Why This Physiologist Job Matters
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Physiologist Job Overview
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/10/2026. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. Basic Requirements: You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-09 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include but are not limited to: Developing, designing, and conducting exercise programs for patients. Assessing, planning or implementing fitness programs that included exercise or physical activities. Conducting exercise testing to develop individualized exercise plans. Administering and interpreting physical performance tests and record responses to treatment. Data collection and monitoring protocols for treatment program. Using basic life support (to assess and adequately initiate basic life support) as needed during day to day program activities. Using safety practices in physical activity programs, particularly those enrolling patients with multiple co-morbidities which will require the ability to adapt or extend current practice based upon the complexity of the patient population. Applying national physical activity guidelines (HHS, AHA, ACSM) for adults with sufficient mastery of the underlying theory in order to adapt programs to meet individual needs while adhering to established guidelines, policies and regulations. Computer use, database development and statistical analysis sufficient to evaluate program effectiveness, patient improvement and develop professional presentations. Motivational interviewing as applied to behavioral change and lifestyle modification. Managing priorities and coordination of work in order to complete duties in an accurate and timely manner. Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or (3) three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this Physiologist position. Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond the second year and specialized experience, as described above, which may be used to meet total experience requirements for this grade level. This education portion must include graduate courses that provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of a Physiologist and must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. Preferred Experience: Experience creating and administering exercise prescriptions for an older adult population with complex health issues and/or comorbid conditions. Experience creating and leading group exercise classes with modifications as dictated by class need. Experience with administrative programs, including complex Excel databases, Outlook calendar and scheduling, Teams planner and channels, Redcap and Qualtrics. Physical Demands: The work involves a wide range of physical demands from sedentary work in a standard office setting to moderate to heavy physical demands which include the ability to lead exercise classes, move exercise equipment, and transfer patients in an emergency setting. Work Environment: The work is performed in an office and/or Gerofit clinic setting requiring no special considerations beyond accepted standards of safety. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Applicants must be eligible under the VA Interchange Agreement, having served continuously for at least one year in the other merit system under this interchange agreement. For more information regarding the VA Interchange Agreement please visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-authorities/competitive-hiring/. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.