Summary
The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) assists, deploys and incorporates a variety of methodologies (standardized/virtual patients, mannequin/task trainers, virtual training platforms) through unique environments consulting experts to ensure adherence to industry, regulatory, accreditation and practice standards. Knowledge of diverse simulation modalities and adjuncts to support interactive education curricula and programs is essential to this position.
This job is open to
Federal employees - Competitive service
Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.
Federal employees - Excepted service
Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.
Internal to an agency
Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.
Clarification from the agency
Open to current permanent Department of Veteran Affairs employees and current permanent Federal employees of other agencies.
NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.
Duties
Total Rewards: Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional
Duties include, but not limited to:
- Integrates, maintains and operates associated audio/video (A/V) technology and simulation devices to include high, medium and low fidelity manikins and task trainers.
- Manages simulation lab operations, mannequin and device set-up and take down, application of moulage, immersive simulation experiences, and leading and/or coaching others in the debriefing process.
- Facilitates daily administrative and operational activities i.e. resuscitation education configuration, event/training schedules, calendar posts, resource monitors, documentation management, policies, procedures, reference tools, reports and assist learners with inquiries and registration procedures.
- Provides technical assistance, support and training for faculty, instructors and staff in use of simulation equipment as necessary.
- Maintains supply inventory, equipment and conducts routine inventory updates within the simulation center and its associated community resource centers.
- Provides input for budget, equipment purchases, supplies and materials.
- Conducts ongoing maintenance of all simulation equipment, including cleaning, repairing, assuring that equipment is maintained in good working order at all times.
- Leads, communicates and evaluates training programs to induce learning outcomes and promote process improvement initiatives.
- Assists in the development of innovative approaches and utilizes diverse platforms to train, educate and evaluate learning for diverse clinical disciplines to include trainees, community and military partners.
- Serves as a resource role model and resource for staff in the development, implementation and evaluation of interactive education programs and activities.
- Obtains, utilizes and maintains knowledge of multiple computer applications, virtual learning platforms and/or simulators for operation, training, electronic filing and data banks to support, organize and market Anesthesia Service Simulation Initiatives.
- Updates, creates and organizes through the use of software tools i.e. Talent Management System, SharePoint Administrator, Intranet Web Authoring and Access etc.
- Works dynamically and responsively with unique customers and groups to determine needs, addressing inquiries and/or complaints professionally providing clarity, concisely addressing inquiries and providing essential information efficiently and effectively.
- Collaborates effectively and efficiently with diverse stakeholders within and outside of the medical center.
- Performs complex work involving the collection, compilation and tracking of data and statistical information, in support of Anesthesiology Service Simulation operations to improve patient and programmatic flow.
- Initiates, maintains and updates office filing system( s) and collects program information from technical specialists, data entry, tools and applications.
- Provides input, edits and updates documents ensuring appropriate format, procedure, regulatory compliance, accuracy, and timely submission of policies, procedures and standards reflect VHAN ANISN, Regulatory Guidelines (Joint Commission (JC), Occupational Safety Health Association (OSHA) and American Heart Association (AHA) Program Administration Manual (PAM) and the Resuscitation Education Initiative (REdl) Handbook.
- Additional duties or tasks may be assigned by the supervisor to ensure efficient daily operations of Anesthesia Service
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): 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)
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)
Telework: Ad-Hoc, determined by the service line.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 60431F, 60432F & 60428F
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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.
- 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.
- English Language Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA in this occupation (Medical Instrument Technician) on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
- Such employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted, or demoted within the occupation.
- Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
- Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
- If an employee who was retained in an occupation listed in 38 U.S.C. § 7401 (3) under this provision leaves that occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.
Grade Determinations:
GS-04 Medical Instrument Technician (Trainee)
(a)
Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the position to be filled. Six months of this experience may have been in medically related fields such as nursing assistant, practical nursing, or similar fields. The remaining six months must have been in operating diagnostic and therapeutic equipment covered by this occupation. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited at this level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs
OR
Education: Successful completion of two years of education above high school or an associate's degree with a major field of study directly related to the medical instrument technician occupation.
(b)
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
- Ability to learn the components, operating characteristics, and settings of the equipment to be used.
- Ability to learn typical patient reactions to the basic procedures involved and ability to recognize signs of distress.
- Ability to learn the standard positions for the procedure being conducted.
- Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
GS-05 Medical Instrument Technician (Trainee)
(a)
Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the position to be filled. This would be experience in operating equipment related to the particular specialization for which application is made or in related functional areas. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited through this grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs
OR
Education: Successful completion of 4 academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, or a bachelor's degree in a major field of study appropriate to medical instrument technician functions.
(b)
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions.
- Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment.
- Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities.
- Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures.
- Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine.
GS-06 Medical Instrument Technician (Anesthesia)
(a)
Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs
(b)
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology (specifically cardiac and pulmonary).
- Knowledge and application of safety and infection control processes.
- Ability to serve as a circulating technician for supplies and to assist with documentation of hemodynamic patient data.
- Knowledge of anesthesiology supplies and equipment appropriate to less complex anesthetic procedures, such as those found in Ambulatory Surgery.
GS-07 Medical Instrument Technician (Anesthesia)
(a)
Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs
(b)
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of the fundamentals of standard equipment operation, calibration and function.
- Knowledge of correct use of non-invasive patient monitoring equipment specific to anesthesiology.
- Ability to appropriately interact with patients during anesthetic procedures.
- Knowledge of anesthesiology supplies and equipment appropriate to routine anesthetic procedures, such as those found in typical inpatient settings.
GS-08 Medical Instrument Technician (Anesthesia)
(a)
Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs
(b)
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- 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.
(c)
Certification: No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at grade levels 06-08 have Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification.
Preferred Experience: None
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
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-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-06 to GS-08.
Physical Requirements:
1. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8-12 hours per shift); frequent movement between simulation rooms, labs, and storage areas and ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach overhead or below waist level.
2. Ability to lift, push, and carry up to 50 pounds independently (e.g., surgical trays, simulation equipment); fine motor skills to handle delicate instruments and simulation components with precision and ability to assemble, disassemble, and clean complex medical and simulation equipment.
3. Sufficient visual acuity to inspect instruments for cleanliness, damage, and proper function; ability to read small print on labels, instructions, and digital displays; and adequate hearing to respond to alarms, verbal instructions, and communication in noisy environments like the procedure areas, acute care environments where training in-situ occurs.
4. Comfortable working in sterile, high-stress environments; tolerance for exposure to cleaning chemicals, latex, silicone and/or plastic task trainers and simulation materials; and ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including masks, gloves, gowns, and eye protection for extended periods.
5. Ability to follow complex verbal and written instructions; clear verbal communication to interact with surgical teams, educators, and learners; and capacity to remain focused and alert during long procedures or simulation sessions.
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.
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.
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.
Area of Consideration
Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:
1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility.
2. All other VA employees.
3. Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies.
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:
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link
https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.
RESUME REMINDER:
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. Helpful Hints for Creating a Two-Page Resume:
- Prioritize most relevant and recent experience
- Use concise, results focused language
- Align language from the job announcement
- Focus on demonstrating skills and competencies
- Remove outdated or unrelated experience
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder
Additional guidance on this new requirement and resume building tools can be found at:
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please 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
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) Certification (desirable)
- Other (2)
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
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 11/24/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12832399.
- 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.
- 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.
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.