Launch Your Career as a Health Technician (EMT) with the Indian Health Service

Are you a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) looking to transition your clinical skills into a federal role that makes a genuine difference? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently recruiting for Health Technicians (EMT) at several locations across the Northern Plains. This is your opportunity to join a professional team dedicated to serving American Indian and Alaska Native populations.

About the Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service is an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We are responsible for providing comprehensive, culturally sensitive health services to over 2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives. Joining the IHS means becoming part of an innovative, nationwide organization where your work directly improves the health outcomes of our patients.

Job Responsibilities

As a Health Technician (EMT), your primary mission is to serve as a vital link in the emergency department and field response chain. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Emergency Medical Support: Identifying and treating trauma or medical emergencies using your specialized knowledge.
Patient Care: Performing diagnostic support duties and assisting with patient transport and handling.
Equipment Safety: Ensuring emergency vehicles and medical equipment are in prime operating condition.
Clinical Assessment: Utilizing your knowledge of body systems and emergency protocols to assess patient conditions.

Requirements

You must meet several foundational requirements to be considered for this position:

Certification: You must hold a current EMT certification from a US State or the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.
Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
Background Check: All candidates must successfully pass a federal background investigation.
Physical Capacity: This role involves significant physical effort, including lifting, bending, and maneuvering patients.

Salary and Grade Overview

The position offers a salary range between $37,193 and $59,031 per year, depending on the grade level and location.

Grade Level	Key Experience Requirement	Promotion Potential
GS-4	6 Months General + 6 Months Specialized	Up to GS-6
GS-5	1 Year Specialized Experience	Up to GS-6
GS-6	1 Year Specialized Experience (Advanced)	Up to GS-6

Benefits

Beyond a steady federal salary, IHS offers a robust support system. Employees benefit from:

Accrued annual leave based on federal service tenure.
Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives.
Opportunities to work within a highly skilled, interdisciplinary healthcare team.

How to Apply

Applying for a federal position requires precision. Follow these steps to ensure your application is reviewed:

Prepare Your Documentation: Gather your EMT certification, transcripts, and any veterans' preference forms.
Apply Online: Use the USAJOBS portal to submit your resume and questionnaire.
Assessments: Complete the mandatory USA Hire Assessment within the time window provided after submission.
Monitor Status: Use your USAJOBS account to track the progression of your application.

Becoming a Health Technician with the Indian Health Service is more than just a job; it is a commitment to public service and clinical excellence. If you are ready to take the next step in your medical career, we encourage you to review the full vacancy announcement on USAJOBS and submit your application today.

Why This Health Technician (Emt) Job Matters

Launch a meaningful career in emergency medicine and make a life-saving impact in underserved communities with the Indian Health Service.

Health Technician (Emt) Job Overview

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking dedicated Health Technicians (EMT) to join our emergency response teams in North and South Dakota. This role offers the opportunity to provide essential medical care in high-stakes environments, supporting the health outcomes of American Indian and Alaska Native populations. As a key member of our interdisciplinary team, you will utilize your emergency medical expertise to treat trauma, support patient care, and manage critical equipment in a challenging and rewarding professional environment.

Requirements for Health Technician (Emt)

U.S. Citizenship.
Possession of a current Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification from a US State or the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.
Must undergo and pass a federal background investigation.
Completion of Selective Service Registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including heavy lifting and patient maneuvering.
Adherence to REAL ID requirements for identification.
Ability to work on-call or standby hours as required.

Preferred Qualifications for Health Technician (Emt)

Prior specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4, GS-5, or GS-6 levels in federal service.
Strong proficiency in topographic anatomy and major body systems assessment.
Proven history of providing emergency medical support in clinical or field environments.
Demonstrated ability to maintain professional integrity and teamwork in high-stress settings.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and compensation package.
✓Opportunity for career advancement and promotion potential up to the GS-6 level.
✓Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for qualified candidates.
✓Accrual of annual leave based on federal service years.
✓Exposure to diverse clinical environments and professional interdisciplinary collaboration.

💡 How to Apply Health Technician (Emt) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Health Technician (Emt) Job

Ensure your resume includes detailed information on your EMT certification and relevant work experience.
Visit the USAJOBS portal to create or update your profile.
Complete the required online application questionnaire.
Submit your resume and supporting documents (including transcripts and BIA-4432 form if claiming Indian Preference).
Complete the mandatory USA Hire Assessment within the specified testing window.
Track your application status via your USAJOBS account dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly mentions hours worked per week for every position listed.
List your EMT certification expiration date clearly on your resume.
Complete the USA Hire Assessment as soon as possible, as failure to do so will result in an ineligible status.
Keep your contact information updated to receive status notifications via email or SMS.
Double-check that all uploaded documents are legible and accurate before submitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a degree to apply?

No specific degree is required, though education can be substituted for certain experience levels based on the specific grade (GS-4 through GS-6).

What locations are available?

Current openings are for Belcourt, ND; Eagle Butte, SD; and Pine Ridge, SD.

What is the promotion potential for this role?

This position has promotion potential up to the GS-6 level.

Is Indian Preference available for this role?

Yes, if you are a qualified member of a federally recognized tribe, you may claim Indian Preference by submitting form BIA-4432.

Can I update my application after I have submitted it?

Yes, you can edit your application materials while the job announcement is still open.

What is the work environment like?

Expect a dynamic, community-oriented environment where you may work in diverse weather conditions and provide care in emergency and patient-transport scenarios.