Medical Technician

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Cedar Rapids, IA, seeks a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) to perform routine laboratory testing, quality control, and basic instrument maintenance using both manual and automated methods.

Testing may be waived, moderate, and complex per established protocols. Applicants pending certification may be referred but cannot be hired until requirements are met, including citizenship, education, and certification. English proficiency is required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of MLT principles and practices.
• Experience with quality control and QA procedures.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair laboratory instrumentation.
• Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively.
• Ability to interpret complex laboratory results.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboratory testing on biological specimens and environmental samples.
• Conduct quality control procedures and calibration of instruments.
• Carry out basic instrument maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Handle waived, moderate, and complex testing per established protocols.

Skills

MLT principles

Quality control

Instrumentation troubleshooting

Teamwork

Interpret lab results

Education

MLT certification eligibility

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Job description

The Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) performs routine laboratory testing, quality control procedures, basic instrument maintenance, and troubleshooting. Testing is conducted on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using both manual and automated methods. The MLT performs waived, moderate, and complex testing in accordance with established protocols.

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.
• Education. Candidates must meet the applicable educational requirements for certification.
• Certification: Candidates must currently possess one of the appropriate certifications as an MLT granted by the following organizations.
  • (a) American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) i ASCP, Board of Certification. OR ii ASCP, Board of Registry.
  • (b) American Medical Technologists. OR
  • (c) American Association of Bioanalysts.
• Exception: Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification may receive a temporary appointment up to the full performance level not to exceed two years as a graduate MLT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2) without the option to extend.
• English Language Proficiency. MLT candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).

Grade Determinations

GS-06:

In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Knowledge of MLT principles, practices, concepts and theories for sound independent work.
2. Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures to manage reagents and supply inventories using document control systems.
3. Ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation.
4. Ability to work as a team member in a laboratory setting to effectively complete assignments.
5. Ability to use technical judgment to interpret laboratory results.
6. Ability to apply complex written laboratory instructions.
7. Ability to consult with other members of the health care team, patients and external customers.

Preferred Experience

Phlebotomy experience.

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-6.

Physical Requirements

You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.