Job Summary

The incumbent serves as a Histopathology Technician in Montana VA Health Care System, Ft. Harrison site responsible for coverage of all clinical disciplines of Histology and Cytology area of Anatomic pathology section. Required to cover shifts independently as assigned on our five days per week service.

Job Description

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Experience and/or Education: Experience - One year of experience in a health care field that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work such as but not limited to a medical or clinical laboratory assistant (or technician) or health technician. Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. Examples are listed below: (a) Six months of experience in the health care field and two years of education above high school that included at least six semester hours in health care related courses such as biological science, surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position; or an associate's degree in a health care related field. (b) Six months of experience in the health care field and successful completion of a course for health care technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or histopathology technicians given by the U.S. Armed Forces. English Language Proficiency. Histopathology Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5.a., this part. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: Histopathology Technician, GS-7 (Advanced) Experience - One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs. Skill in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. Ability to provide technical oversight of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement exhibiting competence in managing reagent and supply inventories and document control systems. Ability to validate methodologies, operate anatomic pathology laboratory equipment and perform complex instrument troubleshooting. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and evaluate laboratory results and resolve problems. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-7. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring standing to perform tests; prolonged sitting while utilizing instrumentation; walking, reaching, stooping and bending to obtain supplies and operate instruments. The incumbent occasionally lifts heavy containers of reagents or supplies. Work Environment The work involves moderate risks or discomforts associated with working in a pathology laboratory with regular and recurrent exposure to hazards such as infectious materials, hazardous, toxic, and carcinogenic reagents (e.g. formaldehyde, xylene, acids, bases) and sharp objects (e.g. scalpel blades and microtome knives). The incumbent must use protective clothing and gear such as gloves, face masks, safety goggles, mechanical pipetting devices and biologic safety hoods as indicated by established safety procedures. The incumbent is required to read and follow guidelines stated in P&LMD and medical center safety manuals.