Pharmacy Technician

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Birmingham (AL)

On-site

USD 65,000 - 85,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Birmingham, AL seeks a certified Pharmacy Technician at the full performance GS-8 level. Certification by PTCB or ExCPT is required, and duties include sterile and nonsterile preparation, dispensing, and distribution of hazardous medications.

The role supports aseptic technique and compliance with USP standards. The position emphasizes independent judgment, annual competencies, and federal employment standards.

Qualifications

National certification by PTCB or ExCPT required.
GS-8 level certification suitable for full performance duties.
Federal employment qualifications per U.S. DoE guidelines for education recognition.

Responsibilities

Prepare, compound, dispense, and distribute sterile and nonsterile hazardous medications.
Review physician orders for cytotoxic agents and pre-medication.
Label, calculate dosages, and compound agents per guidelines using literature and procedures.
Maintain IV room inventory and ensure storage, rotation, and waste minimization per NIOSH guidelines.
Perform sterile compounding per USP 795/797/800 and aseptic techniques.
Maintain records related to sterile compounding and annual competencies.

Education

PTCB certification

ExCPT certification

Job description

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

This position is for a certified pharmacy technician at the full performance level GS-8 at the Birmingham VA Healthcare System. Pharmacy technicians at this grade level are nationally certified by PTCB or ExCPT and can work autonomously, using independent judgement to perform a full range of duties.

Key Responsibilities

Performs essential role in preparation, compounding, dispensing, and distribution of sterile and nonsterile hazardous medication within designated sterile compounding areas. Receives, reviews, and prepares physician order for cytotoxic agents and pre-medication. Performs accurate product identification labeling dosage calculation, and compounding of agents by utilizing package literature, written procedural guidelines and application of specialized knowledge.

Successfully complete assignments and maintain annual competencies to compound hazardous and non-hazardous IV sterile preparations according to USP <795><797> and <800> standards. Follows proper aseptic preparation techniques when compounding hazardous and non-hazardous medications. Reviews anticipated inventory needs and notifies procurement technician in a timely manner of products required. Assists in maintaining all required records related to sterile compounding.

Receives hazardous IV chemotherapy inventory stock according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) guidelines placing in proper storage areas, rotating stock on shelves, and removing/replacing outdated items. Maintains Chemo/lV room medication inventory, compounding supplies and cleaning products to ensure availability and minimize waste. Conducts daily, weekly, and monthly IV room cleaning to include check for soon to expire medications.

Manufactures uncomplicated and/or complicated parenteral admixtures to be delivered in the form of large volume, small volume, infusion syringe or other as required. Prepares sterile ophthalmic preparations and other complex sterile pharmaceuticals such as total parenteral alimentations and cardioplegia solutions. Assist in the central IV sterile suite as needed.

Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of USP 795/797/800 chapters and hazardous drug handling to assist in management, compliance, staff education activities, training, and room certifications. Participate in glove fingertip and media fill testing, maintain competences passing didactic practical skill assessment initially and annually thereafter. Assists in airborne particulate and microbial testing and surface testing to ensure cleaning schedules are met.

Ensures full compliance with all regulatory requirements (VHA, Joint Commission, USP <795><797><800>, EPA, OSHA, NIOSH, and FDA). Assists in maintaining a training/education manual for the focus area assigned. Provides training for new or existing staff so that these competencies are maintained. Ability to evaluate, analyze and coordinate workflow independently in the assigned area. Performs all the duties of lower grade technicians, if required.

Work Schedule: 8-hr shift between 6a and 6p with rotating weekend, holidays, evening, and nights (WHEN) hours Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Functional Statement #: 60069F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

Requirements & Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.

For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $65210 – $84770/yr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-02.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.