748job United States

Pharmacy Technician

Department of Health and Human Services › Indian Health Service (207 current openings)

Who may apply

Limited to the following applicant groups:

  • Federal employees - Competitive service
  • Federal employees - Excepted service
  • Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
  • Land and base management
  • Veterans
  • Individuals with disabilities
  • Native Americans
  • Military spouses
  • Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista
Naytahwaush, Minnesota Ponemah, Minnesota Ponsford, Minnesota Red Lake, Minnesota Browning, Montana Crow Agency, Montana Harlem, Montana Hays, Montana Heart Butte, Montana Lame Deer, Montana Lodge Grass, Montana Poplar, Montana Pryor, Montana Wolf Point, Montana Cherokee, North Carolina Belcourt, North Dakota Cannon Ball, North Dakota Fort Yates, North Dakota Winnebago, Nebraska Acoma, New Mexico Albuquerque, New Mexico Bernalillo, New Mexico Bloomfield, New Mexico Cochiti Pueblo, New Mexico Crownpoint, New Mexico Cuba, New Mexico Dulce, New Mexico Espanola, New Mexico Gallup, New Mexico Mescalero, New Mexico San Felipe Pueblo, New Mexico San Fidel, New Mexico Sanostee, New Mexico Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico Santa Fe, New Mexico Shiprock, New Mexico Taos, New Mexico Thoreau, New Mexico Toadlena, New Mexico Tohatchi, New Mexico Zia Indian Reservation, New Mexico Zuni, New Mexico Elko, Nevada Moapa, Nevada Wadsworth, Nevada Lockport, New York Manlius, New York Anadarko, Oklahoma Carnegie, Oklahoma Clinton, Oklahoma El Reno, Oklahoma Lawton, Oklahoma Pawnee, Oklahoma Watonga, Oklahoma Wewoka, Oklahoma Salem, Oregon Warm Springs, Oregon Rock Hill, South Carolina Bullhead, South Dakota Eagle Butte, South Dakota Fort Thompson, South Dakota Kyle, South Dakota Lower Brule, South Dakota Manderson, South Dakota Martin, South Dakota McLaughlin, South Dakota Mobridge, South Dakota Pine Ridge, South Dakota Rosebud, South Dakota Sisseton, South Dakota Wagner, South Dakota Wakpala, South Dakota Wanblee, South Dakota Camp Verde, Arizona Chinle, Arizona Cibecue, Arizona Inscription House, Arizona Kayenta, Arizona Maricopa, Arizona McNary, Arizona Parker, Arizona Peach Springs, Arizona Phoenix, Arizona Pinon, Arizona Polacca, Arizona Red Mesa, Arizona Sacaton, Arizona Supai, Arizona Tsaile, Arizona Whiteriver, Arizona Davis, California Havasu Lake, California Hemet, California Riverside, California Winterhaven, California Towaoc, Colorado Fort Hall, Idaho Lawrence, Kansas Mashpee, Massachusetts Cass Lake, Minnesota Fort Duchesne, Utah Aylett, Virginia Charles City, Virginia Indian Neck, Virginia Madison Heights, Virginia Providence Forge, Virginia Richmond, Virginia Suffolk, Virginia Auburn, Washington Forks, Washington Nespelem, Washington Spokane, Washington Toppenish, Washington Wapato, Washington Wellpinit, Washington White Swan, Washington
Multiple Schedules Security Clearance: Other
Application Deadline:
2026-09-30
Posted:
2026-07-10
Apply on usajobs.gov
Salary: $44,333 – $64,698 per year (GS-3/4)

Salary context

Based on 37 annual-salary jobs in the same occupational series. This role pays below most similar positions.

Job Details

Position Overview

At the Indian Health Service, Pharmacy Technicians do more than support the Pharmacy Department. Guided by our mission to raise the health of American Indian and Alaska Native people, you'll deliver compassionate care where it's needed most.

A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).

Duties

Total Compensation Package - Check out IHS's outstanding total compensation package for this job:
Pharmacy Technician Total Compensation

All Grade levels MAY NOT be available at all locations.
  • Performs prescription preparation by selecting, measuring, counting, and packaging medications in the correct dosage forms and strengths following established procedures.
  • Sets up individual prescription orders for commonly prescribed medications that are already labeled and repackaged.
  • Maintains stock levels by checking for expiration dates, rotating inventory, and noting shortages.
  • Provides service to patients and healthcare staff by locating prescriptions, processing refill requests, and providing information on medication availability.

Qualifications & Requirements

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

BASIC REQUIREMENT(S):
Individual Occupational Requirements
Specialized Experience
For positions at GS-4 and above: Qualifying specialized experience may have been gained in hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, or in pharmaceutical firms or laboratories. Experience must have provided a basic knowledge of:
  • Pharmaceutical nomenclature;
  • Characteristics, strengths, and dosage forms of pharmaceuticals;
  • Pharmaceutical systems of weights and measures; and the
  • Variety of procedures and techniques involved in the care, storage, repackaging, bulk compounding, and distribution of pharmaceuticals.
OR

Education and Training
For GS-3: Successful completion of 1 year of study that included a course in biology, chemistry, or physics.
For GS-4: Successful completion of 2 years of study in pharmacy or pharmacy technology that included at least 12 semester hours in courses in the care, storage, distribution, and preparation of pharmaceuticals, and appropriate laboratory work.

In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
GS-3: 6 months of General Experience OR 1 year of education above high school with course(s) related to the occupation. General Experience is defined as any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position, or experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation.

GS-4: 6 months of General Experience and 6 months of Specialized Experience OR 2 years of education above high school with courses related to the occupation. Specialized Experience is defined as experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.

Time In Grade
Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).

You must meet all qualification requirements by the respective cutoff day of rating to be eligible for consideration.

Education

You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.

Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Requirements

Selectee may be subject to a probationary period
ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period
U.S. Citizenship is required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.

Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.

Subject to rotating shifts, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

You will need to set up direct deposit.

Background Investigation Requirement:
This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment.

A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individual's identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service.

Upon receipt of instructions, applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the process.

Financial Suitability Requirement:
This position requires a review of the applicant's financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations prior to applying.

Individuals with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations-including, but not limited to, delinquent federal or state tax liabilities, defaulted federal student loans, court-ordered fines or fees, or child support arrears-may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the Indian Health Service (IHS).

Prior to the appointment, candidates must present two valid forms of identification. If one of the documents is a state-issued ID or driver's license, it must be REAL ID-compliant.

Evaluations

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.

To determine if you are qualified for this position, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against the qualifications as defined in the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement.

  • Customer Service (Clerical/Technical)
  • Medications
  • Pharmacy Calculations
  • Pharmacy Tools and Software
  • Self Management
  • Technical Documentation


The following links below provide information on how you may be eligible for various hiring authorities. If you are a Veteran, qualified CTAP and ICTAP eligible, or an individual with a disability, please refer to the following links below for additional guidance. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Workforce Restructuring Career Transition website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. CTAP/ICTAP documentation requirements are listed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
  • Veterans, i.e. (VEOA, VRA, and 30% or more disabled) - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide-for-hr-professionals/
  • Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) - https://www.ihs.gov/jobs/support-documents/
  • Interagency Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/
  • Schedule A Appointments for the Disabled - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/hiring/
Click here to view vacancy questions: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13002611.

Required Documents

USAJOBS Help Center - Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements.

Resume: You are highly encouraged to visit the USAJOBS Help Center before submitting a resume. USAJOBS Help Center - https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include

Required as applicable for the purposes of specific eligibility and appointment claim(s), and position requirements:
  • Indian Preference Applicants: If claiming Indian preference, applicants must provide a completed copy of the Form BIA-4432, "Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS Only." Indian preference will not be given unless a properly signed and dated form is submitted with your application, including any verification by an authorized Tribal Representative or BIA Official of tribal enrollment records. For detailed instructions, see form BIA-4432. Refer to BIA-4432 link: Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS When an Indian Preference candidate possesses Veterans preference the rules regarding Veterans preference apply under ESEP and the applicant must provide documentation in order to receive preference.
  • Veterans Preference: If claiming Veteran's Preference provide a copy of your DD214 Form (Member 4 copy). To claim 10-Point Veterans Preference, submit a SF-15 Application (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf) along with the appropriate supporting documentation. For additional information regarding Veterans Preference visit: http://www.fedshirevets.gov.
  • Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP, follow the instructions below: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf.
  • Current or former Federal employee: Include your most recent SF-50 or if Reinstatement eligible include your Career SF-50.
  • Noncompetitive eligibles: Submit additional documents to prove your eligibility to apply to this vacancy.
  • Transcripts: You are encouraged to submit copies of transcripts (official or unofficial) although not required at the time of application. You must list your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Official transcripts will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer.
This is an Open Continuous Announcement. Applications will be reviewed and referred as vacancies occur; however, there may not be immediate openings at all locations.

During the application process, you may select up to five locations and will only be considered for positions in those locations. Candidates with complete applications will remain eligible for consideration for up to three months from the date of application or until the announcement closes, whichever occurs first. Consideration will be based on your selected locations, qualifications, and job preferences.

Your resume and any documents submitted will be retained for three months and may be used at any time during this period. After 3 months, you must reapply to this announcement in order to be considered.

Positions may be filled at any of the grade levels listed in this announcement, with or without promotion potential. Applicants should indicate the lowest GS grade level they are willing to accept.

The first application cut-off date for referral consideration will be five business days after the announcement opens. After that, applications may be reviewed and referred at any time as vacancies occur.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.
  1. To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
  2. You will be directed to the Login.Gov screen, here will you sign in if you have an existing USAJOBS account or Create a Login.Gov account.
  3. If you have an account you will be directed to select a resume or create a resume. If you create an account you can create an resume. Click save and continue.
  4. Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or supporting documents.
  5. Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJOBS or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
  6. Read and complete all Eligibility questions.
  7. Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process).
For additional questions please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) found here: https://www.ihs.gov/jobs/faq/.

The IHS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources Office (IHS Human Resources Open Continuous Announcement, [email protected], and/or .) The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis. Stay Updated with Text Alerts
You can choose to receive text message notifications about your application status. To enable this feature:
- Log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Go to your Account Settings and select Notification Preferences.
- Check the option to receive SMS/Text Messages.

Text message updates are optional and provided in addition to email notifications. Standard messaging rates may apply.

You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJOBS account. You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJOBS that your submission was successful once we have received your on-line eligibility questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJOBS Account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.

If all required documentation is not submitted with your application you will lose consideration. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information and documents entered, uploaded, or faxed are received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.
Source: Data sourced from USAJOBS