Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. This job is open to current permanent Department of Veteran Affairs employee, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies, and all US Citizens.

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• Calibrates, operates, and maintains (at the user level) the diverse physiological monitoring devices which are used to observe and record vital patient parameters including temperature, ECG, EEG, direct intravascular and inter-cardiac pressures, cardiac output, and respiratory gas levels.
• Calibrates, operates, and maintains (at the user level) the various blood chemistry analyzers and associated equipment in the OR STAT Lab.
• Maintains in the anesthesia carts, a constant inventory of the medication, intravenous solutions, inhalation anesthetic agents, endotracheal tubes, and many other expendable supplies required by the Anesthesiology Service.
• Assists the physician in the positioning of patients during spinal, epidural, and regional block procedures in such a manner as to minimize the risks involved.
• Insures that the correct anesthesia equipment and necessary supplies are available for each anesthetic procedure.
• Knowledge of physics, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology sufficient to understand the capabilities and limitations of analytical, monitoring, and therapeutic medical devices when applied in a variety of clinical settings.
• Knowledge of expected hemodynamic and blood chemistry values reflecting health as well as diseased states to detect anomalous patient waveforms or data and determine whether the information is valid or in error due to technological constraints.
• Knowledge of surgical and anesthetic practices sufficient to anticipate the equipment and supplies required for a scheduled procedure. Assist the anesthesiologist during both routine and emergency situations, such as a difficult intubation.
• Ensures that each procedure has a complete and properly functioning life support system available.
• Uses aseptic techniques when assembling sterile monitoring systems, and when assisting the anesthesiologist with procedures such as spinals, and the insertion of specialized catheters.
• Decontaminates anesthesia equipment and re-useable goods with infection control procedures to prevent patient cross-contamination or the spread of nosocomial infections.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and employee information.

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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 examination.
• 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.
• Education: There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions.
• Certification: Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations".
• Anesthesia Technicians perform logistical and technical support to anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists. They maintain anesthesiology supplies and equipment, set-up anesthetizing locations and operate, monitor, and collect data from anesthesia related equipment. In some cases Anesthesia Technicians will perform clinical laboratory functions, equipment preventive maintenance/repair, and specialized cardiac procedures such as cardiac output measurement, intra-aortic balloon pumping, vessel cannulation, and autotransfusion services. Certification at two distinct levels is offered by the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT).

Preferred Experience:

• At least 3 years of experience that demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to provide all aspects of anesthesia technician.
• Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of laboratory testing procedures to include maintenance, calibration, and quality control procedures. This includes the ability to perform these labs tests accurately and correctly.
• Advanced knowledge of electronics and anesthesia equipment with skill in repairing and maintaining this equipment with skill in repairing and maintaining this equipment and repairing complex problems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of central venous and pulmonary artery (Swan-Ganz) catheterization procedures including measuring cardiac outputs and intra-aortic balloon counter pulsation procedures (i.e. balloon pump).
• Knowledge and ability to assistant with airway management techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels

Grade Determinations: GS-09

Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. This would include specialized experience as an anesthesia technician which demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to provide all aspects of anesthesia technician services including specialized duties.

KSA's: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs 1 through 6 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 7 and 8 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment.

• Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of laboratory testing procedures to include maintenance, calibration, and quality control procedures. This includes the ability to perform these lab tests accurately and correctly.
• Advanced knowledge of electronics and anesthesia equipment with skill in repairing and maintaining this equipment and repairing complex problems.
• *Comprehensive knowledge of central venous and pulmonary artery (Swan-Ganz) catheterization procedures including measuring cardiac outputs and intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation procedures (i.e., balloon pump).
• Knowledge and ability to assist with airway management techniques.
• *Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. *
• *Ability to manage and supervise employees.
• *Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training.

Certification. Anesthesia technician certification through the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level.

Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.

Special Assignments. Perioperative programs at some facilities require that anesthesia technicians perform duties that exceed the full performance level. The anesthesia technician at this level performs difficult and responsible anesthesia technology duties with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment. The technician may perform clinical laboratory tests for the unit (i.e., blood gas, activated clotting time and glucose) or perform more difficult equipment repairs. The technician may also participate in large-vessel cannulations (with subsequent monitoring) characteristic of open-heart, transplant and major vascular surgeries. These assignments are expected to be relatively few in number ad must represent substantial additional responsibility over the full performance level.

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 MARCH 17, 2006 PART II APPENDIX G27The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-09.

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds over; Straight pulling , .50 hours; Reaching above shoulders; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking, 4 hours; Standing, 4 hours; Crawling, .50 hour; Kneeling, .50 hour; Repeated bending, .50 hour; Climbing - use of legs and arms; both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16' to Jaeger 1 to 4; Both eyes required; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted); Oral communication.

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.