Lead Medical Technologist (Microbiology) GS-0644-11
The incumbent is a qualified, experienced Medical Technologist who serves as the lead medical technologist for the Microbiology section of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service. Performs work assignments and provides technical assistance to the Microbiology Supervisor. In the absence of the Supervisor, the incumbent is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the Microbiology department. Passes instruction/information to the Medical Technologists. Assigns tasks to be performed, in the absence of the supervisor. Works with the other Medical Technologists in all areas of the Microbiology department, setting the pace and demonstrating proper work methods. Ensures high quality, timely, cost-effective, and regulatory compliant diagnostic services. Monitors inventory. Researches and solves problems. The incumbent exercises good judgment and provides sound expertise on microbiology issues and processes. Adjusts work assignments, when necessary. Reviews work/results of staff to check for documentation, accuracy, and completeness. Performs, evaluates, and monitors appropriate quality control. Operates, maintains, calibrates, and troubleshoots all microbiology equipment. Provides training and evaluation of various levels of competency. Develops and implements appropriate policies, protocols, and procedures to effectively carry-out the mission of the section, service, VISN, and VA Headquarters. Responsible for evaluation, modification or adaptation of new methods, procedures and protocols to expand overall quality of testing and provide new improved products. Incumbent may have to work irregular days/hours, some weekends and occasional holidays. Work Schedule:
The regular tour of duty is 7:
30 a.m. - 4:
00 p.m., May be required to work every 3rd weekend, holidays, overtime, as assigned. Functional Statement:
521 FS Lead, Medical Technologist (Microbiology) Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP):
This position is eligible for Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan reimbursement program. If selected for this position, you must meet specific individual eligibility requirements, and you must submit your application within 120 days of appointment. The final award amount (up to $200,000, not to exceed $40,000 per year) and eligibility period (one to five years) is determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services office. For additional information on how to apply, contact Human Resources via email at vhabirhremployeerelations@va.gov to speak with the EDRP Coordinator. 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:
MTs must be proficient in spoken and written English. Certification:
Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT. Education or Education/Experience Combination:
(1) A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g., laboratory sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc) AND completion of a medical technology clinical practice program. Clinical practice programs completed after 1974 must have been accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, formerly CAHEA), or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The professional curriculum may have consisted of a post-baccalaureate certificate program or be integrated into a four-year program of study that culminated in a baccalaureate degree. OR (2) A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics.ANDtwo years of post-certification clinical laboratory experience (e.g., blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical microscopy, etc.) within the last ten years as a certified Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC), American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR) or American Medical Technologists (AMT). This experience must include performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. OR (3) A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics, AND five years of clinical laboratory experience within the last ten years performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. NOTE:
Foreign Education. Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational and/or experience requirements if the degree is found to be equivalent to degree programs recognized by the NAACLS or clinical laboratory experience as described in paragraph 2b(2) or (3) above. This finding may be based on either of the following:
(1) A letter from a college or university with a baccalaureate program recognized by the NAACLS stating that the individual's foreign degree has been evaluated and been found to be equivalent to its bachelor of medical technology degree. OR (2) A letter from ASCP-BOC or AMT stating that the individual is eligible for the certification examination. NOTE:
Grandfathering Provision. 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).All MTs employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to the position, the following provisions apply:
(1) MTs that do not meet the basic requirements for education and certification may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.(2) MTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.(3) MTs initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain certification that meets all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.(4) If MTs who were retained in this occupation under this provision leave the occupation, the MT loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Grade Determinations:
GS-11 (a) Experience. Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the full performance level (GS-9), which is directly related to the position to be filled. OR, (b) Education. Must have 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related field.In addition to the experience or education above. The candidate must demonstrate the following:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
a. Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of clinical laboratory practice. b. Knowledge of regulatory, licensing and accrediting agency requirements and statutes governing clinical laboratory operations in order to plan, implement or monitor laboratory programs and services. c. Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section. d. Skill to maintain, troubleshoot and repair laboratory instrumentation. e. Ability to provide technical oversight in order to manage personnel and work assignments in a manner that assures completion of the laboratory workload. Physical Requirements:
The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing for long periods of time, bending over microscopes, etc. The work involves regular and recurring risks on discomforts associated with working in a clinical laboratory, e.g., working with infectious substances and irritant reagents. The technologist follows standard precautions guidelines at all times by wearing protective clothing such as coats, goggles, or gloves and takes special safety precautions such as adopting sterile techniques. References:
VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G24. Medical Technologist Qualification Standard GS-644 NOTE:
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
The regular tour of duty is 7:
30 a.m. - 4:
00 p.m., May be required to work every 3rd weekend, holidays, overtime, as assigned. Functional Statement:
521 FS Lead, Medical Technologist (Microbiology) Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP):
This position is eligible for Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan reimbursement program. If selected for this position, you must meet specific individual eligibility requirements, and you must submit your application within 120 days of appointment. The final award amount (up to $200,000, not to exceed $40,000 per year) and eligibility period (one to five years) is determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services office. For additional information on how to apply, contact Human Resources via email at vhabirhremployeerelations@va.gov to speak with the EDRP Coordinator. 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:
MTs must be proficient in spoken and written English. Certification:
Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT. Education or Education/Experience Combination:
(1) A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g., laboratory sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc) AND completion of a medical technology clinical practice program. Clinical practice programs completed after 1974 must have been accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, formerly CAHEA), or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The professional curriculum may have consisted of a post-baccalaureate certificate program or be integrated into a four-year program of study that culminated in a baccalaureate degree. OR (2) A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics.ANDtwo years of post-certification clinical laboratory experience (e.g., blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical microscopy, etc.) within the last ten years as a certified Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC), American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR) or American Medical Technologists (AMT). This experience must include performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. OR (3) A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics, AND five years of clinical laboratory experience within the last ten years performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. NOTE:
Foreign Education. Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational and/or experience requirements if the degree is found to be equivalent to degree programs recognized by the NAACLS or clinical laboratory experience as described in paragraph 2b(2) or (3) above. This finding may be based on either of the following:
(1) A letter from a college or university with a baccalaureate program recognized by the NAACLS stating that the individual's foreign degree has been evaluated and been found to be equivalent to its bachelor of medical technology degree. OR (2) A letter from ASCP-BOC or AMT stating that the individual is eligible for the certification examination. NOTE:
Grandfathering Provision. 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).All MTs employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to the position, the following provisions apply:
(1) MTs that do not meet the basic requirements for education and certification may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.(2) MTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.(3) MTs initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain certification that meets all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.(4) If MTs who were retained in this occupation under this provision leave the occupation, the MT loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Grade Determinations:
GS-11 (a) Experience. Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the full performance level (GS-9), which is directly related to the position to be filled. OR, (b) Education. Must have 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related field.In addition to the experience or education above. The candidate must demonstrate the following:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
a. Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of clinical laboratory practice. b. Knowledge of regulatory, licensing and accrediting agency requirements and statutes governing clinical laboratory operations in order to plan, implement or monitor laboratory programs and services. c. Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section. d. Skill to maintain, troubleshoot and repair laboratory instrumentation. e. Ability to provide technical oversight in order to manage personnel and work assignments in a manner that assures completion of the laboratory workload. Physical Requirements:
The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing for long periods of time, bending over microscopes, etc. The work involves regular and recurring risks on discomforts associated with working in a clinical laboratory, e.g., working with infectious substances and irritant reagents. The technologist follows standard precautions guidelines at all times by wearing protective clothing such as coats, goggles, or gloves and takes special safety precautions such as adopting sterile techniques. References:
VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G24. Medical Technologist Qualification Standard GS-644 NOTE:
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11.
- Department:
0644 Clinical Laboratory Science - Salary Range:
$64,180 to $83,433 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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