Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (PACS) Job in Orlando, FL

Vacancy No. CBTC-12670957-25-NM Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $85,453.00 to $111,086.00 Grade 11 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 2/6/2025 Close Date 2/26/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Orlando, FL


Summary

This position serves as the (Picture Archive Communication System (PACS)) for the Diagnostic Imaging Services (Radiology), Orlando VA Healthcare System. The PACS Technologist provides planning, guidance, instruction, maintenance, and troubleshooting for all aspects of the daily operations relating to the Picture Archiving and Communications Systems section. This position serves as a specialist providing support in the operation and management of digital image processing, storage, and display.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Open to all U.S Citizens.

Duties

The Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Technologist serves as a specialist providing support in the operation and management of digital image processing, storage, and display and is responsible for training Radiologists/Physicians, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists, Clinicians, and other staff members in hardware/software applications needed to support Radiology PACS functions. The PACS Technologist duties include, but are not limited to:

PACS Technologist duties - 75%

  • Provides planning, guidance, instruction, maintenance, training, and troubleshooting in all PACS related systems/components.
  • Provides first line, technical support, for image transmission, voice recognition, and image display errors within all imaging modalities.
  • Initiates appropriate repairs when possible and instructs users in the proper operation or contingency processes.
  • Initiates help tickets and/or work orders when the scope of work needed exceeds the on-site technical level.
  • Investigates system malfunctions to determine the root cause of the issue.
  • Defines and isolates specific issues using available diagnostic recovery techniques and initiates corrective actions.
  • Monitors PACS and executes contingency operations in the event of planned and unplanned downtimes, disaster responses, or elevated security risk situations.
  • Oversees all aspects of implementation of software and upgrades to the PACS system including VISN 8 primary and backup data centers.
  • Set up PACS Workstations for Radiologists at all sites of care, including remote PACS Workstations. This includes the assembly, set up, configuration, calibration, and confirmation testing for all PACS related components including the actual workstation (desk), monitors/mounts, keyboards, mouse/touch pad, voice recognition system, and any additional PACS-related items requested by the end users.
  • Monitors PACS, voice recognition, and other related systems including applications systems, network interface software, modality interfaces, and system administrative software.
  • Evaluates system performance by utilizing various tools, capacity planning, and imaging maintenance to adjust system and operation parameters as necessary.
  • Designs, implements, and maintains a quality control program for digital radiographic images to include, but not necessarily restricted to evaluation of image quality from modality to viewing monitor.

Clinical Duties DRT - 25%
  • Performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the direction of a Radiologist/Physician.
  • Operates digital, computerized, or conventional radiology equipment to carry out the diagnostic plan for patients. This may include fixed, portable, and surgical imaging equipment.
  • Determines appropriate technical parameters; calculates the correct exposure factors of distance, time, kilovoltage (kV), and milliamperage (mA).
  • Independently performs radiographic examinations of the head, trunk, spine, and extremities to assist in the diagnosis of injury or illness.
  • As a team member with the Radiologist, the incumbent will perform fluoroscopy procedures, such as: Upper Esophagrams, Lumbar Punctures, Myelograms, Urethrograms, GI Procedures, Barium (Single/Double Contrast), and all other routine fluoroscopy procedures.
  • Sets up the room and ensure sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast material, catheters, and other required supplies are present and prepared
  • Provides intraoperative/post-operative fluoroscopy and diagnostic radiography as requested by the Operative Surgeon or appropriately credentialed Clinician.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm
Telework: Not eligible
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 80746F, PACS Technologist
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

***OCHCO Bulletin Subject: Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages, dated October 1, 2024. Although hybrid title 38 occupations follow title 5 Veterans' preference rules, as required by the Merit Systems Protection Board (Graves v. VA, 117 M.S.P.R. 697 (2012)), 38 U.S.C. § 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference to external applicants for appointments made during the fiscal year to hybrid title 38 occupations among those reported to have the largest staffing shortages.

Requirements

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).
  • Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements for Picture Archive Communication System Technologist:

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

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

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) is required.

Certification - Radiology: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R).


Grade Determinations for Picture Archive Communication System Technologist, GS-11:

Experience.
Candidates must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-10) directly related o the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies needed to provide services as a quality control technologist, DRT team leader, supervisory radiologic technologist, PACS technologist, clinical program director, or an assistant chief radiologic technologist.

Examples of experience for the PACS technologist at the GS-10 grade level includes, but is not limited to: provides support and troubleshoots system application issues and instructs users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage, and display systems; performs VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control; coordinates contingency plans during equipment downtimes and initiates repair requests with appropriate services or vendors; provides oversight of hardware relating to PACS display workstations, applications, speech recognition hardware, and other medical imaging hardware; provides training to radiologists, technologists, and other clients in the proper and efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS and VistA imaging systems; provides instruction and guidance in daily operations of the ancillary systems such as: speech recognition dictation, dose reporting systems, contrast reporting systems, etc. Additionally, the knowledge, skills, and abilities at the PACS Technologist GS-10 grade include:
  • Ability to provide support and troubleshoot system application and hardware issues and instruct users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage and display systems.
  • Ability to perform VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control.
  • Ability to initiate repair requests with appropriate services or vendors.
  • Knowledge of PACS system infrastructure and functionality.
  • Ability to provide training to all user levels in the efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS system.
  • Knowledge of specific positioning, technique, and imaging procedures so he/she will be able to perform and reconcile image information correctly and efficiently during technical post processing and evaluation.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)In addition to the experience listed above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:
  • Knowledge of contingency plans during equipment downtimes.
  • Ability to act as liaison for Radiology with biomedical engineering and OI&T.
  • Ability to develop methods and programs to evaluate, monitor, and maintain digital imaging and voice recognition systems.
  • Ability to lead a team of multidisciplinary members in accomplishing strategic planning and integration of PACS and network elements.
  • Ability to perform complex system administrator functions such as: oversight of RIS (Hospital Information System/Radiology Information System) links, AE titles, individual and user group creation and access management, etc.
  • Knowledge of VA and other national guidelines pertaining to PACS network, VistA imaging, and database security.
  • Knowledge of specific positioning, technique, and imaging procedures so he/she will be able to perform and reconcile image information correctly and efficiently during technical post processing and evaluation.

Preferred Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience as a hospital PACS administrator.

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-11.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include: Heavy Lifting, 45 pounds and over, moderate carrying, 15-45 pounds, pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (hearing aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing lead apron for possibly long periods of time. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 for additional information.

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 job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

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.

Benefits

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.

Review our 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 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.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Radiography Certification from American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (R)
  • Resume



The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

  • Cover Letter
  • Radiography Certification from American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (R)
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript



Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 02/26/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12670957.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS 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.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Nikki Merkes
Address
Orlando VA Medical Center
13800 Veterans Way
Orlando, FL 32827
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications 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. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

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.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.