Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

Clarification from the agency

This vacancy announcement is open to current permanent Department of VA employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies, and all US Citizens. Veterans Preference does not apply to this announcement per 38 U.S.C. 7412 and VA memo dated 9/25/2025 (FY2026 Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages). NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

• Operates diagnostic ultrasonic scanning equipment to produce cross sectional and two-dimensional pictures of internal organs and body structures used to diagnose diseases and other medical conditions.
• Performs ultrasound examinations to include but not limited to abdominal, small parts, gynecology, abdominal vascular, carotid and peripheral arteries, veins and graphs, DVT exams, and ankle brachial indices.
• Advises radiologists or referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination.
• Participates in the training of physicians, students and ultrasound technologists so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of ultrasound and how it relates to other diagnostic exams.
• Performs routine clerical procedures for maintaining accurate ultrasound records so that easy recall of patient examinations may be achieved.
• Make multiple simultaneous setting and adjustments in operation of equipment to insure accurate results. Based on clinical findings, determines necessary ultrasonic procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings.
• Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operations of the section.
• Maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies.
• Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients and wards understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations to minimize delays of examinations.
• Explains examinations to be performed to the patients so that an understanding of the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients are thoroughly understood. This is done so that an adequate ultrasound study may be obtained to get diagnostic examinations for treatment and diagnosis of disorders.
• Gathers related information such as patient chart, x-rays, etc., so that correlations of examinations to other studies may be made by the radiologists in diagnosis and recommendation of treatment for medical disorders. Distributes ultrasound examinations and related information to the radiologist responsible of the interpretation of the exams. This is done so that treatment based on diagnosis may be effectuated in a timely matter.
• Transmits images to PACS/ VISTA Imaging for viewing and interpretation.
• Performs or supervises routine housekeeping duties to assure that the ultrasound area is clean and sanitary. This is done so that when sterile procedures are required in the ultrasound area, there is minimal possibility of cross contamination due to unsanitary conditions.
• You must be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Monday - Friday with on-call rotations for weeknights, weekends, and holidays.
Functional Statement #: 000000

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the 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 identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27.
• Licensure or Certification. Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations".

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).

Preferred Experience: At least 4 years of ultrasound experience and Abdominal, OB/GYN/ and Vascular registry.

Grade Determinations: GS-09

Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower GS-08 grade level, which would include but not be limited to:

Perform a full range of procedures including special complicated examinations for which there are no standard instructions or procedures. They perform independent portable ultrasound examinations in the intensive care units, emergency room, surgery, and throughout the Medical Center when required. They also work independently on evenings, nights, and weekend tours of duty as scheduled and/or when on call.

This would be specialized experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasound services.

AND

In addition, you must demonstrate the following technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques in order to provide training and supervision in these procedures, to evaluate and initiate performance improvement projects, and to write policies, procedures, and protocols that pertain to diagnostic ultrasonography.
• Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.

Certification. Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09.

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

Physical Requirements: Lifting (15 lbs. and over); carrying (up to 20 lbs.); pulling and pushing (up to 2 hours); reaching above shoulder; standing and walking (up to 3 hours); bending (up to 1 hour); use of fingers/hands; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13 - 16"; hearing (aide permitted).

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applicants will be referred for consideration based on the following Areas of Consideration: First area of consideration will be given to current permanent employees of the Robert J. dole VA Medical Center; Second area of consideration will be given to all other VA employees; Third are of consideration will be for all other applicants.

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.

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following Competencies for this position:

• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Decision Making
• Flexibility
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Learning
• Reading Comprehension
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork

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.

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

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 (required) - Resume must include the following information for each job listed: job title, salary, duties, start and end dates to include day-month-year, full time or part time status (include hours worked per week). Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.
• SF 50 - Required if you are a current Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center employee, VA employee, or Federal employee. You must provide a copy of your most recent SF 50 to show your eligibility.

• Resume

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
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Other (1)
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

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