Medical Instrument Technician (EKG) Job in Garner, NC

Vacancy No. CBTA-12770879-25-NM Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $52,171.00 to $67,826.00 Grade 7 to 7
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/31/2025 Close Date 8/11/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Garner, NC


Summary

This position will be located at the new Garner facility. Under general supervision of a Cardiology Supervisor, technician serves as a Medical Instrument Technician (Electrocardiograph) responsible for all technical aspects of state-of-the-art electrocardiograph (ECG) testing. Operates and monitors the performance of computerized ECG equipment used in the performance of a variety of specialized, complex, non-invasive cardiac procedures.


Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Stress tests: Operates specialized, computerized treadmill systems, and assists the physician/advance practice provider in the safe performance of various exercise tests. Assesses real-time test results to modify testing technique to optimize data acquisition and quality. Utilizes the electrocardiograph to produce specialized diagnostic recordings of electromotive variations in the action of heart muscle to provide data for diagnosis of heart ailments. Explains testing procedures to patient and positions patient; makes proper electrode connections to record tracings and to monitor heart action on oscilloscope.
  • Holter monitoring: Prepares patients for Holter monitor testing and scans Holter data tapes using a computerized Holter system. Reviews,
    edits, and confirms arrhythmias identified by the monitor system prior to submission of the report for physician review. Analyzes data from the Holter monitor worn by patient for 24-48-hour period for use in diagnosis of cardiovascular disorders. Utilizes knowledge of heart rhythms to identify irregularities in patient cardiac patterns, regular and irregular cardiac function patterns.
  • Cardiac Event monitoring: Responsible for initial in-depth instruction to patient regarding procedure and purpose of monitor, as well as how to remove and return the monitor. Accurately positions a single-use ambulatory cardiac monitor on patient and if need arises, shaves the patient's chest hair to assure proper placement.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): Conducts routine and emergency electrocardiography tests using ECG machines. Prepares for electrocardiograph by positioning patient on examination table and instructing patient as to procedure to be accomplished. Accurately
    attaches electrodes to patient and connects electrodes to machine cable. Standardizes ECG machines by adjusting various knobs and switches as necessary. Observes ECG recording and corrects for any artifacts such as wandering or irregular baseline due to lose electrodes; somatic tremor due to patient movement or respiration; and alternating current interference.
  • Patient screening/vital signs: Greets patients and confirms patient identity in accordance with The Joint Commission and hospital standards. Queries patients for routine screening questions as dictated by Clinic/Hospital/Joint Commission standards to include (but not limited to) Learning needs assessment and Falls risk assessment.
  • Administrative duties: Trains and guides EKG personnel and end clinical users of ECG carts, along with providing recommendations on section personnel to supervisor as required. Answers questions and provides pertinent information to patients and physicians when needed. Scans and forwards EKG test results, along with all documentation to cardiologist for medical review and analysis.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional



Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, (7:30 to 4:00, 8:00 to 4:30 or 8:30 to 5:00)
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)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
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 only
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: N/A
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.
  • You may be required to serve a trial period.
  • 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.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

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.
  • Education: There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels.
  • 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 all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition.
  • English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written 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).

Grade Determinations:

GS-7
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 being filled. This experience shows knowledge of the equipment, standard tests and procedures, and typical readings including arrhythmias and abnormalities. As example, receiving and interpreting physician's requests for procedures and/or treatments; explaining the procedure to a patient; documenting the patient's record, etc. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Knowledge of typical patient reactions and signs of distress including the ability to recognize, report and treat potentially lethal arrhythmias.

2. Knowledge of common equipment settings and standardized procedures plus knowledge of common errors and corrective measures.

3. Ability to modify procedures/positions to obtain the correct results with patients with complicating conditions such as amputations, Parkinson's disease, structural defects, and scar tissue.

4. Ability to act as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded technicians.

5. Ability to conduct in-service training on the EKG equipment and related instrumentation.


Preferred Experience: Technicians who understand the technical aspects of the equipment used as well as the physiological reactions of the patient once the examination or treatment begins. Stress test, Holter monitoring, Cardiac Event monitoring; ECG certification.

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-7.

Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing and physical exertion. The Medical instrument technicians (EKG) will lift and bend frequently to position patients for testing. Reaching and stretching is required to set up equipment; pushing and pulling ambulatory equipment is necessary between patient care areas. The incumbent will also be required to walk long distances between testing areas. Dexterity and agility is required to perform intricate diagnostic procedures in clinical areas of the medical center.

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.

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.

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:

  • Resume




***If applying as current Federal, please provide your most recent non-award SF-50***

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

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 08/11/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12770879.

  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.

Agency contact information

Nerissa Mckinnie
Address
Durham VA Medical Center
508 Fulton Street
Durham, NC 27705
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.


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