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 all US Citizens.

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The Medical Instrument Technician (Anesthesiology) duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, particularly cardiac and pulmonary systems, as well as basic electrocardiography (EKG).
• Proficiency in medical terminology is essential for interpreting anesthesia provider orders and assisting with documentation of hemodynamic data.
• Interacts appropriately with patients during anesthetic procedures and applies established infection control practices to prevent transmission of pathogens. This includes strict adherence to sterile techniques when handling and maintaining sterile equipment during procedures.
• Possesses comprehensive knowledge of anesthesia equipment operation, calibration, and functionality, as well as the supplies and instruments required for routine and complex anesthetic procedures in inpatient settings.
• Responsibilities include preparing, cleaning, and stocking anesthesia carts and machines, maintaining accurate inventory of invasive and non-invasive monitoring equipment, and ensuring availability of supplies and medications for the most challenging anesthetic cases.
• Demonstrates skill in troubleshooting anesthesia equipment, often while the patient is anesthetized, and accurately interprets arterial pressure waveforms to distinguish normal from abnormal patterns, identify artifacts, and promptly alert anesthesia providers to potential life-threatening situations.
• Responsible for managing, setting up, and maintaining reusable medical equipment (RME) in accordance with VA standards and infection control guidelines.
• Ensures proper use, reprocessing, and functionality of anesthesia-related equipment and supplies. This includes accurate calibration and operation of non-invasive patient monitoring systems and the ability to identify and utilize anesthesia supplies appropriate for routine and complex procedures.
• Assists anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) during anesthetic procedures under general supervision, exercising independent judgment in technical duties to support safe and effective patient care.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 3:30 pm
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): 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)
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Telework: Not eligible for telework
Functional Statement #:30244F
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized

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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

Applicants must meet the requirements by the closing date of this announcement November 17, 2025.
Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Must be US Citizen. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

• English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, per VA Handbook 5005, Qualification Standards.

• 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.

• Licensure or Certification - Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  • Desired certifications include:
  • Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications
  • Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS).
  • If obtained, documents must be submitted with application.

GRADE REQUIREMENTS:
In addition to meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates.

GS-8 - Full Performance Level: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics of the positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of the correct use of invasive patient monitoring equipment specific to anesthesiology.
• Knowledge of basic electrocardiography (EKG).
• Skill and ability to troubleshoot equipment, often while the patient is anesthetized.
• Skill and ability to maintain sterility during procedures.
• Knowledge and understanding of arterial pressure line wave forms including the ability to recognize and distinguish normal from abnormal, artifact from abnormality, and forewarn the physician or anesthetist of an impending life-threatening situation.
• Knowledge of anesthesiology supplies, medications, and equipment appropriate to more difficult anesthetic procedures such as those found in inpatient settings with more acutely ill patients.

While we no longer require essay-style responses to our Knowledge's Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAOs), you must be able to demonstrate that you possess the (below) competencies which are necessary to perform the work of the position.

Please ensure your resume/CV/application contains sufficient information to support the level of experience/education/training; otherwise, we will not be able to award you credit for the experience/education/training you claim.

Preferred Experience: American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and technicians (ASATT) Certified.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. VA HANDBOOK 5005/54 PART II APPENDIX G27 June 07, 2012

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08.

Physical Requirements: The Medical Instrument Technician (Anesthesiology) must have the ability to lift and carry items under 15 pounds and requires fine finger dexterity along with the use of both hands and legs for movement and support. The role involves significant walking, standing, and repeated bending. Good vision (20/20 with or without correction) is essential, and while hearing aids may be acceptable, mental and emotional stability is necessary. Daily computer use is also a standard part of the job.

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.