Advance Your Career as a Community Health Nurse at Fort Drum
Are you a dedicated nursing professional looking to shift your focus toward community wellness and preventative medicine? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is offering an exceptional opportunity for a Community Health Nurse at the Guthrie Army Health Clinic in Fort Drum, New York. This role is pivotal in maintaining the health and readiness of military personnel, their families, and the surrounding installation community.
Job Responsibilities
In this position, you will wear many hats, transitioning between clinician, educator, and analyst. Key duties include:
- Program Coordination: Planning and delivering comprehensive public health programs.
- Education: Providing health education to service members, command leadership, and healthcare staff.
- Risk Mitigation: Identifying health risk behaviors through data analysis and biometric measurements.
- Inspection: Ensuring safety standards in childcare and youth facilities on-post.
- Counseling: Providing client-centered care to help individuals modify behaviors and stop disease transmission.
Requirements
To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet the following criteria:
- Education: A degree from an accredited nursing program.
- Licensing: An active, unrestricted license to practice as a professional nurse.
- Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Basic Education | Accredited nursing diploma, associate, bachelor's, or graduate degree. |
| Licensing | Current, unrestricted RN license from a U.S. jurisdiction. |
| Specialized Experience | One year performing public health or occupational health duties. |
| Documentation | Must submit transcripts and license copies at time of application. |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $78,325 to $99,476 per year. Depending on your experience and status as a new federal employee, there may be room for salary negotiation. Additionally, the agency may authorize recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
Benefits
Working with the Department of Defense provides access to a comprehensive benefits package, including federal health and life insurance, the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), and generous leave policies. Furthermore, you may be eligible for student loan repayment programs.
Application Tips
- Respect the Page Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit will not be considered.
- Be Specific: Detail your hours worked per week and specific dates for all past nursing experience.
- Use Plain Language: Avoid obscure acronyms; explain your contributions clearly.
- Double Check: Ensure all required documentation—transcripts, licenses, and certifications—is uploaded before clicking submit.
Serving as a Community Health Nurse at Fort Drum is more than a job; it is a commitment to the wellbeing of those who defend our nation. With competitive pay and the prestige of federal employment, this role offers a stable and fulfilling path for experienced nurses. Apply today to start your journey with the Defense Health Agency.
Why This Nurse (Community/Occupational Health) Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on military readiness and community wellness as a Community Health Nurse at Fort Drum.
Nurse (Community/Occupational Health) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Nurse (Community/Occupational Health) to join the Army Public Health Clinic at Guthrie Army Health Clinic in Fort Drum, New York. In this vital role, you will lead public health initiatives, educate service members and staff, and conduct essential health risk assessments. This is a unique opportunity to serve those who serve our country while advancing your career in a dynamic, mission-driven clinical environment.
Requirements for Nurse (Community/Occupational Health)
- Possess a graduate, bachelor's, or associate degree in nursing from an accredited program.
- Hold a current, active, full, and unrestricted nursing license.
- Have at least one full year of specialized professional nursing experience at the GS-9 level or equivalent.
- Successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must be able to provide all necessary academic transcripts and licensure documentation.
Preferred Qualifications for Nurse (Community/Occupational Health)
- Prior experience in public health or occupational health settings.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct epidemiological contact investigations.
- Experience in developing and delivering health education for diverse populations.
- Proficiency in analyzing health data to inform preventative care strategies.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive Federal Salary
- âś“Potential for student loan repayment
- âś“Recruitment or relocation incentives may be available
- âś“Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans
- âś“Professional development opportunities within the Defense Health Agency
đź’ˇ How to Apply Nurse (Community/Occupational Health) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Nurse (Community/Occupational Health) Job
- Prepare a concise resume of two pages or less that highlights your specialized experience.
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Upload all required documentation, including transcripts and a copy of your nursing license.
- Submit your application package before the deadline on October 29, 2026.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
- Use clear, plain language and avoid overly technical acronyms.
- Verify that your resume includes specific dates, hours worked per week, and job titles.
- Monitor your USAJOBS dashboard to ensure your application status is correctly updated.
- Submit your documents well in advance of the deadline to allow for the automated virus scan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a security clearance required for this position?
No, a security clearance is not required for this specific role.
Can I negotiate my starting salary?
Yes, salary negotiation may be available for candidates who are new to the Federal government.
Are there travel requirements?
Yes, this position may involve occasional business travel to various locations.
What is the work schedule?
The position is full-time, though specific hours will be coordinated with the clinic management.
Is telework an option?
This position is not currently eligible for telework.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system responsible for delivering medical services across the Department of Defense. As a strategic partner, the DHA ensures that over 9.5 million uniformed service members and their families have access to world-class healthcare, pharmacy, and dental programs. Joining this team means contributing to a mission that transcends traditional patient care.