The Lead Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) works in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS) at the El Paso Veterans Affairs Health Care System (EPVAHCS) and surrounding CBOC's. The Lead MLT will work directly with the Supervisory MLT as a liaison between Phlebotomists and the Supervisor in performing their duties in accordance with the policies and procedures of the EPVAHCS P&LMS and all other duties associated with the performance duties of the position.
Summary
The Lead Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) works in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS) at the El Paso Veterans Affairs Health Care System (EPVAHCS) and surrounding CBOC's. The Lead MLT will work directly with the Supervisory MLT as a liaison between Phlebotomists and the Supervisor in performing their duties in accordance with the policies and procedures of the EPVAHCS P&LMS and all other duties associated with the performance duties of the position.
This job will close when we have received 50 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$54,693 to - $71,105 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 7
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
El Paso, TX
1 vacancy
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—This is an onsite position. Telework may be offered when deemed necessary by the department AD-HOC (Employees who telework on an occasional, episodic, or short-term basis, and have completed required telework training and telework agreement.) (Portion of day acceptable)
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
This announcement is open to (Current & Permanent) Federal Employees and US Citizens.
Note: 38 U.S.C. 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans preference to external applicants for appointments made from this announcement.
NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.
Follows the leadership expectations of the Supervisory MLT as the liaison between Medical Technicians (Phlebotomists), MLTs, and all customers to the EPVAHCS P&LMS (i.e., patients, care takers, service representatives, etc.).
Performs administrative work dealing with the CPO process analyzing, developing, evaluating, or promoting performance improvements in laboratory processes to maximize efficiency and improve quality in P&LMS business operations by working closely with the Supervisory Medical Technician and Medical Technicians in the laboratory outpatient area.
Provide training and guidance to the Medical Technicians and other lab and facility staff members in the CPO process as needed. Incorporate principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education.
Supports P&LMS leaders in the planning and implementation of department programs, selecting the approach, resolving technical problems, and advising on the coordination in carrying out the procedures necessary to complete the work assignments in accordance with established laboratory practices.
Assists management officials with laboratory continuous readiness for regulatory agency inspections and accreditations by preparing for inspections.
Supports P&LMS leaders to ensure proper and timely proficiency testing (PT) performance and reporting and works on solutions for improvement.
Supports P&LMS leaders to ensure that all employees performing collections and testing understand and comply with all safety regulations according to the P&LMS and facility safety policies.
Assists P&LMS leaders with the monitoring of quality components, continuous performance improvement initiatives, and obtaining customer feedback. Perform a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technician occupation.
Performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles information.
Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis, considering physiologic processes and requirements. Identify discrepancies, solve problems, and present solutions.
Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity and specific factors, which influence test results. Interpret results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures.
Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of the automated analytical instrumentation used in all departments of the laboratory. Use, calibrate, identify malfunctions, repair, and perform preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment.
Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction. Perform and document quality control and quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.
Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.
Duties are continued in the Education Section.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 6:45 AM - 3:30 PM, May be required to work different tours, weekends, and Holidays per needs of Service. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Subject to background/security investigation.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
your performance and conduct;
the needs and interests of the agency;
whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Qualifications
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 Proficiency: Must be proficient in written and spoken English
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).
Certification: Must possess one of the appropriate certifications as an MLT granted by the following organizations.
American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC)
ASCP, Board of Registry (BOR)
American Medical Technologists (AMT). OR
American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB)
GS-7 GRADE DETERMINATION: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, must have one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level.
PLEASE NOTE: To be equivalent to the GS-6 level, experience must have also been earned while having an active MLT certification as described in the previous question.
Reference: GS-6 Assignment: At the full performance level, MLTs use independent judgment to perform the full range of duties in the laboratory, from sample collection to evaluating and communicating test results. MLTs perform day-to-day operations in the laboratory with minimal technical supervision while ensuring testing accuracy and quality of proper patient care. This includes providing pre-analytic instructions to patients, VA staff and other external entities related to collection and processing of laboratory specimens. MLTs use processing techniques such as centrifugation, aliquoting, storage and packaging (considering stability factors), and they accurately label and sort patient specimens. MLTs operate and maintain all instrumentation in assigned areas to deliver precise, timely and accurate laboratory results when analyzing body fluids such as blood, urine and tissue samples. MLTs at this level analyze laboratory findings and issue necessary reports. The results and findings of laboratory tests and procedures are discussed with supervisors, pathologists and other medical professionals as needed.
Must possess the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's). The following KSAs should be reflected within your resume or on a separate document with your application package:
Knowledge of techniques to instruct students and newly hired staff to properly perform tests and application of laboratory procedures.
Skill in conducting laboratory procurement procedures to maintain appropriate levels of reagent and supply inventories.
Ability to provide technical oversight to manage personnel and work assignments in a manner that assures completion of the laboratory workload.
Ability to plan staff training to address needs.
Preferred Experience:
Possession of certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) granted by ASCP, AMT, or AAB.
Experience performing high-complexity testing in areas such as clinical chemistry, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, microbiology, immunohematology (blood banking), and molecular testing (PCR).
Experience assisting with quality management activities, including monitoring and evaluating quality in accordance with CLIA and CAP standards, and preparing for regulatory inspections and accreditations.
Experience providing training and guidance to laboratory staff, incorporating educational methodology for in-service and continuing education programs.
Experience in leadership, staff scheduling, and critical thinking
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7.
Physical Requirements:
Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination.
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/.
Duties Continued:
Assists with validation/method verification for new systems and techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge.
Performs all duties independently, with minimal supervision.
Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member.
Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines.
Receives laboratory orders directly from Veteran patients and providers outside the VA system.
Evaluates the community provider laboratory orders and places orders within the VA laboratory information system to facilitate the patient specimen collection at VA facilities.
Reviews test results of those orders and documents that the results are provided to the ordering provider/designee, to include critical values.
Coordinates this care with other VA systems and services to ensure efficient quality laboratory services.
Specimen Collection and Processing:
maintains skills and is proficient in phlebotomy and follows CLSI guidelines for blood draws.
uses two unique patient identifiers and active communication with identifying patients for blood draws and all other specimen collection processes;
draws tubes in the correct order in accordance with laboratory policies and procedures; organizes the STAT and timed draws and reviews the collection list for uncollected data for outpatient blood draw and assists the phlebotomists to ensure there is coverage where needed or where tasks need to be completed;
acts as information specialist for the section and assists practitioners in locating results, adding tests to existing specimens, explaining collection procedures, handling requirements and any special requirements for esoteric testing;
processes specimens using the equipment, instruments and techniques required to prepare them for specific analysis,
controls physical conditions and responds to time factors to ensure that physiologic integrity of the specimen is maintained;
identifies unusual results or discrepancies/conditions that cause erroneous results (e.g. instrument malfunctions, improper test conditions, specimen appropriateness and viability);
investigates and documents processing, labeling, collection and other specimen errors using problem report forms;
enters reference lab results in the lab computer package,
evaluates the validity of the result in relation to the test system, assay procedure, age, and gender of the patient.
Chemistry:
performs a broad spectrum of complex STAT and routine assays in clinical chemistry, toxicology, drug monitoring, and other procedures utilizing a wide range of technologies including immunoassay. It is key that the MLT can utilize computer systems associated with specimen processing instruments.
enters and verifies esoteric lab test results from commercial reference testing laboratories.
Hematology and Coagulation:
performs procedures associated with the enumeration and identification of human blood constituents and the study of the coagulation system.
performs blood analyses using complex Hematology and Coagulation analyzers and manual counts.
maintains knowledge of the physiological changes that affect sample stability and test accuracy
prepares stained slide preparations for the performance of microscopic work.
exercises critical judgement in the identification of human blood cells, particularly in white cell differential and the morphology of red cells. In Coagulation, tests performed include those used for monitoring anticoagulation therapy.
Urinalysis:
performs procedures associated with enumeration and identification of urine elements.
performs urine analysis using complex analyzers.
maintains knowledge of the physiological changes that affect sample stability and test accuracy
exercises critical judgement in the identification of human urine components.
COC collections for both random employee selections and pre-employment.
Microbiology and PCR Testing:
performs procedures associated with identification of bacteria using a broad range of testing methodologies (molecular, panel ID, etc.).
prepares stained slide preparations for the performance of microscopic work.
exercises critical judgement in the identification of bacterial and viral components.
Ancillary Testing/Point of Care Testing:
performs analysis using ancillary testing systems. Assists Ancillary testing Coordinator with point of care program.
assists Laboratory Supervisor with FIT program.
Immunohematology (blood bank):
performs blood bank procedures to determine blood types, antibody screens, antibody identifications, crossmatching, and other testing on donors and patients to ensure the compatibility of donor blood products and patients.
investigates transfusion reactions with transfusionists and providers as needed.
maintains safety of blood products and the safety of patients of whom blood products are given to.
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume
Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (Schedule A)
Disability Letter (VA)
License
Resume/CV
Other (2)
PCS Orders
Performance Appraisal
Professional Certification
Resume
Separation Notice (RIF)
SF-15
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 02/02/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12871670.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
El Paso VA Clinic
5001 North Piedras Street
El Paso, TX 79930
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume
Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (Schedule A)
Disability Letter (VA)
License
Resume/CV
Other (2)
PCS Orders
Performance Appraisal
Professional Certification
Resume
Separation Notice (RIF)
SF-15
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 02/02/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12871670.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
El Paso VA Clinic
5001 North Piedras Street
El Paso, TX 79930
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
