Overview

Histopathology Technician The Veterans Health Administration was seeking a Histopathology Technician for the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Muskogee, OK. This position supports anatomic pathology operations by retrieving, accessioning, labeling, processing, embedding, cutting, staining, and preparing surgical, cytology, autopsy, frozen section, bone marrow, and fine needle biopsy specimens while maintaining quality control, equipment function, chain of custody, safety, and regulatory compliance. Agency: Veterans Health Administration Facility: Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center Location: Muskogee, OK Vacancies: 1 Salary: $40,736 - $59,031 per year Pay Scale & Grade: GS-5 to GS-6 Promotion Potential: GS-6 Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Appointment Type: Permanent Telework: Not available Remote/Virtual: Not available Travel Required: Not required Relocation Expenses: Not reimbursed Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized PCS: Not authorized Drug Test: Required Security Clearance: Not required Position Sensitivity/Risk: Non-sensitive / Low Risk Background Check: Credentialing and suitability/fitness required Financial Disclosure: Not required Federal Service: Excepted Service Union Representation: Yes Supervisory Status: No Functional Statement: 567980, 576990 Announcement Number: CBSU 26-TLK Key Responsibilities: Retrieve surgical specimens from processing areas and clinics. Verify requisition and specimen container information for accuracy. Notify the supervisor or clinic when specimen discrepancies are identified. Accession and label histology specimens. Process and prepare histology specimens according to standard operating procedures. Assist pathologists with frozen specimens, tissue cassettes, specimen and slide retrieval, data recording, and related paperwork. Keep the preparation room clean, stocked, and organized. Dispose of specimens according to departmental standard operating procedures. Handle and dispose of reagents used in the department. Follow laboratory safety procedures and wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Prepare patient specimens and paperwork for reference laboratory testing. Maintain knowledge of and comply with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988 requirements. Perform anatomic pathology laboratory procedures involving surgical pathology, autopsy pathology, and cytopathology. Maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment. Diagnose deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction. Perform and document quality control and participate in quality assurance activities. Train new employees and students and support laboratory in-service and continuing education. Communicate effectively and courteously as a health care team member. Give direction and guidance using histopathology and cytopathology principles. Organize work and set priorities to meet deadlines. Ensure accurate patient identification through the chain of custody of specimens. Prepare technically adequate slides by processing, embedding tissue, cutting, staining, and cover slipping. Use specialized techniques for cell blocks, frozen sections, bone marrows, autopsies, and fine needle biopsies. Assist with autopsy procedures and maintenance of the autopsy suite as needed. Basic Qualifications: Must be a U.S. Citizen. Non-citizens may only be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy. Must be proficient in spoken and written English. Must meet the Histopathology Technician experience, education, or experience/education combination requirements. Must complete all required application steps, including the application, questionnaire, required documents, and online assessment. Must be subject to background/security investigation. Must pass pre-employment drug testing and remain subject to testing requirements for this testing designated pos