Become a Facility Operations Specialist at the Unity Healing Center

Are you a dedicated professional with a background in property management or facilities maintenance? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is looking for a motivated Facility Operations Specialist to join the team at the Unity Healing Center in Cherokee, North Carolina. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the health and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native communities by ensuring the infrastructure that supports vital healthcare services remains in top condition.

Job Responsibilities

The Facility Operations Specialist serves as the Property Custodial Officer and is responsible for the overall lifecycle of the facility. Key duties include:

Program Administration: Developing and implementing facility plans to ensure operational continuity.
Maintenance Oversight: Managing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical, and life safety systems.
Compliance: Ensuring all facility operations meet regulatory and accreditation standards.
Property Management: Maintaining accountability records for government property and collaborating with IT programs for equipment coordination.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, candidates must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-9 level or possess a graduate degree in a relevant field such as engineering or business administration. Key requirements include:

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must pass a federal background investigation.
Compliance with Public Law 101-630 regarding contact with Indian children.
Ability to provide valid, REAL ID-compliant identification.

Comparison of Qualification Paths

Path	Requirement Type	Focus Area
Experience	Specialized	Managing maintenance programs for complexes/hospitals
Education	Advanced Degree	Engineering, Property Management, or Business
Combination	Hybrid	Partial specialized experience plus graduate education

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $61,722 to $80,243. Employees also benefit from federal leave accrual based on service years and potential recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.

Application Tips

When applying, ensure your resume highlights specific accomplishments related to preventive maintenance and facility safety. Always double-check that your application package is complete by the closing date, as incomplete applications will not be considered. If you are claiming Indian Preference, ensure Form BIA-4432 is signed and submitted with your package.

This role is more than just a maintenance position; it is about providing a safe space for healing and care. If you meet the qualifications and are eager to work in an adventurous, service-focused environment, we encourage you to apply today via the official portal.

Why This Facility Operations Specialist Job Matters

Join the Unity Healing Center as a Facility Operations Specialist and play a vital role in maintaining the infrastructure that supports life-changing healthcare services for American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

Facility Operations Specialist Job Overview

The Indian Health Service is seeking a dedicated Facility Operations Specialist to join the team at the Unity Healing Center in Cherokee, North Carolina. This role is essential for ensuring that our healthcare facilities remain safe, compliant, and fully operational. You will oversee building maintenance, groundskeeping, and property management, serving as a key point of contact for repairs and facility improvements that directly impact patient care.

Requirements for Facility Operations Specialist

U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Must pass a comprehensive federal background investigation.
Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must be able to pass an E-Verify employment check.
Ability to comply with Public Law 101-630 regarding contact with Indian children.
Must be able to provide valid, REAL ID-compliant identification.
Completion of one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level.

Preferred Qualifications for Facility Operations Specialist

Degree in engineering, industrial arts, property management, or business administration.
Proven experience managing maintenance programs for healthcare, commercial, or military facilities.
Expertise in developing and executing preventive maintenance schedules.
Strong skills in vendor management and emergency repair coordination.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary range ($61,722 - $80,243).
✓Opportunities for annual leave accrual based on service tenure.
✓Eligibility for potential recruitment or relocation incentives.
✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
✓Stable federal career path with professional growth opportunities.

💡 How to Apply Facility Operations Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Facility Operations Specialist Job

Review the full vacancy announcement on the official portal.
Prepare your resume, ensuring it details relevant experience, including hours worked per week.
Complete the online application and mandatory questionnaires.
Submit all supporting documentation, including transcripts or preference forms (e.g., BIA-4432, DD214).
Complete the required USA Hire Assessments within the specified window after submission.
Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS account.

💡 General Tips

Clearly define your duties and responsibilities in each previous role to demonstrate specialized experience.
Ensure all documents are legible and uploaded before the closing date.
Submit unofficial transcripts early, even if optional, to expedite the review process.
Set up text alerts in your USAJOBS profile to receive real-time status updates.
Do not overstate your qualifications; all provided information is subject to verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary responsibility of this role?

The Facility Operations Specialist manages the Unity Healing Center's buildings and grounds, overseeing maintenance, repairs, and property custody to ensure a safe, compliant environment for healthcare delivery.

Is a degree required?

You must meet basic education requirements in fields like engineering or property management, or possess equivalent specialized experience. A combination of both is also acceptable.

What is the primary purpose of the position?

The position maintains the Unity Healing Center's operational integrity, ensuring safety and compliance for healthcare delivery.

Are there relocation benefits?

Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for this position, subject to a service agreement.

Job from Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service is a nationwide organization committed to providing comprehensive healthcare to over 2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives. IHS employees are creative, compassionate, and focused on community-oriented solutions. When you join the IHS, you become part of an interdisciplinary team that values problem-solving and service excellence.