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Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO)

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Veterans Health Administration

Summary

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) serves as a fully qualified MRI technologist and designated Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO). The DRT performs a full range of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) examinations of the head, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities. These examinations are performed with and without contrast materials, utilizing advanced imaging protocols to obtain high-quality diagnostic studies.




Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
05/19/2026 to 05/28/2026
Salary
$87,967 - $114,351 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 10
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
White City, OR
1 vacancy
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
10
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
CBSV-12961050-26-AJ
Control number
869932100

Videos

Duties

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VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM
The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) serves as a fully qualified MRI technologist and designated Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO). The DRT performs a full range of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) examinations of the head, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities. These examinations are performed with and without contrast materials, utilizing advanced imaging protocols to obtain high-quality diagnostic studies.

In the capacity of MRSO, the technologist is responsible for supporting the day-to-day implementation of the facility's MRI safety program, including patient and staff screening, oversight of MRI safety zones, and adherence to local and national MRI safety policies. The incumbent ensures that safety protocols are followed throughout all MRI operations and collaborates closely with Radiology personnel to uphold a safe clinical environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
FUNCTIONS OR SCOPES OF PRACTICE.
Performs Advanced MRI Examinations Independently

  • Independently performs routine to highly complex MRI examinations using superconducting magnet systems and advanced protocols, requiring expert knowledge of MRI physics and system operation.
  • Utilizes specialized understanding of radio-frequency coil selection, cross-sectional anatomy, pathology, and advanced imaging concepts to obtain diagnostically optimal images with minimal supervision.
  • Applies ALARA principles in all imaging, exercising advanced judgment when balancing image quality, patient condition, and safety requirements.
  • Collaborates directly with radiologists to plan and execute non-standard, modified, or highly specialized examinations, demonstrating independent decision-making consistent with GS-10 technical authority.
  • Serves as a designated Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO), responsible for day-to-day oversight and operational execution of the MRI safety program.
  • Conducts and verifies all MRI safety screenings, including additional review of implants and devices requiring advanced interpretation of MR-conditional labeling and technical specifications.
  • Oversees adherence to MRI Zone access protocols, ensuring safe movement of patients, staff, and equipment; intervenes in unsafe situations with full authority delegated by the Radiology Supervisor.
  • Leads or participates in required MRI emergency preparedness activities, including quarterly fire drills, cardiac arrest drills, magnet quench response, evacuation procedures, and interdisciplinary safety simulations.
  • Provides expert-level consultation to clinical staff regarding MRI contraindications, device safety, screening discrepancies, and risk-benefit assessments, representing the advanced technical and safety expertise expected at GS-10.
  • Prepares, calculates, and administers contrast media in accordance with federal, state, and VHA regulatory standards, exercising independent clinical judgement in contrast selection and dose accuracy.
  • Performs IV access and ensures safe administration of contrast agents; monitors for physiological changes and identifies early indicators of adverse reactions.
  • Participates in protocol development and optimization, contributes to imaging quality-improvement initiatives, and collaborates with radiologists to refine exam standards.
  • Functions as a technical lead and liaison between radiologists, providers, nursing, and ancillary services to ensure the timely completion of complex studies.
  • May be asked to provide clinical instruction and supervision to radiologic technology students or professional program shadows during MRI rotations, demonstrating the advanced teaching and mentoring responsibilities expected at the GS-10 level.
  • Leads onboarding, mentoring, and competency development for new MRI technologists; assists in training personnel in MRI safety requirements under the MRSO role.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
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).
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized.
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.
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 only.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Requirements

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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.
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period.
  • Subject to background/security investigation.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
  • 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).

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:
a. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.)

b. Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), [or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable]. Advanced certification indicates that the incumbent [can operate independently] and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. [In modalities that require advanced certification, to support their continued development, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist.

c. Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from [other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).

d. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d)


Grade Determinations:

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-10
(1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

(2) 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. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments:

(a) Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO). Employees who are qualified to work in the MRI modality (advanced certification) have expert specialization at this grade level. The MRSO operates with full responsibility for training, developing, and directing the MR safety program. Duties may include coordination of MR safety committee meetings, evaluation of hospital equipment to ensure MR safe operation, and oversight of employee and patient MR screening programs. Coordinates training of hospital staff and ensures maintenance of educational documentation. MRSO certification is highly desirable for this level of complexity. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:
i. Knowledge of safety requirements for physical space pertaining to MR imaging area.
ii. Ability to establish and monitor access and safety requirements for the physical zones.
iii. Ability to develop and ensure that adequate written safety procedures, work instructions, emergency procedures, and operating instructions are issued and enforced.
iv. Knowledge of hazards posed by magnetic fields on implants, medical devices, hospital equipment and retained foreign bodies, and the development of measures taken against those hazards.
v. Ability to train medical, technical, nursing and all other relevant staff groups (including ancillary workers) in all procedural aspects related to MR safety.

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

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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/.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or 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 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.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

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.

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.

Veterans Health Administration

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?

Agency contact information

Angelica Jimenez
Phone
(541) 440-1000 X40641
Email
Angelica.Jimenez@va.gov
Address
White City VA Medical Center
8495 Crater Lake Highway
White City, OR 97503
US

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