Clarification from the agency

Open to U.S. Citizens NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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A Histopathology Technologist is accountable and responsible for:

• Performs all elements of sectioning of all types of surgical pathology/autopsy specimens.
• Handles all types of human tissue which may include: receiving, checking, accepting, timing, logging, storing and/or shipping, if necessary.
• Uses thorough knowledge of tissue processing based on the type of tissue. Able to understand and appropriately load the cassettes using the different processing protocols.
• Ensures that all tissue samples are properly oriented when embedding them, according to established procedures and depending on the type of specimen being prepared (e.g. shave biopsies on edge; core biopsies to demonstrate the maximum amount of tissue).
• Recognizes origin and type of tissues and properly orients and cuts small or complex specimens, choosing appropriate microtome knives and section thickness. Sharpens microtome knives.
• Uses knowledge and skills to use the routine auto-stainer and be familiar with manual Hematoxylin and Eosin staining procedures in case of failure of the instrument.
• Microscopically examines hematoxylin and eosin stained sections to assess the quality of staining.
• Prepares frozen tissue sections for special immunological studies which includes; selecting, freezing, cutting (microtomy) and staining tissue for Frozen Section exam by the Pathologist. Employs the cryostat.
• Decontaminates, cleans and maintains the cryostat. Follows all the quality control procedures required in the frozen section area.
• Maintains QA files of blocks and slides needed to perform special stains and immunohistochemical stains in the laboratory.
• Stains tissue sections using special stains as required, including, but not limited to: Acid Fast, Alcian Blue, Congo Red, Fontana-Masson, Giemsa, Gram, Iron, Melanin, Methenamine Silver, Mucicarmine, PAS-Schiff, and Trichrome. Incumbent should know which stain to employ to demonstrate particular tissue elements and properties (e.g. Congo Red for amyloid, Fontana­ Masson for melanin) and be able to interpret positive controls used for these procedures.
• As special staining requires microscopic differentiation for acceptance, examines the slides microscopically and accepts or rejects them on the basis of proper staining reaction within the control slides.
• Troubleshoots all problems with special staining procedures and implements changes. All decisions involving tissue preparation for light microscopy are determined through experience and knowledge of histopathology.
• Prepares all stains and chemical solutions with a competent, practical knowledge of chemistry. This includes alteration and standardization of pH and concentration of the solutions (percent, molar and/or normal), reagents, buffers and stains, using pH meters, analytical balances and mixers. Since many of these reagents and solutions are toxic, caustic or flammable (e.g. Silver solutions, formaldehyde, acids, alcohols).
• Performs complex immunohistochemical stains and procedures including, but not limited to, special pre-treatment procedures, antigen retrieval, enzymatic digestion, antibody diluting, and titers. Troubleshoots and corrects problems with these procedures and maintains records and QA data as necessary.
• Procures and maintains adequate control blocks for immunohistochemical stains. Prepares the blocks with both positive and negative controls under the direction of the lab director.
• Prepares, maintains and operates instruments according to instructions. Keeps a log of preventative maintenance, temperature checks, instrument problems, etc.
• Recognizes instrument or equipment malfunction or trends, initiates corrective action when necessary.
• Performs Quality Control checks on reagents, procedures and equipment: evaluates results. Evaluates the validity of patient data in relation to the test procedure and expected results. When data is suspected to be erroneous, investigates for obvious procedural or instrument faults and alerts the supervisor. Alerts appropriate personnel (supervisor, physician, and/or Pathologist) to critical or significantly abnormal results.
• Investigates and resolves problems related to surgical pathology.
• Ensures that the goals are met by prioritizing work, as necessary, in times of short staffing, or heavy workload, and by performing simultaneous tasks.
• Exercises all required safety guidelines and works with great care in handling the specimens and uses personal protective equipment including face shields, masks, gloves, and laboratory coats according to established guidelines.
• Remains familiar with the requirements and regulations of accreditation agencies such as CAP.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 580-02156-F: GS-07; 580-00831-F: GS-09
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• 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.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
• 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: Candidates must be a United States citizen. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).
• English Language Proficiency: Histopathology Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required 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).

EDUCATION:
The candidate must possess one of the below degrees:

(1) Successful completion of a full four-year course of study from an accredited college or university, leading to a bachelor's or higher degree, that included a major study in an academic field related to health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of a histopathology technologist, such as, but not limited to clinical biology, microbiology, physiology, pre-medical, medical lab technology, chemistry, immunology, physiology, anatomy; You must submit a transcript showing you were awarded a bachelor's or higher degree meeting the above requirements to receive credit.
OR,

(2) Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both); You must submit a transcript showing you were awarded a bachelor's degree meeting the outlined requirements to receive credit.
OR,

(3) Successful completion of two years of progressively higher level graduate education, leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree, with a major study in an academic field related to health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the position of histopathology technologist, such as clinical biology, microbiology, physiology, pre- medical, medical lab technology, chemistry, immunology, physiology, anatomy. You must submit a transcript showing you completed two years of progressively higher level graduate education, leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree that meets the above requirements to receive credit.

CERTIFICATION:
Candidates must currently possess the histotechnologist (HTL) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification. The ASCP requires completion of one of the following for a candidate to be considered "board eligible" to take the certification exam:

(a) Successful completion of a histotechnician or histotechnology program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS);
OR,

(b) One year of full time experience in all of the following: fixation, embedding, microtomy, processing, and staining in a histopathology (clinical, veterinary, industry, or research) laboratory. You must provide an unexpired copy of your certification through ASCP to receive credit.

Exception for Non-Board Certified. Non-board-certified candidates designated by ASCP as "board eligible," who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements, may be given a temporary appointment under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a histopathology technologist working under the direct oversight of a supervisor, lab manager, or qualified individual who can verify technical experience. This exception only applies at the entry level. For grade levels at or above the full performance level, the candidate must have HTL certification. Temporary appointments of non-board-certified histopathology technologists may not be extended beyond 2 years or be converted to a new temporary appointment. Failure to obtain board certification by the prescribed date will result in removal from the histopathology technologist, GS-0601 occupational series and may result in termination of employment.

GRADE DETERMINATION:
In addition to meeting the above Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Grade Determination criteria below:

Histopathology Technologist, GS-07
(a) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.

Histopathology Technologist, GS-09
(a) Experience.
Must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled. You must demonstrate work experience through job tasks and list hours worked per week in resume to receive credit.

(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs).
In addition to meeting the experience for this grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs in their resume:

1. Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and inter-connectivity.
2. Knowledge of histopathology techniques, chemistry, anatomy and physiology principles, theories, concepts, and methodologies sufficient to process specimens, and the ability to perform a full range of routine specialized tests.
3. Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate impact on a patient's sample.
4. Ability to organize, coordinate, and prioritize simultaneous work assignments; both individual and team related.
5. Skill in applying professional, anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07 to GS-09.

Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that require normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred based on the Veterans' Preference

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.