evaluates your qualifications for the role.
Final Submission: Review all documents for legibility and accuracy before submitting. Applications must be finalized before 11:59 PM Eastern Time on July 6, 2026.

Expert Application Tips

To maximize your chances of selection, keep these key tips in mind:

Be Detailed in Your Resume: Federal resumes should be highly detailed. Instead of brief bullet points, write comprehensive descriptions of your supervisory duties, technical skills, and equipment proficiencies.
Submit All Transcripts: Do not skip uploading your college transcripts. Unofficial copies are perfectly acceptable for initial evaluations, but they must verify that you graduated from an accredited program.
Address the Essay Questions: During the application, you will be invited to write brief essays regarding your motivation, efficiency skills, and work ethic. While optional, completing these in your own words (without AI tools) helps set you apart to hiring managers.
Understand Direct Hire Authority: This vacancy is filled via Direct Hire Authority. This means traditional category ratings and Veteran's Preference do not apply, and all qualified applicants will be evaluated purely on their merit, experience, and credentials.

Leading the imaging unit at the Cheyenne River Health Center is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to make a lasting, positive contribution to the wellness of a vibrant Native American community. With excellent GS-10 federal compensation, potential relocation funding, loan repayment opportunities, and robust retirement benefits, this role is the perfect match for a compassionate, skilled professional ready to embrace clinical management. Ensure your complete application package is submitted before the closing date of July 6, 2026, and take the next step in your professional healthcare journey.

Why This Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Job Matters

Step into a pivotal clinical leadership role at the Cheyenne River Health Center, where your expertise as a Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist will directly support health equity and high-quality medical services for the local tribal community.

Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Job Overview

The Department of Health and Human Services, operating through the Indian Health Service (IHS), is seeking an experienced and dedicated leader to serve as a Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist at the Cheyenne River Health Center in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. This full-time, GS-10 position provides an excellent opportunity to manage a comprehensive radiology unit, lead a team of talented imaging professionals, and utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. Offering a competitive salary range of $78,386 to $101,897 per year, the role also features potential recruitment or relocation incentives and eligibility for major student loan repayment programs.

Requirements for Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment fingerprint check and background suitability investigation.
Subject to Public Law 101-630, requiring a background investigation regarding contact or control over Indian children.
Must obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges as a condition of continued employment.
Must meet federal radiologic credentialing standards in accordance with Public Law 97-35 (42 CFR Part 75).
A one-year supervisory probationary period may be required upon placement.
Compliance with agency employee health policies, including required seasonal immunizations.
Verification of employment eligibility through the E-Verify system.
Establishment of direct deposit for electronic payroll.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Proven track record of supervising clinical personnel, evaluating staff performance, and resolving workplace issues.
Advanced experience operating complex diagnostic equipment including CT scanners, mammography systems, and ultrasound machines.
Familiarity with national healthcare accreditation standards and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) programs.
Prior clinical experience serving Native American or Alaska Native populations in rural healthcare environments.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive annual salary under the GS-10 federal schedule ($78,386 - $101,897).
✓Comprehensive federal healthcare, dental, vision, and life insurance programs.
✓Robust retirement system (FERS) including a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching up to 5%.
✓Accrual of annual and sick leave, with potential credit for prior non-federal or military service.
✓Recruitment or relocation incentives may be approved with a minimum 6-month service agreement.
✓Eligibility to apply for premier student loan repayment programs (IHS, NHSC, and HRSA).
✓Ten paid federal holidays each year.
✓Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care.

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Job

Click the Apply Online button on the official USAJobs vacancy announcement.
Log in using your secure Login.gov credentials or create a new account if needed.
Select or build an up-to-date resume that highlights your supervisory and technical radiology experience.
Upload required supporting files, such as professional licenses, certifications, transcripts, and Form BIA-4432 (if claiming Indian Preference).
Complete the online occupational assessment questionnaire, answering all questions completely and accurately.
Review your entire application packet to ensure all files are legible and submit prior to the closing deadline.

💡 General Tips

Tailor your federal resume to clearly reflect at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level, focusing on staff supervision and advanced clinical imaging work.
Ensure your transcripts (unofficial are accepted initially) clearly demonstrate graduation from an accredited radiologic technology program.
If claiming Indian Preference, submit a fully executed Form BIA-4432 signed by an authorized tribal representative; missing or incomplete forms will disqualify your preference claim.
Double-check that your professional certifications and licenses are clearly listed on your resume along with expiration dates.
Submit your complete application well before the 11:59 PM EST deadline on July 6, 2026, to prevent any technical upload issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary range for this position?

The salary range for this GS-10 position is $78,386 to $101,897 per year.

Where is this job physically located?

This position is located at the Cheyenne River Health Center in Eagle Butte, South Dakota.

Are relocation or recruitment incentives available?

Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for qualified selectees, requiring a minimum six-month service agreement.

Can I apply for student loan repayment programs in this role?

Yes. This position is eligible for loan repayment programs administered by the Indian Health Service (IHS), National Health Service Corps (NHSC), and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), subject to agency funding and priorities.

What credentials are required to qualify?

Applicants must meet the basic requirements of Public Law 97-35, which includes graduating from an accredited radiologic educational program and holding active certification as a radiographer.

Is a state ID sufficient to meet the identification requirements?

Yes, however, in accordance with federal regulations, any state-issued driver's license or identification card presented prior to appointment must be fully REAL ID-compliant.

What background checks are required?

Selectees must successfully clear a fingerprint check, a suitability background investigation, and a background screen in compliance with Public Law 101-630 due to potential contact with children.

Can I submit unofficial transcripts with my initial application?

Yes, unofficial transcripts are accepted for qualification evaluation. However, official transcripts must be provided before an official, final job offer can be extended.

Is telework or remote work an option for this position?

No. Due to the hands-on clinical and supervisory nature of diagnostic imaging departments, this position requires full-time, on-site presence at the health center. ---