Advance Your Career as a Supervisory Pharmacist with the Indian Health Service
Are you a seasoned pharmacist with a passion for clinical leadership and community-focused healthcare? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is looking for a dedicated Supervisory Pharmacist to lead our clinical and inpatient operations in Kayenta, Arizona. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a mission-driven team dedicated to improving health outcomes for American Indians and Alaska Natives.
About the Indian Health Service
The Indian Health Service is a nationwide healthcare organization committed to meeting the unique health needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Working with the IHS is more than just a job; it is a chance to be part of a professional, interdisciplinary team that values creative problem-solving, compassion, and community service.
Job Responsibilities
As a Supervisory Pharmacist, you will take on a multifaceted leadership role. Your responsibilities include:
- Administrative Oversight: Managing the pharmacy budget, tracking expenditures, and monitoring departmental workload.
- Staff Leadership: Supervising, mentoring, and developing licensed pharmacy staff, including performance management and work assignments.
- Clinical Excellence: Providing direct pharmaceutical care, participating in patient-led clinics, and monitoring therapeutic drug outcomes.
- Quality Control: Establishing safe medication handling procedures and ensuring organizational compliance with healthcare standards.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet the following baseline requirements:
- Education: A doctoral degree in Pharmacy (PharmD) from an ACPE-accredited institution.
- Licensure: Current, active license to practice pharmacy in a U.S. State or territory, with passing scores on NAPLEX and MPJE.
- Experience: At least one year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service, covering supervision and clinical operations.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Requirement Type | Essential Detail |
|---|---|
| Education | Doctoral degree in Pharmacy |
| Licensure | Active Pharmacy License (NAPLEX/MPJE) |
| Experience | 1+ year at GS-12 equivalent level |
| Suitability | Background check & Fingerprinting |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $143,662 to $186,762 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Beyond the base pay, IHS employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Robust medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Retirement savings programs, including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Generous paid time off (annual and sick leave).
- Potential access to student loan repayment assistance.
- Supportive work-life balance initiatives.
How to Apply
Applying for Federal positions is a straightforward process. Ensure you have your resume, academic transcripts, and licensure information ready. Visit the USAJOBS portal to create an account, search for the position, and upload all required documents. Be sure to address the specialized experience requirements directly in your resume.
This role offers a unique blend of clinical responsibility and management, set within a community that values service and long-term impact. If you are prepared to lead with excellence and contribute to the health of the community, we encourage you to submit your application by November 13, 2026.
Why This Supervisory Pharmacist (Clinical-Inpatient) Job Matters
Take the lead in clinical pharmacy services while making a meaningful impact on the health outcomes of Native American communities in beautiful Kayenta, Arizona.
Supervisory Pharmacist (Clinical-Inpatient) Job Overview
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Supervisory Pharmacist (Clinical-Inpatient) to join our team in Kayenta, Arizona. In this vital leadership role, you will manage departmental operations, supervise a clinical pharmacy staff, and ensure the highest standards of safety and care for our patients. You will serve as a key member of an interdisciplinary team committed to providing compassionate, high-quality healthcare to the American Indian and Alaska Native populations.
Requirements for Supervisory Pharmacist (Clinical-Inpatient)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Doctoral degree in Pharmacy from an ACPE-accredited institution
- Current, active, and unrestricted pharmacy license in a State, DC, Puerto Rico, or U.S. territory
- Successful completion of both the NAPLEX and MPJE examinations
- Minimum of one year of specialized pharmacy experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level
- Must pass a pre-employment fingerprint check and background investigation
- Ability to distinguish basic colors
- Compliance with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Pharmacist (Clinical-Inpatient)
- Proven experience in managing departmental budgets and workload reporting
- Strong background in supervising clinical pharmacy staff and performance management
- Demonstrated expertise in therapeutic drug monitoring and inpatient clinical services
- Commitment to supporting the professional development of licensed pharmacy personnel
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Generous Annual and Sick Leave accrual
- ✓Eligibility for Federal health, life, and retirement benefit programs
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives
- ✓Access to Student Loan Repayment Programs (subject to agency funding and policies)
- ✓Housing availability for qualified applicants
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Pharmacist (Clinical-Inpatient) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Pharmacist (Clinical-Inpatient) Job
- Visit USAJOBS to sign in or create an account via Login.gov
- Prepare a resume that specifically highlights your supervisory and clinical pharmacy experience
- Complete the online application questionnaire
- Upload all required documentation, including transcripts and proof of licensure
- Submit your application package before the closing date of November 13, 2026
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly details your hours worked per week and specific duties for each position.
- Limit your resume to two pages, as SMEs will only review the first two pages.
- Clearly list your pharmacy license information and expiration dates on your resume.
- Verify your eligibility documentation, especially if you are claiming Indian Preference (Form BIA-4432).
- Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is relocation assistance available for this position?
Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for this position, subject to a service agreement.
Are unofficial transcripts acceptable?
Yes, unofficial transcripts are accepted at the time of application. Official transcripts will be required if selected.
Is this a supervisory role?
Yes, this is a Supervisory Pharmacist position requiring experience in personnel management, performance evaluation, and departmental operations.
Is there a probation period?
Yes, a one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period is generally required upon appointment.
Can I receive loan repayment?
The IHS offers competitive loan repayment programs for qualifying health disciplines; these are processed separately from the hiring cycle.