Launch Your Federal Career: Become a Telephone Operator at Northern Navajo Medical Center
Are you looking for a stable, rewarding career that places you at the heart of community healthcare? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is looking for dedicated, professional individuals to join the team at the Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock, New Mexico. As a Telephone Operator, you are the crucial voice of the medical center, ensuring that patients and staff stay connected, especially during life-saving emergency situations.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will do more than just answer phones. You are an essential part of the hospital’s nervous system. Your primary duties include:
- Operating the main hospital switchboard to route local, long-distance, and international calls.
- Managing emergency communications, including rapid paging of clinical staff during medical crises.
- Monitoring hospital alarm systems and coordinating with Security personnel.
- Maintaining up-to-date staff directories, call-back schedules, and emergency priority lists.
- Providing routine information to patients and the public with high professionalism.
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-03 position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- General Experience: At least 6 months of progressively responsible clerical or office work, or one year of education above the high school level.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Suitability: Must pass a federal background check and financial suitability review.
- Documentation: Must be able to provide two forms of valid, REAL ID-compliant identification.
- Vaccination: Must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $36,464 – $44,780 per year |
| Series | 0382 (Telephone Operating) |
| Location | Shiprock, New Mexico |
| Job Type | Competitive Service |
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a stable salary range between $36,464 and $44,780. In addition to financial compensation, federal employees receive:
- Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
- Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Annual and sick leave accrual, with potential for previous federal or military experience to be credited toward your leave accrual rate.
Application Tips
- Be Detailed: Ensure your resume highlights your specific duties and the number of hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Check Your Documents: If you are claiming Indian Preference or Veterans Preference, ensure your documents (BIA-4432 or DD214) are attached, signed, and dated correctly.
- Review Requirements: Double-check that your ID meets current REAL ID requirements to avoid delays in processing your background check.
Serving as a Telephone Operator at Northern Navajo Medical Center is an excellent opportunity to gain federal experience while supporting the health of the local community. If you possess strong clerical skills and a professional demeanor, we encourage you to submit your application package via USAJOBS today.
Why This Telephone Operator Job Matters
Be the primary point of contact and voice of the Northern Navajo Medical Center—apply today to join our mission-driven team in Shiprock.
Telephone Operator Job Overview
The Indian Health Service is seeking reliable and professional individuals to serve as Telephone Operators in Shiprock, New Mexico. In this role, you will be the vital link for patients, staff, and emergency responders at the Northern Navajo Medical Center. Your work directly supports high-quality healthcare delivery by managing complex switchboard operations, facilitating emergency communications, and providing essential information to the public in a fast-paced clinical environment.
Requirements for Telephone Operator
- U.S. Citizenship is strictly required.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must pass a comprehensive federal background investigation.
- Must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy (exemptions may apply).
- Must successfully complete an E-Verify employment check.
- Must be able to provide two valid forms of identification (REAL ID-compliant if using a driver's license/state ID).
- Must possess at least 6 months of general clerical or office experience OR one year of education above high school level.
- Must demonstrate financial responsibility, including no substantial delinquent federal debts.
Preferred Qualifications for Telephone Operator
- Experience operating a high-volume multi-line telephone switchboard.
- Prior experience working in a hospital or medical facility setting.
- Strong interpersonal skills to handle high-stress emergency communication scenarios.
- Technical proficiency in monitoring alarm systems and maintaining digital records.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP).
- ✓Accrued annual and sick leave based on length of service.
- ✓Potential service credit for previous non-federal experience or military service for leave accrual purposes.
- ✓Supportive, interdisciplinary team environment.
💡 How to Apply Telephone Operator Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Telephone Operator Job
- Sign in or create an account on USAJOBS.gov using Login.gov.
- Prepare your federal-style resume, ensuring it lists total hours worked per week for each position.
- Gather necessary documentation (e.g., DD214 for veterans, BIA-4432 for Indian Preference, or SF-50 for current federal employees).
- Complete the online questionnaire through the vacancy link.
- Upload all required supporting documents before the closing date.
- Review your submission for accuracy before final confirmation.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your duties, responsibilities, and hours worked per week for each job entry.
- Check the status of your application regularly through your USAJOBS account dashboard.
- If claiming Indian Preference, ensure Form BIA-4432 is signed and dated by an authorized Tribal Representative.
- Submit your documentation early to allow time for troubleshooting if technical issues arise.
- Ensure your contact information is up to date and that you check your email for any communications from HR.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Telephone Operator at IHS?
You are responsible for operating the hospital switchboard, managing incoming calls, paging staff for emergencies, and maintaining essential staff directories and shift reports.
Is this position eligible for remote work?
No, this is an on-site position based in Shiprock, New Mexico, requiring physical presence at the Northern Navajo Medical Center.
What happens if I forget to submit a required document?
Failure to provide all required documentation by the closing date will result in loss of consideration for the position.
What if I have questions about the application process?
*A: You may contact the Human Resources office at 505-722-1415 or refer to the IHS website for detailed FAQs.*
Is there promotion potential?
*A: This specific position does not carry promotion potential.*
Job from Indian Health Service
The Indian Health Service, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is responsible for providing federal health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. Joining the IHS means becoming part of an interdisciplinary team that is creative, enthusiastic, and compassionate. We are committed to improving health outcomes for over 2 million people nationwide.