** Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist**

**Department of Veterans Affairs**

** Lexington VA Healthcare System**

**Location**

1 vacancy in the following location:

** Relocation expenses reimbursed**

No

** Telework eligible**

No

**Duties**

** Summary**

The Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) provides clinical & administrative support for all matters of concern relating to facility lifecycle management of medical equipment. Biomedical support requires application of engineering/mechanical concepts & methodology to provide lifecycle management & technical support of diagnostic, therapeutic devices, monitoring, & other equipment utilized in the practice of medicine, & to improve clinical care provided by clinical staff throughout VA.

**Responsibilities**

The Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) provides user training on the operation and operator maintenance of the equipment and works in all patient care areas at this medical center. The BESS must design test setups and use them to evaluate device performance to insure validity and efficiency of operation to determine whether or not equipment is performing satisfactory. The incumbent utilizes the following equipment during performance of his/her duties: computers, network communication analyzers, oscilloscopes, function generators, VOM meters, heart-rate signal generators, micro amp leakage testers, transistor testers, and defibrillator output testers. The incumbent maintains complex medical devices, which are vital to the hospital's ability to provide health care and is capable of planning and performing scheduled and unscheduled (emergency) service on medical devices. Serves as a technical advisor and consultant to physicians, nurses, and the Supervisory Biomedical Engineer and Supervisory Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist in the purchase of new instruments to meet current and projected hospitals needs. He/she participates in developing detailed plans, utility/space specifications, and network communication specifications for the acquisition of new equipment. Regularly inspects incoming biomedical equipment to insure that it performs to manufacturers design, DICOM specification, and other VA specifications. Design and modification are a regular and reoccurring aspect of work, where technicians are typically required to be creative to accomplish difficult and intricate work.

**Work Schedule:** Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

**Fi****nancial Disclosure Report:** Not required

**Travel Required**

Occasional travel - Occasional travel for technical training.

** Supervisory status**

No

** Promotion Potential**

None

**Requirements**

** Conditions of Employment**

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job

Designated and/or random drug testing may be required

Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

You may be required to serve a probationary period

Subject to a background/security investigation

Must be proficient in written and spoken English

Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process ** Qualifications**

**Basic Requirements**:

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

**Education/Experience:**

- Associate's degree in Biomedical Electronics Technology, Biomedical Equipment Technology or Biomedical Engineering Technology or in a related technical field such as Electronic Technology or Information Technology AND two years of experience as a Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist, Biomedical Equipment Technician, Field Service Engineer, Medical Equipment Repairer, or Information Technology Specialist

- **OR** a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering Technology or in a related field such as Electronics Engineering Technology (EET) or Information Technology.

- **OR** Completed a military training program in biomedical equipment and two years of experience as a Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist or Biomedical Equipment Technician, Field Service Engineer, Medical Equipment Repairer or Information Technology Specialist. ***Transcripts must be submitted with application - degree must be reflected as conferred and/or coursework/grades reflected on transcripts.***

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

**Grade Determinations**: In addition to the Basic Requirements, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade.

**GS-11:** Candidate's must have one year of experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level. Specialized experience at this level includes (a) Knowledge of a wide range of sciences including, but not limited to, electronics (analog and digital), computer science/networking, mechanical engineering design, pneumatics, hydraulics, chemistry, physiology, medical terminology, anatomy, optics, and biology to perform duties of a broad scope and nature on complex and sophisticated patient-related medical systems and sub-systems; (b) Ability to perform advanced testing and troubleshooting of medical devices involving their interfaces and connections to information systems either directly or through the hospitals hardwired and wireless networks; (c) Knowledge of codes and standards relevant to safe operation of medical instrumentation such as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Joint Commission (TJC), and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI); (d) Skill in the use of all types of test and calibration equipment such as digital multi meters, electrical safety analyzers, defibrillator analyzers, patient simulators, digital oscilloscopes, pulse generators, and Local Area Network (LAN) analyzers in performing troubleshooting/repair and preventive maintenance activities; (e) Ability to configure and maintain medical servers and desktop computers; (f) Knowledge of contracting regulations, requirements, and specific contract specifications including performance-based contracts.

**References:** VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G49, Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist, dated February 7, 2018.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.

**Physical Requirements:** Performs tasks requiring moderate physical exertion, including pushing, pulling, carrying, climbing, bending, stooping, crawling and negotiating confined spaces, as well as occasional lifting. The incumbent is standing or walking much of the time and must be in good overall physical condition. Physical capability to regularly walk long distances, dexterity and accurate hand-eye coordination, and corrected 20/20 vision and accurate depth perception are required.

**Work Environment:** Most work is performed inside the building, usually adequately lighted, heated, ventilated or cooled. Occasionally work may be performed in very cold, hot or unventilated areas or outside. Exposure to lubricants and other chemicals and fumes is common, as well as the ever-present hazards of electrical shock and burns, and physical hazards of electro-mechanical equipment. Exposure to contaminated or infected biological hazards may occur. Required to wear protective safety equipment for assigned areas, such as ear plugs, safety shoes, etc. **Education**

**IMPORTANT:** A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

**Note:** Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used