Medical Laboratory Technician

Summary

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.

All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to clearly demonstrate your experience in your application package may result in disqualification. All applicants are encouraged to submit responses to each Knowledge - Skill - and Ability (KSA) on a separate document.

• 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
• 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)
• 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: GS-05:
  
  Experience:
  
  None beyond the basic requirements
• GS-06 :
  
  Experience:
  
  In addition to the basic requirements - candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level
• Knowledge
  - Skills and Abilities:
  
  In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • Knowledge of MLT principles - practices - concepts and theories for sound independent work
  • Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures to manage reagents and supply inventories using document control systems
  • Ability to maintain - troubleshoot and repair instrumentation
  • Ability to work as a team member in a laboratory setting to effectively complete assignments
  • Ability to use technical judgment to interpret laboratory results
  • Ability to apply complex written laboratory instructions
  • Ability to consult with other members of the health care team - patients and external customers
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to 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.

• This announcement is open continuous
• Certificates will be issued to the hiring manager on a biweekly basis until all positions have been filled
• Announcement will remain open until all vacancies are filled and may close sooner than 1/29/2026
• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major Duties Include - but are not limited to the following:
  Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis - requesting new specimens if determined to be unusable
• Prepares specimens for analysis - ensuring that the physiological state of the specimen properties is maintained
• Selects - performs - evaluates and monitors the performance of test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols
• Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction
• locates and implements corrections
• Performs quality control procedures on equipment - reagents - and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports
• Calibrates - standardizes - adjustments and maintains instruments
• Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring
• Identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs
• Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures
• Correlates quantitative data with patient data (i.e.
  
  - history - medications) to verify results
• Performs additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results
• Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician and reports them directly
• Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results recorded into the computer system
• Collects specimens with minimal…