Federal

Physician (Field Medical Officer)

DHS Headquarters ยท Department of Homeland Security
๐Ÿ“ San Francisco, California GP-14 $124,308 - $315,000/yr
Posted: May 19, 2026 Deadline: May 26, 2026 (Closes in 3 days)

About This Position

This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Health Security (OHS), Field Medical Operations (FMO). OHS/FMO forward-deploys and embeds clinicians with public safety partners during both steady-state and crisis response operations.

This position will serve as a Field Medical Officer and provide specialized technical expertise and operational medical support to DHS, federal, state and local partners. Non-BU: This is a non-bargaining unit position.

Qualifications

APPLICANTS MUST DEMONSTRATE THAT THEY MEET THE INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS. INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT To qualify for the Physician (Field Medical Officer), GP-0602-14 position, you must have the following: Degree: Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine or equivalent from a school in the United States or Canada. This degree must have been accredited by the Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association; Association of American Medical Colleges; Liaison Committee on Medical Education; Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation of the American Osteopathic Association; or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S.

Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained. - OR - Degree from Foreign Medical School: A Doctor of Medicine or equivalent degree from a foreign medical school must provide education and medical knowledge equivalent to accredited schools in the United States. Evidence of equivalency to accredited schools in the United States is demonstrated by permanent certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, a fifth pathway certificate for Americans who completed premedical education in the United States and graduate education in a foreign country, or successful completion of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination.

NOTE: You must provide a copy of your Doctor of Medicine transcripts (unofficial), foreign equivalency, or ECFMG results with your application to document that you have met the education requirement. Failure to do so will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.

Your transcripts must show completion/conferred date. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required prior to your starting work. - AND - Licensure: Applicants must possess a current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a Physician from a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States.

You must provide a copy of your medical license with your application. Failure to do so will result in you being rated ineligible for this position. - AND - Graduate Training: Subsequent to obtaining a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree, to qualify for this GP-0602-14 position, you must have had at least 4 years of supervised experience in the specialty of the position to be filled or equivalent experience and training in a clinical setting, i.e., internship or residency program in a hospital or an institution accredited for such training. For purposes of this standard, graduate training programs include only those internship, residency, and fellowship programs that are approved by accrediting bodies recognized within the United States or Canada.

Descriptions of such programs are described below.

NOTE: The documented completion of a residency or equivalent program and active board certification is strongly preferred. An internship program involves broadly based clinical practice in which physicians acquire experience in treating a variety of medical problems under supervision (e.g., internal medicine, surgery, general practice, obstetrics-gynecology, and pediatrics). Such programs are in hospitals or other institutions accredited for internship training by a recognized body of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

A residency program involves training in a specialized field of medicine in a hospital or an institution accredited for training in the specialty by a recognized body of the American Medical Association (AMA), American Osteopathic Association (AOA) or Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). A fellowship program involves advanced training (beyond residency training) in a given medical specialty in either a clinical or research setting in a hospital or an institution accredited in the United States for such training. -AND- MINIMUM QUALIFICATION At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service or equivalent as described here: (1) applying knowledge of a wide range of medical care services when engaging with public safety workforces, senior leadership, and clinical teams at all levels and in context of major special events or crises; (2) providing subject matter expertise on matters involving medical, workforce health and safety, and public health preparedness efforts; and (3) developing new theories, programs, and policies to enhance strategic health security operations. Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level.

All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

In addition to describing duties performed, applicants must provide the dates of each period of employment (from MM/YY to MM/YY) and the number of hours worked per week. As qualification determinations cannot be made when resumes do not include the required information, failure to provide this information may result in disqualification. Applicants are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to develop their federal resume.

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, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Major Duties

As a Physician (Field Medical Officer), GP-0602-14, your typical work assignments may include: Supporting DHS programs and efforts through the lens of health and medical preparedness and response, including National Special Security Event (NSSE) and Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) I - IV events and serving on planning committees as requested. Providing medical and public health support directly to DHS primary and recognized fusion and criminal intelligence centers. Supporting state, local, tribal, territorial (SLTT) jurisdictions with proactive technical assistance related to a wide range of ESF #8 issues including surge capacity planning, guidance during emergency and disasters as part of the Incident Command System (ICS) and planning for chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological incidents.

Reviewing and providing senior-level, authoritative recommendations for technical materials, reports, briefing packages, and other documents which have substantial programmatic policy and operational implications. Serving as a key figure to provide leadership and direction for the determination, development, promulgation, and evaluation of health security research programs, initiatives, and policies under DHS purview. Providing medical and clinical expertise during training and exercise events.

All DHS-HQ announcements have a 5 business day open period due to the number of applications received. This announcement will be open for 5 business days OR until the first 100 applications have been received, whichever happens first. View common definitions of terms found in this announcement: Common Definitions.

Education

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications; applicant's resumes and supporting documentation should only reflect education received from schools accredited by such institutions. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following Website: https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency (a U.S. private organization's interpretation that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to conventional U.S. education programs) with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education webpage on the Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.

How You Will Be Evaluated

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you meet the basic qualifications, your experience, education, and training will be evaluated by a trained panel of at least three subject matter experts that follows a systematic process to review an applicant's resume and come to agreement in determining whether or not the applicant has the required specialized experience necessary to successfully perform the job.

Applicants will be evaluated on their total background including experience (paid and unpaid), education, awards, and training and self-development as it relates to the position based upon the information provided in the resume/application and any other supporting documents. All work experience should specify the length of time spent in the position. One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week. Part-time hours are prorated.

You will not receive any credit for experience that indicates hours per week "varies." List exact hours per week on each job experience. This notice is issued under the direct-hire authority. Using Office of Personnel Management (OPM) approved government-wide direct hire authorities, agencies may appoint candidates directly to jobs, without regard to the provisions of Title 5 U.S.C. 3309 through 3318, for which OPM determines that there is a severe shortage of candidates or a critical hiring need.

Veterans Preference: Veterans preference does not apply under this Direct-Hire Authority (DHA). Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the Federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. Information about ICTAP eligibility can be found by clicking here to access OPM's Career Transition Resources website.

To be considered well qualified under ICTAP, you must meet all requirements listed in the qualifications section of this announcement and submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement. Interviews are required for this position. Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration.

Additional Information

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs.

To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement. Pursuant to Executive Order 12564 and DHS policy, DHS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at DHS Headquarters are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result.

Salary: The salary range for this position includes Title 38 market pay. The final compensation will be set based on a combination of factors including experience, clinical qualifications and level of responsibility of the position. Higher Title 38 pay may be authorized for certain clinical specialties and sub-specialties.

If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration of Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment. Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy.

To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation for a Secret clearance as a condition of placement in this Non-Critical Sensitive position. This review may include financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.

How to Apply

To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account.

Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only.

You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used.

You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM eastern standard time on the day the announcement closes. Only resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.

To preview the questionnaire please click the link below: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12935393. It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application.

Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position.

The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application.

Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement.

You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Applicants must submit all required documentation to properly qualify for this position.

Required Documents

Your resume

NOTE: Limit your resume to no more than two pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages. For what to include in the resume, click on the link: USAJOBS Help Center Your responses to the job questionnaire. https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12935393 Your medical license.

Submit your current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a Physician from a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States. Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) from an accredited institution.

Once selected and prior to appointment, applicants must provide an official college transcript. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. For example, specific courses accepted for college-level credit by an accredited U.S. college or university, or foreign education evaluated by an organization recognized for accreditation by the Department of Education as education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. college or university.

It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information. Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)?

Submit the following: A copy of your agency notice, A copy of your most recent performance rating, and A copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location. Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title, Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee), Agency, Beginning and ending dates of appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Physician (Field Medical Officer) position at DHS Headquarters?
The salary range for this position is $124,308 - $315,000/yr. This is a GP-14 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Physician (Field Medical Officer) job located?
This position is located in San Francisco, California. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications; applicant's resumes and supporting documentation should only reflect education received from schools accredited by such institutions. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following Website: https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency (a U.S. private organization's interpretation that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to conventional U.S. education programs) with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education webpage on the Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is May 26, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Secret clearance is required.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.