VHA Healthcare Technology Management Program Office- Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist
VHA Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) departments at VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) have experienced a staffing shortage with a vacancy rate of 21% in 2024 for the GS-1601 job series, Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS). Retention and recruitment incentives have been implemented to fill various positions across various HTM departments at VAMCs. BESS positions have had an increased turnover rate due to retirement, new positions, and leaving Federal service. HTM departments are located at all VAMCs in all fifty (50) states with varying difficulties in recruitment and retention, such as locations in rural areas and VA salaries lower than the average for the private sector in the location, making hiring highly qualified applicants challenging. While positions are in a variety of locations, inflation and lack of competitive salary at some locations make recruitment efforts difficult.