Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Operating Room)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Richmond seeks a Radiologic Technologist assigned to the Operating Room to provide fluoroscopic and radiographic imaging support during surgical and interventional procedures.

The role involves operating C‑arm fluoroscopy and portable X‑ray equipment in sterile fields, reviewing exam requests, and assisting with contrast administration under physician supervision. On‑call and overtime are required to support emergent cases.

Qualifications

• General radiologic technology certification (ARRT) required.
• Completion of 24-month post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program (certificate or associate degree).
• One year of OR X-ray experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform intra‑operative imaging procedures including fluoroscopy and C‑arm radiography for orthopedic, vascular, neurosurgical, and general surgery cases.
• Provide high‑quality portable radiography within the sterile field and collaborate with surgical teams on imaging angles and radiation safety.
• Review requests for appropriateness before exams.
• Prepare and administer contrast material under physician supervision.
• Responsible for care, operation, and image transfer of all X‑ray equipment in the operative theatre.
• Assist in training imaging personnel as the department expands.
• Schedule includes early morning hours with on‑call and overtime for emergencies.

Skills

Patient care balance

Clinical decision making

Intraoperative imaging

Radiation safety

Education

Certificate or Associate degree in diagnostic radiologic technology

Tools

C‑arm fluoroscopy

Portable radiography equipment

Job description

Summary

The Diagnostic Imaging Department is seeking a Radiologic Technologist assigned to the Operating Room (OR). The incumbent provides fluoroscopic and radiographic imaging support during surgical and interventional procedures—including cholangiograms, podiatric procedures, deep brain stimulator placement, and vascular cases such as runoffs, stent placements, and endovascular grafts. The incumbent operates specialized imaging equipment to support timely, high‑quality care for Veterans.

Qualifications

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.
• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d).
• Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology - Radiography (ARRT) (R).
• Education. Completion of a full‑time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post‑high school diagnostic radiologic technology program—evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree—accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or other recognized agencies.
• Grade Determinations: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level of GS‑8 that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
• Knowledge‑Skills‑Abilities: Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures; knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers; ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure; knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography; knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques, and universal precautions; knowledge of pre‑procedural, procedural, and post‑procedural care of patients.
• Preferred Experience: One year of experience providing X‑ray support in the operating room setting.
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09.

Duties

• Perform intra‑operative imaging procedures including fluoroscopy, C‑arm‑guided radiography, and specialized imaging support for orthopedic, vascular, neurosurgical, and general surgery cases.
• Provide high‑quality portable radiography within the sterile field and collaborate closely with surgical teams to ensure optimal imaging angles and radiation safety; operate advanced fluoroscopic equipment during complex operative interventions.
• Review requests for appropriateness before performing exams.
• Prepare and administer contrast material orally, by enema, or intravenously under physician supervision.
• Responsible for the care of, operation, and image transfer of all types of X‑ray equipment within the operative theatre.
• Assist in the training of additional imaging personnel as the department expands.
• The work is highly complex, with procedures that may be lengthy (sometimes lasting several hours).
• Frequently, the procedures are needed emergently with only short notice.
• Responsible for training, assisting, supervising, and coordinating the work of one or more lower‑graded technologists when an assigned area requires more than one technologist.
• Work Schedule: 8:00 am‑4:40 pm Monday‑Friday; this position requires rotating on‑call duties and overtime for emergency coverage.
• Telework: Not available; this is not a virtual position.
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Not authorized.
• Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized.
• Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases, with a higher step rate available for higher or unique qualifications.
• Paid Time Off: 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year (13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays); selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service experience.
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full‑time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25 % of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children, up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5 % in contributions by VA; insurance includes federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care (many federal programs can be carried into retirement).
• This is an open continuous announcement that is intended to continually solicit applications to fill immediate and future vacancies.
• Vacant positions may or may not be available at the time of application.
• Applications will be reviewed and referred as vacancies occur and will only remain active for seven months from the date of submission.
• Applicants will be notified when their applications have been reviewed and referred for further consideration.