Dietitian
Job details at a glance
| Agency | Indian Health Service |
|---|---|
| Department | Department of Health and Human Services |
| Location | Multiple Locations |
| Salary | $61,722–$97,087 per year |
| Grade | GS 9–11 |
| Schedule | Full-time |
| Occupation series | Dietitian And Nutritionist (0630) |
| Openings | 2 |
| Hiring paths | Native Americans, Open to the public |
| Posted | Nov 6, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Dec 31, 2026 |
| Telework eligible | No |
| Remote job | No |
| Security clearance | Other |
| Relocation expenses reimbursed | Yes |
| Promotion potential | 11 |
About this job
The purpose of this position is to plan and implement a comprehensive specialized nutrition and dietetic plan for inpatient and outpatients, providing preventative and therapeutic nutrition services for overall healthcare. A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).
Duties
Collaborates with the team members of the patient care team to ensure coordination with the overall care plan. Prepares nutrition care plans for each patient/family with short-term and long-term goals that are mutually developed and adopted. Reviews medical record to identify risk factors and medical history. Evaluates patient information/data in order to identify their needs for specific interventions, services and education programs. Provides counseling that is evidence based and patient focused and specifically relevant to the expressed needs of the patient Plans appropriate nutrition therapy for the prevention of diseases and for treatment of a variety of disease states. Educates the patient on appropriate culturally appropriate nutrition therapy. Develops, coordinates, and evaluates nutrition materials and for clinic patients. Participates in ongoing monthly reports and performance improvement activities based on the service units established criteria and guidelines. Physical Demands: The work involves walking, sitting, standing, reaching and bending in the assessment and treatment of patients. Requirement: IHS Selectees whose duties and responsibilities require them to work permanently, temporarily, or occasionally in an IHS healthcare facility must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy related to vaccine-preventable diseases, consistent with recommendations for healthcare workers. Vaccine exemption requests may be available, as outlined in the IHS Employee Immunization Policy and facility guidance. This announcement is advertised as Open Until Filled, the first application cutoff date for referral consideration will be 10 business days after the announcement opens and every 10 business days thereafter until filled. This position is also being advertised under ESEP/MP announcement number IHS-26-NN-13045877-ESEP/MP.
Qualifications
This is a competitive vacancy announcement advertised under Delegated Examining Authority. Selections made under this vacancy announcement will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would therefore be given new appointments to the civil service; however, benefits, time served, and all other Federal entitlements would remain the same. To qualify for this position, your resume must demonstrate sufficient experience and/or education to perform the duties of the position for which you are applying. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work performed through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, and social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part-time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities of each position held, beginning and ending dates of employment, and the number of hours worked per week. Basic Requirements: Individual Occupational Requirements Applicants must meet one of the following requirements for all grade levels: Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree in the fields of dietetics, food, nutrition, food service management, institution management, or related science. The educational program must have been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics(external link) (ACEND), or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained. For dietitian positions, the curriculum must have been in accordance with the qualifying requirements established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)(external link) (formerly American Dietetic Association(external link) (ADA) prior to January 1, 2012) in effect at the time of graduation. OR Completion of a coordinated undergraduate program, internship, or other clinical component approved by AND (formerly ADA) for dietitians or nutritionists. OR Professional registration as a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Note: Employees currently assigned to positions in this occupational series as of September 2017 will be considered to have met the basic requirements for the position occupied. In addition, to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Selective Factor and Minimum Qualifications stated below: Selective Placement Factor: Applicants who do not meet this selective placement factor will not receive further consideration. Applicants must possess and maintain current registration as a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Proof of current registration must be submitted with the application. Proof of current RD/RDN registration is required with your application, as specified above. Minimum Qualifications You must meet one of the following requirements to meet the GS-09 grade level: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service, obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Obtaining and analyzing nutritional data; developing dietary plans and instructing patients; preparing nutrition care plans for patients and families; providing counseling and assessing nutritional habits; planning nutrition therapy for disease prevention; communicating effectively with patients, families, and the care team; contributing to ongoing monthly reports; assisting with the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of nutrition-related programs; and documenting detailed nutrition care plans and recommendations for nutrition intervention. OR Successful completion of a master's or equivalent graduate degree, or two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree. OR A combination of successfully completed graduate education and specialized experience described above that together meets the qualification requirements for GS-09. Only graduate education beyond the first full year of graduate study may be combined with specialized experience. The combined percentages of qualifying education and experience must equal at least 100 percent. You must meet one of the following requirements to meet the GS-11 grade level: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service, obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Developing plans, identifying needs, and coordinating activities with the care team to provide advice, teaching, and consultation; researching and analyzing information concerning unusual patient circumstances, issues, and conditions; providing consultation, in-service training, and nutrition/diet counseling to the care team and patients; monitoring and evaluating the overall activities of the nutrition and dietetics program for performance improvement; independently carrying out assignments, resolving problems, coordinating work with others, and keeping the supervisor informed of concerns; conducting in-service training programs for clinical care coordinators; and educating patients on appropriate nutrition therapy. OR Successful completion of a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree. OR A combination of successfully completed graduate education and specialized experience described above that together meets the qualification requirements for GS-11. Only graduate education beyond the first two full years of graduate study may be combined with specialized experience. The combined percentages of qualifying education and experience must equal at least 100 percent. Graduate Education: Graduate education used to meet the minimum qualifications must be directly related to the work of the position and provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties. Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement. Applicants must meet all qualification requirements and submit all required documents by the applicable cutoff date to receive consideration.
Education
This position has an education requirement. 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/. The Indian Health Service (IHS), National Health Service Corps (NHSC), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) have student loan repayment programs for qualifying health disciplines. This is a competitive process separate from the hiring process. Opportunities for LRP are based on agency hiring priorities and availability of funds.For IHS - https://www.ihs.gov/loanrepayment/For NHSC - https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loanrepayment/For HRSA Nurse Corps - https://bhw.hrsa.gov/loansscholarships/nursecorps
Requirements
Selectee may be subject to a probationary 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/. You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you. 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
This job announcement uses the USA Hire Assessment to evaluate applicants. There is no "pass/fail" outcome; results are used as part of the overall evaluation process to determine applicant qualifications. However, if you do not take the assessment within the assessment window timeframe you will be found ineligible for this position. For more information, visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center. You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies: Attention to Detail Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Reasoning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13086848 Your score determines whether you move forward. Candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The quality categories are: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. The category rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of professional or scientific positions at the GS-09 level or higher). 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. CTAP and ICTAP candidates will be eligible for selection priority if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a "well qualified" rating of 85 out of 100. 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) - http://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/
How to apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: Click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. Set aside about two (2) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused. Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us. To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application. Applicants will have 10 calendar days from the date they submit their application to complete the required USA Hire assessment(s). However, to be considered at the first application cutoff date, applicants must complete the USA Hire assessment(s) by the first cutoff date. Applicants who have not completed the required assessment(s) by the cutoff date will not be considered during that review. Please note that an application is not considered complete and will not be referred for consideration until all required USA Hire assessment(s) have been successfully completed. Applicants who complete the assessment after the first cutoff date may be considered during subsequent applicant reviews, if applicable, provided they meet all other eligibility and qualification requirements. For additional questions please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) found here: https://www.ihs.gov/jobs/faq/.
Applications are handled only on the official announcement. This page is a readable copy of the public announcement data — the official version controls if anything differs.
Apply on USAJobs (official) ↗Required documents
Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, annual salary, and description of job duties. Include name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number. 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. 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. Licensure, Certifications: Applicants should list their license/certifications on their resume, along with the expiration date, if applicable. Certification of licensure/certification will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer. This announcement is advertised as Open Until Filled, the first application cutoff date for referral consideration will be 10 business days after the announcement opens and every 10 business days thereafter until filled. Applicants must meet all qualification requirements and submit all required documents by the applicable cutoff date to receive consideration.
What to expect next
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.
Other information
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport-usastaffing.opm.gov/hc/en-us/sections/45063131363475-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information) Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. This position is covered by a Bargaining Unit. Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a 1-year service agreement will be required. Government housing available. This position has promotion potential to the GS-GS-11 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied. You will be evaluated for this position in accordance with the OPM Merit Hiring Plan.As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide short essay responses (200 words or less each) to the following four questions. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? In this role, you will be expected to professionally and efficiently implement executive direction. Provide an example where you implemented leadership direction on a strategy or policy decision that differed from your own recommendation. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Your responses are optional and will not be scored. However, they may be reviewed by hiring managers and agency leadership (or designees) during the evaluation process. You will be asked to certify that your responses are written in your own words and that you did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) tool (such as ChatGPT or Copilot).
Frequently asked questions
How much does this Dietitian job pay?
The announcement lists a salary of $61,722–$97,087 per year (GS 9–11).
When is the last day to apply?
Applications close on Dec 31, 2026 — 50 days from today.
Where is this job located?
This position is located in Multiple Locations with the Indian Health Service.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the official announcement on USAJobs. Use the Apply button on this page to go to the official posting — this site never takes applications itself.
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