Serves as the Supervisory Health Technician responsible for overseeing the Phlebotomy and Processing Section within the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Muskogee (Tulsa), Oklahoma. The position reports to the Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Assistant Laboratory Manager) and provides first-line technical and administrative supervision to a staff of GS-0640-05/06 Health Technicians.
Summary
Serves as the Supervisory Health Technician responsible for overseeing the Phlebotomy and Processing Section within the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Muskogee (Tulsa), Oklahoma. The position reports to the Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Assistant Laboratory Manager) and provides first-line technical and administrative supervision to a staff of GS-0640-05/06 Health Technicians.
Duties include but are not limited to the following:
Oversees the daily operations of the section, ensuring that agency policies and priorities are followed, reviews the incomplete pending list to ensure all specimens are collected and accounted for.
Develops performance standards and communicates these standards to subordinates and evaluates employee performance.
Supervises the day-to-day operation of the specimen processing area for all specimens received into the laboratory and all specimens sent from the laboratory. Plans and assigns work based on established priorities, the difficulty and requirements of assignments, and employee capabilities. Prepares work schedules to ensure the efficient and timely collection and processing of specimens.
Gives advice, counsel, and instruction to employees on both work and administrative matters.
Reviews and approves leave of subordinate employees as appropriate, ensuring minimal necessary coverage of the area is always maintained.
Identifies and provides for training needs and evaluates processes to identify ways to improve efficiency, production, cost-effectiveness, and quality of the section.
Administers competencies as needed for all employees in the section.
Oversee inventory processes and assignments for maintaining supplies in the department. Utilizes system for ordering supplies such as special collection containers, special media, aliquot tubes, shipping bags, labels, forms,etc.
Maintains a list and inventory of supplies for the section to ensure adequate supplies are available and places emergency orders when appropriate. Escalates supply deficiencies that may result in inability to collect or perform testing.
Receives specimens into the laboratory area in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.
Verifies patient identification and specimen labeling before accepting specimens into the laboratory.
Recognizes emergency testing situations, directs specimens to the appropriate laboratory location, and notifies laboratory staff of the need for emergent testing.
Processes samples for reference laboratory testing and prepares required shipping manifests.
Packages specimens in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Uses laboratory equipment, including centrifuges, refrigerators, and freezers, and consumable materials such as transfer pipettes, aliquot tubes, and specimen containers. Ensures equipment is in proper working condition before use.
Maintains records of specimens submitted to reference laboratories, including accession forms and shipping manifests.
Provides information, guidance, and technical advice to clinical staff regarding test ordering and specimen collection and submission requirements.
May perform waived testing as needed by the service.
Performs, evaluates and monitors the performance of test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 - 3:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Supervisory Health Technician/PD148990 Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring standing and walking within the laboratory and between laboratory work areas. Frequently uses a computer and laboratory equipment and must have sufficient visual acuity and manual dexterity to read specimen labels and computer screens, enter information accurately, and handle specimens, containers, and laboratory materials. The work also requires intermittent
bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and lifting or carrying laboratory supplies, specimens, and equipment, with assistance or appropriate lifting equipment when necessary. Work Environment: The work is performed in a laboratory environment and involves regular and recurring exposure to blood, body fluids, clinical specimens, potentially infectious materials, chemicals, and biohazardous waste. The work may also involve exposure to sharps and laboratory equipment. The incumbent follows established safety and infection-control procedures and uses appropriate personal protective equipment, including laboratory coats, gloves, face protection, or other protective equipment appropriate to the task. Chemical and biohazardous materials are handled and disposed of in accordance with applicable safety requirements.
Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
May serve a probationary period
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc
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.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Health Aid and Technician Series, 0640 Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) :
IOR: Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists. Therefore, technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled.
In ADDITION to meeting the IOR Requirement the Health Technician 0640 Series requires Specialized Experience to be met as well.
GS-07 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: In addition to the IOR, you must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-06 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Practical knowledge of a wide range of standardized laboratory procedures, practices, and terminology associated with phlebotomy, specimen receipt, accessioning, processing, handling, preservation, packaging, shipment, and assigned testing. Understands minimum specimen requirements for in-house and reference laboratory tests, including specimen type, volume, temperature, collection container, processing method, and time limitations. Skilled in recognizing technical and mechanical indicators, troubleshooting laboratory equipment and processing problems, and implementing appropriate corrections within the incumbent's authorized scope of practice. knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local requirements related to specimen handling and shipment, including requirements governing diagnostic specimens, hazardous materials, infection control, and biohazardous waste. The incumbent also has knowledge of VA/VHA/VISN and medical center policies and applicable laboratory accreditation and regulatory standards governing specimen receipt, processing, handling, testing, and quality assurance. Possesses oral and written communication skills sufficient to explain laboratory procedures and specimen requirements, provide technical guidance, respond to inquiries, and address customer concerns when interacting with patients, clinical staff, reference laboratory personnel, and individuals from diverse educational, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
OR,
Education/Internship: Graduate education or an internship meets the specialized experience required if the education or internship was directly related to the work of the position. Transcripts are required if you're using education as a substitute for specialized experience.
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.
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.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 (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.
Additional information
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 (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.
The following will be communicated to applicants for VA employment in a testing designated position and will also be included in all VA vacancy announcements for such positions: All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drugs use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.
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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
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 WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.
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.
Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying for a job. Resumes should include information relevant to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of the position to which you are applying. VA is unable to make assumptions about qualifications if not clearly listed.
Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement.
Your resume must be 5MB or less. We recommend saving and uploading your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX). We do not accept PDF portfolio files. We recommend using a sans-serif font size like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans. Make your page margins 0.5 inches. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary 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 probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/09/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13107156.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. 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. 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.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
VA Eastern Oklahoma Health Care System
1011 Honor Heights Drive
Muskogee, OK 74401
US
Next steps
After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated 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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying for a job. Resumes should include information relevant to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of the position to which you are applying. VA is unable to make assumptions about qualifications if not clearly listed.
Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement.
Your resume must be 5MB or less. We recommend saving and uploading your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX). We do not accept PDF portfolio files. We recommend using a sans-serif font size like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans. Make your page margins 0.5 inches. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary 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 probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/09/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13107156.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. 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. 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.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
VA Eastern Oklahoma Health Care System
1011 Honor Heights Drive
Muskogee, OK 74401
US
Next steps
After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated 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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
