Become a Systems Management Specialist at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Are you a technical professional looking to apply your expertise in a mission-driven environment? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Systems Management Specialist to join the Radiology Department at the prestigious Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) in Bethesda, Maryland. This role is essential for ensuring that military personnel and their families receive top-tier healthcare diagnostics through reliable, high-performance imaging systems.
Job Responsibilities
As a Systems Management Specialist, your work is the backbone of the Radiology Department. Your key duties include:
- PACS Operations: Administering day-to-day operations and maintenance of Picture Archiving and Communication Systems.
- System Integrity: Monitoring performance and ensuring images are accurately stored and linked to correct patient data.
- Security Compliance: Implementing monthly security patches and remediating vulnerabilities to keep systems HIPAA and JCAHO compliant.
- Technical Expertise: Troubleshooting hardware and software malfunctions and serving as the final authority on PACS implementation feasibility.
- Training: Providing technical assistance to clinical staff and managing Radiology personnel for seamless operations.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent.
- Certification: Ability to obtain CompTIA Security+ certification within six months.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Clearance: Must be able to maintain a Secret-level security clearance.
Comparison Table: Why Join DHA IT?
| Feature | Industry Standard | DHA/WRNMMC Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Mission | Profit-driven | Mission-critical / Patient care |
| Systems | Common Enterprise | Advanced Military/Clinical Hybrid |
| Stability | Variable | Federal Career Benefits |
| Schedule | Often Unpredictable | Structured with On-Call Rotation |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $102,415 to $133,142 per year, reflecting the specialized nature of the technical support required and the critical importance of the Radiology Department.
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides a robust benefits package, including:
- Exceptional health insurance plans.
- Federal retirement savings through FERS and TSP.
- Generous leave accrual policies.
- Opportunities for professional growth in a complex medical IT environment.
Application Tips
- Format Matters: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit will be automatically rejected.
- Documentation: Be thorough with your SF-50s if you are an internal candidate to demonstrate time-in-grade eligibility.
- Assessments: Do not skip the USA Hire assessment phase. Failure to complete this within 48 hours of notification will result in your application being dropped.
If you have the technical skills to manage complex medical imaging databases and a passion for supporting those who serve, this role at Walter Reed offers a unique, fulfilling career path. Apply today through the USAJOBS portal before the closing date on July 23, 2026.
Why This Systems Management Specialist Job Matters
Launch your career in health informatics by managing mission-critical radiologic imaging systems at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Systems Management Specialist Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Systems Management Specialist to join the Department of Radiology at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. This role is pivotal in maintaining the integrity, performance, and security of Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) and teleradiology infrastructure. You will serve as the primary technical authority, ensuring that clinical staff across the enterprise have seamless, secure access to vital diagnostic images.
Requirements for Systems Management Specialist
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent.
- Experience in a clinical environment supporting radiologic systems (PACS, teleradiology, etc.).
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Ability to work a rotating on-call schedule after an initial training period.
- Must obtain CompTIA Security+ certification within 6 months of employment.
- Current federal employees must meet 52-week time-in-grade requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Systems Management Specialist
- Extensive knowledge of HIPAA and JCAHO standards as they apply to digital health records.
- Proven track record in managing network monitoring software and database backups.
- Strong interpersonal skills for consulting with functional users and providing technical training.
- Experience troubleshooting both physical hardware and logical software malfunctions.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- βComprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- βFederal retirement benefits (FERS).
- βPaid vacation and sick leave.
- βParticipation in the Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style).
- βProfessional development and training opportunities.
π‘ How to Apply Systems Management Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Systems Management Specialist Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Identify your eligibility category (e.g., Veteran, Military Spouse, Internal Candidate).
- Submit your application, resume, and required documents via the online portal.
- Complete the required USA Hire Assessments within 48 hours of invitation.
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
π‘ General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages; anything longer will lead to automatic disqualification.
- Clearly define your hours worked per week for each past position on your resume.
- Focus your resume language on the specialized experience listed, specifically your work with PACS and security patching.
- Be prepared for the USA Hire assessment by setting aside two hours in a quiet environment.
- Ensure all supporting documents, such as SF-50s for federal employees, are attached before clicking submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is telework allowed for this position?
No, this position is not eligible for telework due to the hands-on nature of radiologic system management.
What is the expected schedule?
The base schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. After an initial six-month period, you will participate in a rotating on-call schedule.
Can I substitute education for experience?
No, this specific vacancy requires qualifying experience alone; education cannot be substituted for the professional experience requirement.
What is the biggest challenge of this role?
*A: The role requires high-level troubleshooting under pressure to ensure clinical imaging remains uninterrupted. Candidates who thrive are those with strong stress tolerance and a methodical approach to IT architecture.*
Is relocation assistance offered?
*A: Relocation or recruitment incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates, but PCS costs are generally not covered.*
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is a global healthcare system supporting the Department of Defense. We provide medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million beneficiaries. Working here means you are part of a team dedicated to medical readiness and the highest standards of clinical support.
