.211151 578

= TITLE

.INSTITUTIONREPORT NO,:1).UB DATE.

MOTEAVAILABLE FROM

EDRS -PRICEr-DESCRIPTORS

DOCUMENT RESUME

CE 015 243

An Invitation to Involvement: Engineering CareerOpportunities in the U.S. Public Health Service. AMultidimensional Experience in Professional andPersonal Development.Public Health Service (DREW), Arlington, Va.DBE0-0S-77-5004778'43p.; Photographs may reproduce poorlySuperintendent of .Documents, U.S. Government PrintingOffice, Washington, D.C. 20402 (Stock Number017-041-00114-9)

MF-$0.83 Plus Postage. BC Not AVaileole from EDRS.Career Education; *Employment Oppertnnities;*Employment Qualifications; *Engineers; *HealthOccupations; Job Application;. Jcb Training;Occupational Information; Professional OccupationsProfessional Personnel; Program Administration;*Public Service occupations

-IDENTIFIERS United States

:ABSTRACTDescriptions of Public Health Service (PHS) career

_opportunities for engineers are contained in this booklet. A brief:description of career horizons and the organization of the_Public Health Service -precedes discussion of the following topics:(1) Brief descriptions PHS engineering employment opportunities.

'grouped by principal areas of specialization, including research anddevelopment, teaching ana training, technical consultation,.iegulatorY,enforcement,,automatic data processing, design and-construction, facility oieration-and maintenance, specialassignments; and 'student esploymentl (2) Mission statements of

,agenCiet and 'programs employing engineers included injhe areas ofhealth services administration; center for disease control; food andding administration; health resources administration; national

-_institutes of health; and alcohol, drug abuse, and Mental health.:adminiatration; (3) Discussion of engineer utilization,eiployientaysteks, employee benefits, career development and training, and job:implication procedures. (TA)

.************************************************************************ Reproductions suppliedby EDRS are the best that can be made *

*.

. from the, original document. *

***********************************************************************

J

MI%

O

-41-0`AT& I

M// my/nautili LU IIIVUIVCITlellt.

ENGINEERINGCAREER

OPPORTUNITIESin the U.S. Public Health Service

U S Department of HealthEducdtion, and Welfare

PAlic Health Service

*Am'

111p 1,-41

A multidimen.?ional experlenCe inprofessional and personal developmentCIVILSANITARY ENVIRONMENTAL o CHEMICALARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS NUCLEARMECHANICAL ELECTRICAL ELECTRONICINDUSTRIAL BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS

Nor

U S DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.EDUCATION A WELFARENATIONAL INSTITUTE OF

EDUCATION

THIS DOCUMENT HAS SEEN REPRO.DUCED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED FROMTHE PERSON OR ORGANIZATION ORIGIN.ATING IT POINTS OF VIEW OR OPINIONSSTATED DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT OFFICIAL NATIONAL INSTITUTE OFEDUCATION POSITION OR POLICY

4

DIRECT ALL COMMISSIONED CORPS

RELATED CORRESPONDENCE TO:

Office of Personnel Management/CPOD

Room 4-35, Parklawn Building

5600 Fishers LaneRockville, Maryland 20852

I

Additional Information On Civil Service

Employment Can Be Obtained From Any

Civil Service Area Office or Federal Job

Information Center. Fur Address, Colisult

Your Local Telephone Directory Listings

Under U.S. Government.

The PubliC Health Service Does Not Discriminate in Employment Because of An

Applicant's Race, Religion, Sex, or National Origin.

For sak by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.Government Printing Office

Washington, DC. 20402

Stock No. 017-041-00114-9

* U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTINGOFFICE s 1977 0 -273 -916 3

003737

to

INVITATION TO INVOLVEMENT

In this booklet you will find descriptions ofPublic Health Service career opportunitieswritten by engineers for engineers. Theyrepresent a distillation of the views andexperiences of many of us. Despite ourbest efforts, it has not been possible toadequately convey, in these few pages, thefull range of opportunities and challengesthat can be yours in the PHS. However, ifwe stimulate your interest, our purpose hasbeen served. If you are looking for a "job",there are many available; if you want acareer that is personally and professionallyrewarding, the Public Health Service canmeet your requirements.

We aren't seeking every career mindedengineer. We're looking for a few of thebest. If PHS career opportunities interestyou and you think that you qualify, con-sider this your invitation to becomeinvolved.... as an engineer in thePublic Health Service.

tir

4

l /.N K. BURGESSCHIEF ENGINEER, U.S.P.H.S.

CAREER HORIZONS

"A MULTIDIMENSIONAL EXPERIENCE

IN PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL

DEVELOPMENT IS IMPLICIT IN PUBLICHEALTH SERVICE EMPLOYMENT"As the principal health agency of theFederal Government, the PHS employsqualified engineers in virtually everyengineering discipline and offers themassignments with a maximum potential forbroad-based experience and professional

advancement.

In the PHS you'll find the focus on YOU.

While applying today's engineering know-

ledge and technology toward the solution

of a myriad of health related problems, you

will be afforded unique opportunities toachieve a direct and immediate impact onthe health and well-being of your fellow

man.

PHS employment opportunities existprincipally at locations within the United

States. They include assignments in:

Basic laboratory research and

development

Field investigations and surveys

Facilities design and construction

Teaching

Health planning and program

development

Consultation and program

management

These activities are accomplished through

direct (in-house) program operations or via

technical assistance, contract, and grant

prograMs.

Therefore, if the possibility of choosing

among several unusual - often unique -

opportunities to practice yout profession,advance your career, and perform humani-

tarian service intrigues you, the distinctiveengineering challenge offeted by the United

States Public Health Service should be of

defin interest!

THE U.S. PUBLIC HEALTHSERVICE.

For over 175 years the Public HealthService has met its responsibilities for themedical and health protection of ournation.

The PHS is a principal operating componentof the Department of Health, Education,and Welfare. Its Senior Executive, theAssistant Secretary for Health, is the princi-pal advisor and xsistant to the Secretary ofHEW on national health policy and on allhealth-related activities in the Department.

The mission of the Public, Health ServiceIS to ptuvide leadership in pruteLting- -andadvancing- -the.health of the nation, and inimproving-the-organization and delivery ofhealth services.

Organizationally, the PHS consists of theinned:ate Office of the Assistant Secretaryfor Health, six agencies, and ten regionaloffices. The largest proportion of engineer-ing positions are located in program ele-ments of the agencies.

SLCRI I ARY

DIJ'ARI MI NI 01 III At 111,'r,o0CA1 ION. AND With ARI

ASSISI AN ISLCR1 I WY I OR

III Al IIIPURE I( 111 AL III

SI RVItl.

01-1.10. 01. 1111.ASSISTANT SI CRI.1 ARY

I OR 111.ALTII

ALCOHOL. DRUG ARUSI ,AND MLNI AL III ALlIi

ADMINIS I RADON

N1 DONAL INS 1111)11 S 01.,111.ALTI1

CLNTLR FOR I)ISI ASI CON I ROL1

FOUR AND DRUGADNIIN/STRA1 ION

111.11.111 SIRVILTS APSDNIS1 RA1 ION

III ALIH RI SOURCES ADMINISTRATION

REGIONAL OFFICES ow

65

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

SPECIALTY . . . Brief descriptions of PHS engineering employment opportimities, grouped

by principal areas of specialization (see below), appear on the following 18 pages.

Page No.

Research and Development

Teaching and Training 10

Technical Consultation 12

Regulatory Enforcement 14

Automatic Data Processing 16

Design and Construction 18

Facility Operation and Maintenance 20

Special Assignments 22

Student Employment 24

MISSION . . . A statement concisely describing.the purpose of its existence has been pre-

pared for each PHS program entity. The mission statements of agencies and programs

employing engineers appear on pages 26 through 31.

Page No.

Health Services Administration 26

Center for Disease Control 27

'Food and Drug Administration 28

Health Resources Administration 29

Natiofreti Institutes of Health 30

Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration 31

-INVOLVEMENT.. . . Engineer utilization, employment systems, employee benefits, and

job application procedure' are briefly discussed in the concluding pages of this publication.

Page No.

Engineer Utilization 34

Employment Systems 36

Qualifications and Pay 38

Career Development and Training 39

How to Apply 40

76

,

4Ai

014by

4

ReNear h ar4 Developmer

1 caching and 1 raining

Technical Constr.'tion

Regulatory Enloccement

Automatic Data lr ocessing

Design arid Construct4m

acility, Operation and Maintenance

Special Assignments

Student Lmployment

r

Gs

J

1

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

AGENCY "II,

y CATEGORY

ARCHITECTURAL

BIOMEDICAL

CIVIL/SANITARYELECTRICAL

ELECTRONIC

ENVIRONMENTALGENERAL

, INDUSTRIAL

MATERIAL

MECHANICAL'NUCLEAR

SYSTEMS

MA

x,nrut , 011 A "Motglnlo*, A a"

N. DM. ..SA MD

Public Health Service research and develop-

ment programs are concentrated within

three of its six agencies (CDC, FDA, and

NII1). They are predominantly orientedtoward either (1) device and equipmentdevelopment or (2) standards and criteria

development.

Most DEVICE AND EQUIPMENTDEVELOPMENT programs ate conductcd

by NI1.1 and are geared toward the pruduc

tion of specialized electronic and

biochemical instrumentation for biomedical

research, and toward the production of

highly sophisticated devices fur implanta-

tion and life support.

The majority of PHS engineers involved in

research and development are associated

with STANDARDS AND CRITERIADEVELOPMENT programs. R&D projectsbeing conducted by CDC and FDA for the

purpose of developing standards and

criteria include:

8

1. Studies centering on the effectsof exposure to hazardous sub-stances used in the workplace,with primary focus un suchspecific health and safetyhazards as asbestos, beryllium,carbon monoxide, lead, mercury,

9

noise pollution, heat stress, andothers; research on the problem

of coal workers' pneumoconiosisand other occupational respira-tory diseases; and studies on the

psychological, motivational, andbehavidial factors involved in oc-cupational safety and health.

Studies centering on the health

effects of radiation exposure;development /refinement ofdusime try measurement instru-mentation; evaluation ofhazards to the public healthwhich may be caused by the

use of medical devices arldiagnostic products; and_studiesof food processing methods and

equipment.

The PHS research and development engineer

typically works as part of a multi-disciplineteam of highly trained engineers and

scientists using ultra-sophisticated, modernequipment in an environment that fosters

the free exchange of technical information

with other researchers, agencies, andinterested individuals /organizations.

NIH has developed this portable device to monitor apatient's electrocardiogram using only fingertip.contact.The information-is transmitted over telephone lines toa medical facility for analysis.

This instrument, called a gas bearingBoa ting microdrive, was developed at VIIIwith the support ot the BiomedicalEngineering and instrumentation Branchfor the purpose of monitoring singlecell electrical activity in theIt hits been successtutts used duringoperations on human patients. and is

. . ... IIbeing used to study the tole otdual cells in the generation cat epilepticslizures.

10

I DA soca:chess use aabbit to studs theeffects of outdo% awes on the lens to the es ewhich is heliesed to in: vspt 1A,. Sus. Mitlteto microw as e dam.i4e.

4.1

. '

-t s

" -ss

4o s

ItioNAYSI -.

*

.4.41 4.444y. nMA 4,114 +. A. Ass W4 sr.A

sotsVS,

A.**UN

Soo r Sot yaOIS. toile.

1140.1. t AN

.411,1ss If 1

111NA :I

-10211 a. I

Ng

at

1 ili. SSsoi liJo- AS pry.

rettps *46,,s

P, -t .+,4 tT

. Ass.Sess*

sil.s

TEACHING AND TRAINING

AGENCY )110.- .1.

-1F,)

ii8 e

<E4-

< =2y CATEGORY

ARCHITECTURAL.

BIOMEDICAL

CHEMICAL

CIVIL/SANITARY

ELECTRICAL

ELECTRONIC

ENVIRONMENTALGENERAL

INDUSTRIALMATERIAL

MECHANICALNUCLEAR

SYSTEMS

Depending on program needs, engineer ingoriented intramural teaching and twiningactivities are conducted, peii9dically within

each of the six P1-IS agencies. Mustscheduled extramural teaching and training

programs are conducted by three agencies

(CDC, FDA, and HSA) tor the benefit oflop', State, other 17eouratind nun-Government personnel. Civil, environmental,and-general engineers are often engaged as

training specialists. However, depending onthe subject being covered, representativesof virtually any engineering category maybe found on any given training stall.

Characteristic extramural teaching andtraining endeavors carried out by PI IS

engineering programs include.

1. Training in the field ofoccupational safety andhealth. Short-term coursesare held to train U.S. Depart-ment of Labor pl2nt inspectors,employees, employers, laborunions, and qualified personnelengaged in the field of occupa-tional safety and health. Trainingcourses presented are advanced

professional courses.

2. Training of Fed.ral, State, and

10

it

local health agency personnel onmethods for surveying radiation=producing equipment; trainingof physicians, x-ray machineoperators, and other professionaland paraprofessional-personnelwith-resp`onlibility for operatingradiation-producing equipment.

3. Training in the operation andmaintenance, of water supplyand waste disposal facilitiesconstructed for Indians andAlaska Natives by the Indian.Health Servicei, Su*ch training isconducted routinely, on acontinuing basis, locally and atspecially designed trainingcenters. Community healthrepresentatives (who are Indianand Alaska Native people) aretrained by the\ Indian HealthService in basic public healthconcepts, including environ-mental sanitation, at sqVeralregional training centers.Environmental, civil, andsanitary engineers conductappropriate course segments andparticipate in course design and

direction.

\,

-)

IHS field and dasign engineers listen to alecture on the eieetrical performance Lharail'teristics of water pumps presented by amember of the IIIS training staff.

-31.111A.::"L,00.

I 7".NOW

t) i'figinel, IS 0 I 1 11, t titlipirti. fit Inpettorsr.,! I t,f. r fi,'t ft, nd .eth dt partments.lie?C in MIT tft t+i4. AtFttng 141:

Jfid 11:, Vi. SIC I lit )1(.pow,' I..1 fa.

NIH routinely conducts inliouse training sessions on prilg}.11)1411..operation of its many computer systems.

12

\it I 014 I A11.11004.3 7,, in ittvt

.,1 ts, ti t. 1111 14,1%Atli11It. n to sponsoredot I" proper band-

..111I4Itiks and the Use 01fa,t/JtItCfn, t,. Int*.1,414: f4d10.

I1

TECHNICAL CONSULTATION

AGENCY OP- :I-

F (c:i

(..)8 <s.4.

<1, Zy CATEGORY

ARCHITECTURAL.

BIOMEDICAL II IICHEMICAL Il lI0CIVIL/SANITARY III 3ELECTRICAL 1311.3ELECTRONIC RIDENVIRONMENTAL I El 0GENERAL e 111INDUSTRIAL

'MATERIAL .MECHANICAL 60NUCLEAR I I/SYSTEMS I' ii

£ Se.tttic, WA

A San f lJnctsco, CA

HOU." MAY or k, NY

(P11,144ttphla. PA

hook . AV erf6xlsolttlf3etfirk.d.t, MO

ADtover, CO

kanl.a, Ca, , MO

Mt.Inti, GA.

Ia DHEW REGIONAL OFFICES

111 PHS PROGRAM OFFICES

PHS engineering personnel routinely.function as technical consultants to twodistinctly different groups of clientele.

1. As members of internal studygroups, standards/criteriadevelopMent bodies, and'research teams, PHS engineers

interface with medical andscientific 'associates toprovide advice and assistanceon problems related to their

areas pf expertise.

2. As representatives of the PHS

to othe?, Federal, State, and

local governMent agencies and,

to private individuals, groups,and industries,-PHS engineersregularly prdVide technicalconsultation and assistance inthe specific ,program areas towhich they'are assigned.

Representatives of vii tually all engineeringcategories serve as PHS technical consul-tants. Consultants may be assigned to almost

any geographical location. Within the United

States, many PHS,program consultants, whoroutinely work with non -PHS agencies/organizations, are assigned to,one of theten DHEW regional ottices or to State

,12

health departments. Assignment as atechnical consultant outside the PHStypically involves such activities as:

1. _Providing assistance to Federal,State, local and industrialoccupational safety and healthprograms in the use ofengineering methods forevaluation of occupationalsafety and health,problems.

2. Providing assistance and advice

to State- and local 'regulatoryagencies and industry in thecon duct of surveys 6f shellfishgrowing waters, and participat-ing in investigations of shellfishharvesting and processing

techniques.

1 Providing assistance and advice

to State and locat:regulatoryagencies and to indUstry intesting radiation hazards oftelevision.receivers, microwaveovens, lasers, and diagnostic

x-ray products.

4. Providing assistance and advice

to territorial governments in

evaluating public healii prob-lems and in developing and I.

impleMenting corrective actions.

.13

A senior mechanical engineer (center) is shown clarifying ductwork instal-lation details for the project engineers responsible for inspecting ongoing,construction:

Preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement covering construction of-anew incinerator at WI required development of background data covering allaspects of the proposed construction. PI-IS engineers brought in as consultantsto the EIS writer are shown monitoring the noise level generated by operationof a refuse collection vehicle."tr,'

REGULATORY ENFORCEMENT*"

AGENCY 7111.- .-1-C

l<

8(...)

clu..

1- =`t5.CATEGORY

ARCHITECTURALBIOMEDICAL- ' im iii. CHEM ICAL ii aiiCIVIL/SANITARY iiiELECTRICAL iiiELECTRONIC CIENVIRONMENTAL 0GENERAL iiiINDUSTRIAL iiiMATERIALMECHANICALNUCLEAR

SYSTEMS -

Buf141,r, .Y

St.1111r, WA. Det1, 01Minnopollx 0\

tta..110,

$1n 1 ranco.,,,, CA

,

Ln,cr

1.1,m" MA.

7.1::,1s41, N.Y .0/1

PtutadOph,J, PA

I ,,,nn ( PI6.0km.c,mt,

F, VO

I) i \ Yth lAI

Orlando tt

PA

FDA DISTRIC I OFFICL

II WILK REGIONAL OFFICE. AND ED \REGIONAL ANDDISTRI(I OFFICES

Engineering personnel are directly involved products for compliancewith Federal reqUirements,in the implementation of several PHS re

latory enforcement programs, most parti-cularly those conducted by two bureaus ofthe Food and Drug Administration; i.e., theBureau of Medical Devices and DiagnosticProducts and the Bureau of-RadiologicalHealth. The engineering staff of these twobureaus develop, plan, coordinate, conduct,and evaluate surveillance and complianceprograms relating to medical devices, diag-

nostic products, and electronic productswhich emit harmful or unnecessary electro-

,Jnagnetic radiation. Engineers working in .

distr,ict offices perform on-site inspectionsand evaluations of complex equipment andprocesses used bysegulated industries.

The duties and responsibilities listed below

arb typical of those assigned to engineersassociated with regulatory enforcement

programs:

1. Develop (and evaluate the......46quacy of) safety and

performance standards,criteria, and test methods.

2. Conduct survey and com-pliance programs; i.e.,establish safety performancestandards, review manufac-turers quality control andtesting programs, test

14

and visit manufacturingplant

3. Participate in plant and usersite inspections and investi-gations, and make recommen-dations for legal action.

',Examples of projects, with which variousengineer specialists are typically involved

include the:

1. Engineering analyses ofelectronic cardiac inversionhospital equipment, motor-operated respiratoryventilator equipment, -and-electro- mechanical life:support equipment.

2. Examination of dye-testingtechniques used in leak-testing sealed ampules of an

injectable drug.

3. Certification of &agnostic x-rayequipment, television receivers,microwave ovens,-lasers, and

airport baggage inspectionsystems.

4. Evaluation of the adequady ofprocesses, equipment, andpackaging used for canning

foods.

15,

II

(or

Radiation safetyofficer checks o-

active mater Is ship-ment for contamina-tion upon receiptfrom manufacturer.

This FDA experimental laboratory is the focal point of efforts to test laser products and evaluate instru-mentation for measuring laser emissions. Using a computerized system, the engineer shown here calibratesa reference instrument using a National Bureau of Standards calorimeter.

t.

At'

t,,.ii,..;. 4P '-`"0... ,...,4?

., ...,.-,,,........,,,,,..,.... -......7

. :1:11111111111..,

Microwave ovens undergo life testing at FDA's Winchester Engineeling and Analytical (-enter, Winchester,Massachusetts. Mechanical test rig turns oven on, opens the door and thus activates ir\terlocks to shut theoven off, closes the door, 'then repeats the cycle.

16 15

1

AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING1

AGENCY )1111- I<9 8 e = c,<,,= =2y CATEGORY

ARCHITECTURAL .

BIOMEDICAL

CHEMICAL

CIVIL/SANITARY

ELECTRICAL

ELECTRONIC

ENVIRONMENTALGENERAL

INDUSTRIAL .

MATERIAL

MECHANICAL ,

NUCLEAR

SYSTEMS

i

The application of au tomaucclata processingtechnology is fundamental to the planningand execution of virtually every Public

!

Health Service program. All of the healthagencies and their major program compo-nentS conduct data processing functions ofwidely varying magnitude and complexity.Most headquarters, regional, district, field,and ;laboratory installations regularlyutilize the extensive capabilities of theprincipal Public Health Service computerfacilities located in Rockville and Bethesda,Maryland. In addition, many field andlaboratory installations have mini-computersystems available to support experimental

----research and administrative activities. ThePu:blic..Health Service professional Is pro-vided such automatic data processingsupport as required.to accomplish hisprogram mission.

'Pim to the variety of data processing work-lI

'bads the Public Health Service employs

-personnel with widely diverse educationalbackgrounds and experience. Thesepersonnel perform the full gamut of dataprocessing activities,- from straightforwarddata input and retrieval to sophisticatedcomputer analyses associated with opera-

. tions research programs.

,Historically, Public Health Service require-

16

tnents for career personnel in the field ofautomatic data processing have beensatisfied by recruitment of graduates inthe mathematical sciences fields. More

recently, however, significantly greaternumbers of engineers graduate with back-grounds heavily weighted in the field ofdata processing. Thus, the role of theengineer as a data processing specialistis assuming ever increasing importance andbecoming a major engineering activity inthe Public Health Service. Most commonly,data processing engineers have electrical,

electronic, or systems engineering degrees.Engineers trained in other engineeringfields who have supplemented their basiceducation with graduate studylnO ex-gerience in the data processing and systemsengineering fields are also employed as data

processing specialists.

1'7

liScanning microdensitometer (rig t) with minicomputer (left) is used by the Division of ElectronicProducts, FDA, to study modulation transfer functions of x-ray tube focal Spots.

I. I

arsow*41,

* *_

.4,1. ,of

An engineer inspects the product of a mathemati-cal model of a protein molecule developed throughthe Division of Computer Research and Tech-nology, MIN: The model is three-dimensionaland, with computer control, may be rotated toexamine all sides.

Sample intensity distribution of an x-raytube focal spot scanned with.rnicrodensi-tometer-computer system. Scan showslack of uniformity of focal spilt inten-sity, which can contribute to poor ouality-x-ray film.

18

,

Oa'

. 17

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

AGENCY "IN- 1:a-

.al< 80 1LL l1 "-y CATEGORY

ARCHITECTURAL

BIOMEDICAL

CHEMICAL

CIVIL/SANITARY CELECTRICAL CELECTRONIC

ENVIRONMENTAL

GENERAL MININDUSTRIAL

MATERIALMECHANICALNUCLEAR

SYSTEMS a

A Anchorage, AK

A N.,ru.r.I. OR

BAng..ml

WalJow Rote., A

AAA Albt141.14.,*4

Ph

MN. A

Aberdeen, 5D

11

BcthoJa. MD.Washeiston, Dc.

A \ .01.11c, TN

A f.A.Sahoma Oh. OK

More than twenty-five percent of all engineerpersonnel currently employed by the-PublicHealth Service are engaged in health facili-ties design and construction. Public HealthService engineers shoulder.primaly responsi-bility for such diverse activities as design(including specification, plan, and contractdocument preparation) and construction of.

1. Individual home water supply andwastewater disposal systems,

2. community potable water supply,treatment', storage, and distribu-

tion systems,

3. community wastewater collec-tion and treatment systems,

4. health care facilities structures,and

c..

5. sophisticated and specializedresearch and medical care

complexes.

Nearly three-quarters of the PHS engineersengaged in the design and constructionactivity are assigned to the sanitationfacilities construction program of the IndianHealth Service (IHS). Their efforts, directedtoward improving the environmental condi-tions under which American Indians andAlaska Natives live, are expended onreservations and in communities located

18

principally west of the Mississippi River.IHS engineers function as part of a coordi-nated environmental health team workingdirectly with the Indian people. Typically,IHS engineers are involved in every phase ofproject development and implementationfrom preliminary field reconnaissance,through actual design and onsite construction supervision, to operation and main-tenance training fur users of compIttedsystems.,,

PHS engineers are also engaged in planning,design, construction, alteration, and manage-ment of the. Federal health facility Physicalplant. Intramural research, direct medicalcare, training, and administrative activitiesare conducted in over 2,100 PHSownedbuildings located throughout the UnitedStates. Sizeable, multi-discipline engineer-ing team efforts in this area are establishedat the National Institutes of Health, in theJndian Health Service, and in the Office ofFacilities Engineering and Property Manage-ment, DHEW.

19

Attz-t".

The final stages of construction of a new biohazard incineration systemarc carefully monitored by the project engineer.

The IHS develops domestic water supply sysiems for eligibleAmerican Indian and Alaska Native houses and communitiesusing equip. lent such as this cable tool percussion drilling rig.

A specially fabricated spirally-wound wire reinforced flexiblepipeline.designed to convey potable water across the floorof an Alaskan inlet is assembled on shore in preparation forinstallation by the IHS.

An IHS engineer conducts afield test ofthe quality of water obtained from arecently drilled well.

20 19

FACILITY OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

AGENCY )110 1a0 Dt.)

aa=ata.

.

.T. "'1 zy CATEGORY

ARCHITECTURAL

BIOMEDICAL

CH7:MICAL IICIVIL/SANITARY OsELECTRICAL 35 0ELECTRONIC

ENVIRONMENTAL A CI*GENERAL 0INDUSTRIAL IIIMATERIAL UMECHANICALNUCLEAR

SYSTEMS . I

A Anthotalte AK

A smu, 1%A

PortGesd, OR AliAldscs

Assn IeNUX.. CA

IhoJes,, SD

A

%Ind). Rusts. Al

A Ybu.auctAge. N'st

PTI000M Althiahoen4 lots

Bosts.s, MA.

Wen blind .Y

ON

BOImwt,Bethesda, Mt) A

%%.hhington, UC

N.olots. VA

Allanu, GA.

`Cmdie. LA

Intramural research, direct medical care,training, and administrative activities arcconducted by Public Health Service agencies

in over 2,100 owned and nearly 500 leased

buildings located throtIghout the UnitedStates. At many locations sizeable numbersof buildings are grouped together intoresearch complexes (Center for DiseaseControl, National Institutes of Health, etc.)and into direct medical care complexes(Public Health Service Hospitals, IndianHealth Service Hospitals, etc.). Each

Individual building and/or complex has itsstandard operation and maintenance needswhich are usually compounded by peculiar

requirements and problems related to the

mission of the occupying program.

Engineering personnel operating Public,Health Service facilities develop, manage,and coordinate operation and maintenanceprograms. These programs are aimed at

solving environmental, structural, electri-cal, and mechanical problems peculiar :ofadlities designed and/or utilized forspecialized research, direct medical care,and many other, often unique, PHSactivities. Coordination with physicians,scientists, and program administrators isrequired tc assure provision of a safe

environment conducive to high quality

program performance.

2021

Typical Public Health Service engineeringprograms include provisions for handling

such concerns as:

1. Biohazard and contaminationcontrol,

2. Industrial hygiene,3. Hospital sanitation,4. Sanitary engineering,

5. Environmental studies,6. Training, and7. Theyaditienal structural,

electrical, and mechanicalaspects common to all

....facilities engineering programs.

A health physicist in the Radiation Safety Branch

tests air samples for the presence of gaseous radio-

active iodine. This branch employs lift sciencesoriented nuclear engineers to design and build .equipment for safely handling radioactive tracers

which are vital to research at NIH.,

ii

'A

*Vie

INN

S

4

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS OUTSIDE THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE

AGENCY )111 .4'±-

0a <

cc=

<tra=

zECATEGORY

ARCHITECTURAL EBIOMEDICAL IMCHEMICAL i .1CIVIL/SANITARY i ONOELECTRICAL

-ELECTRONIC i IIENVIRONMENTAL i iGENERAL MIINDUSTRIAL i ilUlMATERIAL 11111 iiiMECHANICAL iNUCLEAR iiiiiiSYSTEMS- , III

NATIONWIDE

LOCATIONS

Public Health Service engineers may be"loaned" for relatively short periods of timeto other Federal agencies; territorial, state,and local governments, international healthorganizations, and foreign governmentsUPON THE REQUEST of such agency,organization, or government.

In most instances, detailed engineers arcassigned as Public Health engineeringprogram consultants and/or advisors andhence must be senior staff personneleminently experienced in their field.However, the assignment...of:significantnumbers of entrance,le'vel commissionedofficer engineers to operating prpgrams ofthe Environmental Protection Agbncy hasoccurred in the past. .

Engineering personnel assigned to theEnvironmental Protection 'Agency c.insti-Lute, numericalVt, he largest single bodyof PHS engineers assigned to any non-PHSprogram. They occupy positions in mostEPA technical programs and are assignedto field, research, and administrativeoffices nationwide.

The Public Health Service also regularlyassigns a small numberof-experiencedengineers as Public Health SanitaryEngineering Consultants to the National

22

Park Service and ,to the U.S. Coast Guard.Numerous other organizations and agencies(e.g., the ConstImer Product SafetyCommission, the Council on-EnvironmentalQuality, World Health Organization, Agencyfur International Development, NationalOceanic and Atmospheric Administration,Maritime Administration) have requestedthe assignment-of PHS personnel to theirprogram activities. Suc!.... acquests are

4. unsidered inlight of their potential bene-ficial effect on national health goals andare honored untingent on the availabilityof suitable PHS personnel.

23

This PHS sanitary engineering officer and a CoastGuard construction crew foreman confer duringinstallation of an oilwater separation system designed to process vessel bilge water. Senior PHSengineers are working with Coast Guard personnelto maintain safe, healthful, and environmentallyacceptable conditions throughout the Coast Guard.

Thii solid waste conversion pilot plant has beenconstructed for the purpose of demonstratine thepracticality of converting municipal solid wasteInto 2 fuel which can supplement coal in the generation of electric poiver. PHS engineers on detailto the Environmental Protection Agency havemade significant contributions toward the advance.ment of solid waste management technology.

The PHS sanitary engineer shown here conductinga routine inspection, is a representative of an EPAregional water hygiene program. He is observingthe raw wrat6lanfOliiig.procedure used by an cm-ployee of.a large municipal skater treatment plant.

_24,

mot.

23

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYMENT DURING "FREE TIME" PERIODSOF THE ACADEMIC YEAR

CIVIL SERVICE SUMMEREMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

The Public Health Service employs a,limited number of engineers each Sommer,at the GS-5 salary level and above, underthe Civil Service Sumifier EmploymentProgram. Applicants must be collegegraduates or graduate students. Engineeringassignments fall int.) two major professional_disciplines. (1) Medical Research, and (2)Health Administration. Se lectees are pro.vided opportunities to become familiar withPHS programs and to consider spee.ifie,professional careers in the PHS.

Application filing deadlines arc established,each year, usually early spring (April 15),and are announced in Civil ServiceCommission 'Announcement No. 414Civil Service bismmission area officesupplements may, also be issued. Employ-ment application is made by sending aPersonal Qualificatrons'Statement (SF-171)and a CSC Form 2* Ur college transcript,to the address designat,ed in the put talon

announcemenGsupplerri7t.

Announcements, supplements, and addi-tional information are avai able from many

college placement offices a d any CSC areaoffice or Federal job !awl ation Center.

24

COMMISSIONED OFFICERSTUDENT TRAINING ANDEXTERN PROGRAM (COSTEP)

Throug% the Public Health ServiceCOSTEP program, a limited number ofeligible and qualified undergraduate,graduate students engaged in health-related studies are commissioned as reserve

officers in the corps and are called toactive duty for limited tours 'during the"free time period of 'heir academic year.The COSTCP experience offers participantsan excellent opportunity to further theirprofessional training and to becomefamiliar with PHS career oppgrtunities.For engineers, the varied programs andactivities of the PHS offer a wide variety oftraining opportunities to students who havecompleted a minimum of three years.of aBaccalaureate program, prior to assignment,and ,who plan to return to college aftertheir COSTEP tour.

Selection is highly competitive, dependingprilicipal4 on qualifieatiOns, availability ofassignments, and timing. ,COSTEP officersare entitled to pay and privileges equivalent to those of a Navy Ensign. To qualifyfur the COSTLP program, applicants mustbe. (1) U.S. citizens, (2) physically quali-fied, and (3) students in, or graduates of,a curriculum approved by the EngineersCouncil for Professional Development.Applicants cannot be members of anyother uniformed service. Applications for:,employment between May apd Augustmust be received by February 1. Addi-tional information and instructions can befound in CCPM Pamphlet*. 9, whichcan be obtained from the Office of.11'ersonnel Management by completing aninformation request cardlinside the backcover).

25`

",:HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRA-TION (HSA)

;Provides a nationarfocus for programs and.:.fiealkServices for all people of the United

'States: with emphasis on achieving the.integration-of-service-delivery and publicand private,financing systems to assure.their responsiveness to the needs ofindividuals and families in all levels of'society.

Engineering opportunities:in the,Health'Services AdministratiOn include, those in

the,: ,$

A.- 'INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE. .

The Indian Health Service assures a compre-hensive health services delivery system forAnieiican Indians and Alaska Natives. Its

goal.-'to raise the health level of theIndian and Alaska Native people to the

.highest possible level. To attain this goalthe IHS strives (1) to assist Indian tribes to

an:"nd manage their health programs,(2) to:act as the Indian and Alaska Native

advot in.the_ ealth fieldjto generate

.

other available interests and resources),and (3) to deliver the best possible compre-hensive health services and develop orimproye community and individual waterand sanitation facilities, solid waste collec-tion, and other environmental factorsaffecting health.

B. BUREAU OF MEDICALSERVICES

The Bureau of Medical Services providesdirect health care services, and support forsuch services,, to certain legal beneficiaries

of the Public Health Service. In carrying_out-this responsibility the bureau directsthe activities of two divisions whichemploy engineers, (1) the Division ofHospitals (operates PHS hospitals andoutpatient clinics for the benefit ofauthorizeckbeneficiaries),.and (2) the

Divisilti of Coast Guard Medical Services(develops and directs a comprehensivemedical program for military personnelof the Coast guard).

,L4

2

CENTER FOR DISEASE C NTROL(CDC)

Provides leadership and direction to pro-grams and activities designed to improve

the health of the people of the UnitedStates by preventing or controlling diseases,improving laboratory performance, andassuring safe and healthful working condi-tions for this country's labor force.

Engineering opportunities in the Centerfor Disease Control include those in the.

A. NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCU-PATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH . . .

This institute plans, directs, and coordi-nates the National program effort (1) todevelop and establish recommendedoccupational safetycand health standardsand (2) to conduct research, training, andrelated activities to assure safe and health-ful working conditions for every workingman and woman.

B. BUREAU OF STATE SERVICES,ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICESDIVISION

Among other responsibilities, this divisionconducts research, investigations, demon-strations, and programs directed toward thecontrol of environmentally induced humanhealth problems; assists states and localgovernments in the development of man-power, training programs and other servicesto deal with preventable conditions; andmaintains liaison with, and provides adviceand assistance to other Federal agencies andto international health organizations and.other outside groups on human healthproblems associated with environmentalfactors.

,porkihg through State health and environmentalcontrol agencies, the EliSD assists neighborhoodand major metropolitan areas carry on a majoreffort aimed at the eradication and control of the.,menacing and dangerous rat.

The National Institum fur 0i,,upational Safety and Health test) protclive eyeglasses by pla,,ng themin front of an air gun, shah tares 22 ,alsbre pellets into the lens at speeds.up to 300 feet per sci.ond.

7

28?7

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRA-TION (FDA)

Endeavors to protect the public health ofthe Nation as it may be impaired by foods,drugs, biological products, cosmetics, medi--cal devices, ionizing and non-ionizingradiation-emitting products and substances,poisons, pesticides, and food additives.FDA's regulatory functions are geared toinsure that: (1) Foods are safe, pure, andwholesome; (2) drugs, medical devices,and biological products are safe and effec-tive; (3) cosmetics are harmless; (4) allof the-above are honestly and informa-tively packaged; and (5) exposure topotentially injurious radiation is minimized.

Engineering op'ortunities in the FDAinclude those in the:

A. BUREAI ' OF MEDICAL DEVICESAND DIAGNOSTIC PRODUCTS . . . .

Among other responsibilities, conductsresearch, and coordinates the developmentof standards which identify criteria for thematerials used and the performance, sensi-tivity, accuracy, safety, and durability(among other elements relevant to safetyand performance) of medical devices anddiagnostic iiroducts; collects and evaluatesdata on significant hazards to the publichealth which may be caused by the use ofmedical devices and diagnostic products;assembles extramural panels of experts(1) to study the developmental, manufac-turing, and application aspects of medicaldevices and diagnostic products and (2) toclassify these products based on degree ofpotential hazard to human health; reviewsexisting and develops new test proceduresfor evaluating the safety and efficacy, ofmedical devices; and analyzes the materialand engineering design features of medicaldevices -to ensure compliance with existingsafety and performance requirements.

28

B. BUREAU OF FOODS, DIVISION OFFOOD TECHNOLOGY

Among other responsibilities, develops,evaluates, and drafts the substantive con-tent, including echnological and engineer-ing specifications, of current good manu-facturing practices, model ordinances andcodes, model regulations and amendmentsthereto; and administers cooperativeFederal-State shellfish and milk certifica-tion programs.

C. BUREAU OF RADIOLOGICALHEALTH

Among other responsibilities, develops andimplements a national program throughpromulgation of regulatory and voluntarystandards to limit unnecessary exposure ofthe population to potentially hazardousradiation, and assures that radiation is used

safely and efficaciously; among manufactur-ers of electronic products, enforces com-pliance with Federal radiation performancpstandards; conducts survey and complianceprograms related to radiation emission;conducts and supports research on thehealth effects of radiation exposure;develops criteria, recommendations, andstandards related to radiation use andexposure; develops and promotes improvedprocedures, techniques, and user qualifica-

tions for reducing unnecessary radiationexposure; provides technical and scientificsupport, including training, to otherbureaus within FDA and to other agencies.having-radiological health responsibilities.

D. OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR OF REGIONAL OPERA-TIONS

Directs the FDA field force which inspectsfoods, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, andother health related products; conductsabr ad range of programs in consumer andindus y education covering all facets ofFDA a tiles.

2'

Among the special studies conducted by the Shell-fish Sanitation Technical Service Units of FDA isone geared toward identifying ways-to naturallypurify polluted shellfish such as these. PHS engineers play a major role in the design of the puri-fication systems being studied.

A Bureau of Radiological Health engineer conductsan in-plant inspection to review quality controlprocedures used to insure the safety of diagnostic,x-ray equipment.

Hospital design criteria deve-loped by DID are used exten-sively by health facilitiesdesigners.

HEALTH RESOURCES ADMINIS-TRATION (HRA)

Provides leadership with respect to theidentification, deployment, and utilizationvi personnel, educational, physical, financial,and organizational resources in The achieve-ment of optimal health services for thepeople of the United States.

_Engineering opportunities in the HRA arelimited. A small number of engineers areemployed with the Architectural andEngineering Design and Equipment Branchof the Division of FaLilities Development,Office of Program Support, Bureau ofHealth Planning and Resources Development.

Among other responsibilities, the Divisionof Facilities Development provides leader-ship in the architectural, engineering andequipment aspects of the health facilitiest-onstruction program, conducts studies ondesign and construction requirements; andmaintains liaison with State hospitalassociations and other professional organi-zations concerned with design, construc-tion, and equipping of health facilities.

(his division administers the NationalCivilian Health Facilities Construction andModernization Program, popularly knownas the "Hill-Burton" Program.

or0100

NOISE 't'sHOSPISA IFIC1-.

:41

30

raygirnyjir

29

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OFHEALTH (NIH)

Provides leadership and direction toss

programs designed to improve the health ofthe people of the United States through theconduct and support of research (1) in thecauses, diagnosis, prevention, and cure ofdiseases of man, (2) in the processes ofhuman growth and development, (3) in thebiological effects of environmental contami-nantL and (4) in related science. NIHsupports the training of research personnel,construction of research facilities, and thedevelopment of other research resources.It directs programs for the collection,dissemination, and exchange of infirmationin medicine and health.'

Engineering opportunities with the NationalInstitutes of Health include those in the

A. r,D !VISION OF RESEARCHI

SERVICES

This division plans and conducts a centra-lized progran. of scientific, engin=eering and

technical services in support of NIH activi-ties;collaboratr:s with research scientists inproviding support during the planning,action, and report stages of research pro-jects; and furnishes services and specialized

assistance in the following areas. Biomedi-

cal engineering and instrumentation design

and development; research animal produc-

tion, care, procurement, and animal diseaseidentification and control; centralized glass;ware, tissue culture, and media preparationand issuance; environmental health and

30

;41

Ail".

1;2 r7. -

safety, includiridevaluation of radiologicalhazardOand rildical arts and photography.

B. DIVISION OF ENGINEERINGSERVICES

This division plans and conducts a central-ized program in support of the design,construction, operation, and maintenanceof NIH facilities, provides engineering andarchitectural services in the planing ofNIH facilities and improvements and theadministration and inspection of NIHconstruction protects (contract); providesenginetring craft and labor .,ervices inoperating and maintaining NIH buildings,grounds, utility plants, and related equip-ment; and maintains liaison with State

and local review/governing authorities.

C. DIVISION OF COMPUTER RE-SEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

This division has primary responsibility forincorporating the power of moderncomputers into the biomedical programsand administrative procedures of NIH. Italso serves as a scientific and technologicalresource for other organizations in the

PHS and related areas.

It plans and conducts research develop-mental and demonstration programs inmathematical and-other computer-relatedsciences, including information processing,in support of NIH programs, and Provides

a professional and technical advisory

resource in relevant areas of mathematics

and other computer-related sciences.

A biomedi-cal engineeroperates aheartlungmachine andmonitors thepatient's vitalsigns duringan operation.

31I

A DCRT computer operations center.

s12

'213.

32

ALCOHOL, DRUG ABUSE, ANDMENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRA-TIONI(ADAMHA)

Provides leadership in the Federal effort toreduce and eliminate, where possible, healthproblems that affect the people of theUnited States by the abuse of alcohol anddrugs, and to improve the mental healthof the people of the United States. Thismission is accomplished through programsof research, manpower and services develop-ment, and information and education.

Engineering opportunities in the Alcohol,Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administra-tion are limited. A small number of engi-neers are employed by the National Instituteof,Mental Health, Division of Clinical andCommunity Services, Saint ElizabethsHospital. Their principal responsibilitiesparallel those of the Division of Engineer-ing Services of the National Institutes ofHealth, i.e., they conduct a centralizedprogram in support of the construction,operation, and maintenance of SaintElizabeths Hospital, which is located inWashington, D.C.

-e

Saint ElizabethsHospital Complex(East), Washington,D.C.

arr

31

IN SUMMARYA NATIONWIDE STAFF OF ENGINEERING PROFESSIONALS ISENGAGED IN SUPPORTING THE PHS MISSION

U.S. CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION AREAS

CSC AREA 2 3 4 3

AGENCY , ::

9 .-1

.'.

= 3. 4 5 :-, , .

5 = 1. 4 ; 4.t-,± .4.1-1-.

CATEGORY

ARCI1111 (TURA! 101

INDIIIMMI

mil

mmanimpmmulamou

__4111

I

1

II

Ian0 imm

i 10111810MFDICA1

oirmitm m 111 CINNEVIM La0

11110110.11

..CIVIL SANIt ARY 100111

III 0MO1

11110111110111NRINEONINNINOD1EE151

ELECTRICAL alE1111111111

11150105II WW31111111I IBM 1111

ELECTRONIC

ENVIRONMi NTA

GENERAL 100111 OR 011MWMDRE DO muMOMM 114,Nmulvm sou micusimicais itommiIIIII

111111 MOROMME1010111=0 DEmAnwm- 401111MEMMUMEMMODOS

mmlAm(g 111**MEOMMOSIMMODUNummt W EMMONWIENWOM MR111111 KMSYSTEMS III 110M11 1111111KOMMIIMII

CSC AREA 7 8 9 10 11 12

AGENCY )11P- -'

01111111"L. 7, -11110

4...4....

i:3y CATEGORY

ARC111TECTURAt

BIOMEDICAL MO IIMEWICINILIMMI0111111Dmingam BELIEmillt.

OMBminsQIIIIIIS

INCEIIIoirmiou .0.111...

No II MOMMI3CIVIL 'SANITARY .,.....__1

1OMOMOU"

CIWCIDiELECTRICAL 1110EMEMSNouNENNEENNEEEN3

No'MOM

I

giumnimummili-1---wil uNNENIMINIIIIN

Hann

ELECTRONIC

ENVIRONMENTAL 0uNERAt momminiID

1112111EMIE0R MEW

.00

aniINDUSTRIAL

MATERIALMECHANICAL ICI

MERIINCIIII0IN0IgE111

IIMIRMIIIIIIIMINIIMII1110 0** go.

NUCLEAR MM flo

SYSTEMS IOU WE 110 00THIS MATRIX ILLUSTRAELS TILE. %AR L Y UI LNt INti RINt, SI I It IAI 111 N t, !HALLO ,Lit 80111191SEMPLOYMENT SYSTEMS) N LACI CSC ARE ADOT DENSITY IS NOT INDICATIVE OF STAFFING LEVEL

32 33

Ili

C.'

ts,

ENGINEER UTILIZATION Approximately one thousand graduateengineers are employed within the Depart-ment of Health, 2ducation, and Welfare bythe Office of the Secretary, DHEW, and bytwo of the principal operating componentsof DHEW, i.e., the Public Health Service,and the Social Security Administration.The engineering resources of the Departrnentare distributed among its various operatingcomponents and their programs in propor-tions as depicted on this and the followingpage.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, and WELFARE

Social SecurityAdministration

BY AGENCY

PUBLIC HEALTH.SERVICE

Office or the Asst.Secy. for Hcalth

Health

Services

Admin.

Food andDrug Admin.

Health Resources Administration

-Alcohol, Drug Abuse, andMental Hcalth Admin.

Center

forDiseaseControl

NationalInstitutesof Health

BY AGENCY*

CivilService

CommissionedCorps

BY PERSONNEL SYSTEM

Industrial

Chemical

Ctvd

Service

CommissionedCorps

General

Other

Mechanical

Electronic

Electrical

BY PERSONNEL SYSTEM* BY SPECIALTY*

Civil/Sanitaryand

Environmental

* Does not reflect over 200 commissioned officer engineers detailed to other DHEWagencies and to other federal agency programs.

34 35

DISTRIBUTION BY.ACADEMIC MAJOR OR CATEGORY OFSPECIALIZATION IN PRINCIPAL PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE AGENCIES

Mechanical

ALCOHOL, DRUG ABUSE, AND MENTALHEALTH ADMINISTRATION

(14)

OtherGeneral Industrial

Mechanical

Civil/Sani ?ryand Environmental

Electronic/Electrical

CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL(103)

Chemical

Civil/Sanitaryand

Environmental

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH(141)

Approximate number ofpgineers employedas of 6/30/76 shown in parentheses belowagency name.

Electronic

Architectural

HEALTH RESOURCES ADMINISTRAT ION

t(15)

36

'Other

A ,

Industrial

Chemical

Civil/Sanitaryand

Environmental

Mechanical

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION(128)

Mechanical Industrial

Other ,iik General

ap ii:leetrical

Civil/Sanitary andEnvironmental

HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION(204) L

35

TWO EMPLOYMENT SYSTEMS The Public Health Service operates a broadrange of programs to carry out responsibili-ties placed upon it by Acts of Congress. Forstaffing purposes, PHS utilizes two employ-ment systemsCommissioned Corps and Civil Service.Operationally, health programs utilize a mixof both systems.

COMMISSIONED CORPS SYSTEM

The Commissioned Corps is one of theseven uniformed services of the UnitedStates. Others are the Army, Navy, MarineCorps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and theCommissioned Officer Corps of theNational Oceanic and AtmosphericAdministration. Uniquely, the Corps is anall-officer organization ofprofessionals inhealth-related fields.

GRADE and PAY: Grade is vested in theofficer and retained uponassignment andduring transfers among assignments (Rankin Man). Quarters and subsistance pay isnot taxable. See Page 43 for pay tables.

MOBILITY: Subject to assignment wherever needed.

LEAVE: annual- - All officers earn 30,calendar days of leaveper year. Maximum60 days annual leave

sick- -

carryover from yearto year.Granted as needed.

RETIREMENT PLAN: Noncontributory(officer has nothing deducted from pay-check for retirement; however, officer doespay social security on taxable income).

RETI REMENT: Permissive between 20and 30 years of creditable service..Voluntary at 30 years creditable service.Mandatory at age 64. Benefit limited to75 percent highest base pay rate.

MEDICAL CARE: Noncontributory medi-cal care coverage during active duty andretirement.

For further information about theCommissioned Corps, see CC PamphletNumber 41, available by mailing theinformation request card on page 43.

COMPARISON OF GRADES

PHS NAVYARMY/

-AIR FORCEAPPROX. EQUIV.

CIV. SVC

08 SURG GEN3 REAR ADM' MAJOR GEN GS-17/18

07 ASST SURG GEN REAR ADM2 BRIG GEN GS-16/17

06 DIR CAPT . COL GS-15/16

05 SR CDR LT COL GS-13

04 FULL LT CDR MAJOR GS-12

03 SR ASST LT CAPT GS-11/12

02 ASST LT (JG) 1ST LT GS-09

01 JR ASST ENSIGN 2ND LT -.GS-07

1. Upper Half

36

2:.Lower Half 3. Also Certain Asst Sorg Gen's

37

For most positions, professionals may beappointed from either the Civil Service orthe Commissioned Corps. Selection dependsupon requirements of the job, availability ofqualified personnel, applicant's employmentsystem ,preference, and related'factors.

TWO EMPLOYMENT SYSTEMS

CIVIL SERVICE SYSTEM

The Civil Service System is the Federalcivilian (compelitiv .) career system. Morethan 2,800,000 persons are employed,nationwide, under this personnel system.The_majority of Civil Service positions arcin the Executive Branch of government;that is, in agencies under the President'sdirection. Over ,90 percent of all Federalpositions fall under this system. ,

GRADE and PAY: Grade is vested in theposition :Rank in Job). Employee receivesbasic pay only. Tax is paid on entireearnings. See Page 43 for current pay

tables.

MOBILITY: Employee not generallysubject to involuntary relocation(mobility restricted to positions acceptable

' to employee).

LEAVE: annual- - Leave earned isdetermined by yearsof service, i.e., 13workdays per yearduring the first 3years, 20 days upto 15 years, 26days for over 15years. Unused leavemay accumulate to30 days.

sick- - 13 days,per yeargranted. Unusedsick leave may beaccumulatedindefinitely.

RETIREMENT PLAN: COntributory system(employee has 7 percent deducted fromsalary). Employee is_ not covered by socialsecurity.

RETIREMENT: Elective at age 62 and fiveyears of creditable civilian service; age 60and 20 years of creditable service; or age55 with 30 years of creditable service,of which must be civilian service. Manda-tory at age 70 (with 15 years of service).Annuity limited to 80 percent of "High-3"average salary:

MEDICAL CARE.: Contributory healthinsurance program.

For further information about the CivilService system, sec the publication,"Working for the USA," BRE 37,available from CSC area offices andFederal Job Information Centers.

37

r

EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS

Engineers may enter the Public HealthService either by appointment to theCorn missioncd,Corps or through theCivil Service system. The followingminimum requirements apply for employ-ment:

United States citizenship

Physical Eligibility

A Bachelor of Science degree in engi-neering in a curriculum accredited

'by the ECPD (Commissioned Corps)

A degree as described above or satisfac-tion of alternative conditions (CivilService); see Announcement 424.

PAY AND ALLOWANCES

Government policy is that salaries ofFederal employees should be comparableto those paid by private employers forwork at the same levels of difficulty andresponsibility. Government salaries arereviewed frequently and changes are madeas needed. Persons choosing careers in

Government may expect, over the years,pay geared to the economy.

Civil Service personnel are paid, biweekly,at a rate consistent with their job rating andtheir longevrty in Government service. CivilService entry level for graduate engineerswith no prior Government service is GS-5or GS-7.

Commissioned personnel are paid monthly.Pay and allowances are based on rank,longevity, and dependency status. Onlybasic pay is taxable. Commissioned Corpsentry level for graduate engineers with noprior Government service is Assistant Grade(02), Equivalent to Navy LT(jg). t!

See Supplemental Information section(page 43) for current Civil Service andCommissioned Corps pay scales.

38 39

.:,

A

<:.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT ANDTRAINING

lThe gro with and development of allemploye s is essential for effective prograin

roperaton and strong professional leadership.In this re ard, the Public Health Servicesupports at d encourages employee develop-ment thro ill training, professional recog-nition, and areer planning.

Federal agencies operate Training programsto improve efficiency and economy ofoperations, to develop an experienced workforce, and to help employees achieve theirhighest potential. Training and educationalopportunities for PHS employees include:

\l'nservicetraining at PHS installations;

draining in other Federal agencies; andotside-theservice training in educationaland other instiwtions.

I t is a PHS policy that, within budgetarylimitations, the service will support clinical,academic, technical, or managerial trainingat non-PHS training facilities, which willhelp the service meet its responsibilitiesand operate more effectively. Note: TheGovernment Employees Training Act of1958 places some restrictions on thetraining of Civil Service employees, i.e.,employees are limited to one (in somecases two) years of training during a ten-year period, and are barred from receiving

training during the first year of theirappointment. Commissioned Corpsofficers are not affected by theserestrictions. ,

Under the PHS Career Development.).

Program career development committeesfor most categories of health professions,including engineers, have been established.These committees counsel individuals oncaret:: development patterns and goals,recommend assignments essential for -well rounded experience in line withcareer goals, and monitor career progress.The committees also assist in the coordi-nation of efforts within the PHS to insurethat career development programs meet theobjectives of the individual and the Service.

...9

40 39

EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION PROCEDURES

-.40

COMMISSIONED CORPS

Applications for active duty for extendedperiods of time will be accepted at any time

during the year. Applicants should submittheir applications as early as possible,ideally, six months prior to their availability

ate. The added lead time permitsthorough canvassing of programs forpersonriel requirements over a longer

period of time and-improves the chancesfor employment. Applications for-"short-term" duty under the COSTEPprogram must be received by theCommissioned Personnel OperationsDivision by specified dates, depending onthe timing of the desired active dutyassignment. Application deadlines arespecified in the booklet entitled"Commissioned Officer Student Trainingand Extern Program," CCPM PamphletNo: 9. Copies of this pamphlet andapplication packets for both extendedactive duty and COSTEP assignments areavailable from the PHS Office ofPersonnel (see Page 43 for informationrequest card or Page 2 for address).

Applicants should complete all forms inthe application packet and forward them,

along with appropriate attachinents, to

the Commissioned Personnel Operations

Division, USPHS. They will be advised of

when and where to report for their oral

interview and physical examination.

Applicants should keep the CommissionedPersonnel gyrations Division advised ofaddress and/or telephone number changes

for as long as they maintain an interest in

PHS employment. This is-particularlycrucialfollowing-roinpletion of theacademic year when many applicantsdepart from the vicinity of their university.

If an applicant's interest in PHS employ-

ment ceases to exist for any reason what-

soever, the PHS Office of Personnel should

be notified immediately..

41

EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION PROCEDURES

;CIVIL SERVICE

Opportunities to apply for Civil Servicepdsitions in Engineering, Physical andMathematical Sciences, and RelatedProfessions are "announced" by the CivilService Commission in one nationwideannouncement (Number 424), which canbe obtained from any Civil Service Commis-sion area office or Federal Job InformationCenter. In general, applications are acceptedby altorea offices for all such professionsat-all times. Periodically, applications arenot accepted for employment of -specificoccupational categories in a given areaoffice. Notice to that effect is given byamendment to the basic announcement.

For positions graded GS-5 and GS-7,applications are reviewed and the applicantsare assigned a numerical rating and referredin-the order of their standing on a list ofeligibles, to any hiring Federal agency withinthe area office's geographical limits. Forgrades GS -9 -and glove, applications arcreviewed as vacancies occur. The applicant'squalifications are compared with the specificrequirements of the position to determinethe order of referral. For this reason, it isextremely important to complete theSF-171 as specifically as possible to ensureconsideration for highly specializedpositions.

For employment under the Civil Servicesystem, a separate Civil Service application(form SF1T1, etc.) must be sent to eachCivil Service area office having jurisdictionover each of the geographic locations wherethe applicant is interested in working.Applicants will not be considered foremployment in locations where they havenot specifically indicated their desire towork by filing an application with theappropriate area office.

42

Applicants especially interested in employ-ment with the Public Health Servicethrough the Civil Service system areadvised to send a copy of their completedCSC application (SF-171) and a gradetranscript to the Office of the ChiefEngineer, Public Health Service (addresson page 43). Each application receivedwill be forwarded to the health agency forwhich the applicant indicates an interest inworking. NOTE: An applicant must still beincluded on the Civil Service Commission'slist of eligibles to be.hired by any healthagency.

College seniors or graduate students mayfile applications for employment prior tocompleting all their scholastic requirements,provided the applicant expects to completesuch requirements within nine months orthe date the application is filed. Anappointment may be offered, but theapplicant may not enter on duty untilsuccessful:completion of all requiredcoursework.

applicants t.untinuc to receive considera-tion for appointment for a period of oneyear unless removed from Lonsideration dueto acceptance of a position, failure to replyto official correspondence, or for otherreasons.

1

41

1

'11. two 1. I UhO

O. I

. : O.I

1 2. I

t .

, a a