Medical Instrument Technician (Vascular) - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job in Amarillo, TX

Vacancy No. CAZM-12672244-25-LGJ Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $67,297.00 to $87,482.00 Grade 10 to 10
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/21/2025 Close Date 6/27/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Amarillo, TX


Summary

Vascular technicians or vascular sonographers operate diagnostic equipment using ultrasound to record vascular information such as vascular blood flow, blood pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation, cerebral circulation, peripheral circulation and abdominal circulation. Advises radiologists or referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to permanent employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs and other current, permanent Federal employees and the public. Although hybrid title 38 occupations follow title 5 Veterans' preference rules, 38 U.S.C. 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference to external applicant applying for this position as identified by VHA until 09/30/2025 as outlined in OCHCO Bulletin effective 10/01/2024.

Duties

Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a highly qualified applicant.
Vacancy will remain open until filled. The first cut-off date is 01/29/2025. Additional applications will be referred as needed.

Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf

Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Operating diagnostic equipment using ultrasound to record vascular information such as blood flow, blood pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation, extra cranial circulation (carotid and vertebral arteries, jugular veins), peripheral circulation and adominal circulation
  • Performing general ultrasound studies 25% of the time
  • Independently performing ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, neck, chest and extremities, retroperitoneal space, pelvis, limited OB/GYN, while acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders.
  • Serving as a clinical instructor for accredited local colleges for ultrasound students a tour facility.
  • Performing routine clerical procedures as necessary to include calling patients the day prior to remind them of their appointments and describe any exam prep required.
  • Making multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to insure accurate results.
  • Based on radiologic findings, determining necessary ultrasound procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings.
  • Reviewing new developments in the field and recommending to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section.
  • Maintaining adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies.
  • Working with supervisor and radiologist and developing protocols, preparation instructions and SOPs that maintains patient prep procedures so that patients, nurses understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations to minimize delays of examinations. These preps are disseminated either by written preparation information or by telephone conversation.
  • Explaining 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 assure diagnostic examinations for treatment and diagnosis of disorders.
  • Obtaining written consent whenever necessary (interventional, e.g., biopsy, aspiration, etc.).
  • Reviewing related information found in the patient's electronic medical record to correlate lab and x-ray for the radiologist.
Work Schedule: Fulltime, Monday thru Friday 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Relocation Incentive: Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual: Relocation incentives may be authorized to full-time Federal employees who must change worksites & physically relocate to a different geographic area when the approving official determines that without the incentive, it would be difficult to fill the position with a high-quality candidate.
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual: Recruitment Incentive. Recruitment incentives may be authorized to full-time, part time or intermittent individuals in their first appointment as a Federal employee or to a newly appointed former Federal employee with at least a 90-day break in service.
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: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 504-53304-F
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Bargaining Unit position

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.
  • 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:
  • 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.
  • 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".
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.
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-10
Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*)
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment.
  • Advanced knowledge of the most complex and non-standard treatment and examination procedures and techniques.
  • *Ability to plan and assist in the establishment of a completely integrated treatment and examination program.
  • *Ability to evaluate new products and equipment and make recommendations concerning developments which would improve operations.
  • *Ability to manage the fiscal matters of the functions supervised (which would include fund controls, contracts, and equipment expenditures), forecast resource and equipment needs, and administer the allocated budget.
  • *Knowledge of and ability to provide the full range of supervisory duties which would include responsibility for assignment of work to be performed; performance evaluation; selection of staff; and recommendation of awards, advancements, and, when appropriate, disciplinary actions.
Certification. Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Vascular Sonographer (RVS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable.

Preferred Experience:
  • One to three years minimum credible experience post-graduate from an accredited school as a sonographer in vascular and general diagnostic ultrasound
  • Graduate of a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) program
  • Experience utilizing ultrasonography equipment, performing quality assurance and ensuring quality imaging
  • Competent to perform vascular and general diagnostic ultrasound when staffing shortage exists in general diagnostic ultrasound
  • Work independently under the scope of the supervisory physician's licensure
  • Demonstrate solid understanding of complex methodologies for anatomy when performing vascular and general diagnostic exams and perform accurate charting of findings prior to sending images and charting of the radiologist for interpretation.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills, attention to detail and accurate interpretation of images prior to sending images and charging to the radiologist for interpretation
  • Basic Lifesaver Course (BLSC), ARDMS Certified (SPI, AB, OB/GYN, RVT) or ARRT (S, VS)
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-10.

Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking (4-8 hours), standing (4-8 hours), kneeling, repeated bending and use of both arms and legs. Vision for both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors and ability to read ordinary type without strain. Has adequate hearing (aids permitted) and emotional stability and mental stability to deal with stressful situations.

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.

Note: 38 U.S.C. 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans preference to external applicants for appointments made from this announcement.

For this open continuous job announcement, after 90 days of application submission, your application will expire. If you continue to be interested in this position, please update your application thru your USAJobs.gov account.

Required Documents

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

  • 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
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • Other (2)
  • Other (3)
  • PCS Orders
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Proof of Enrollment
  • Proof of Marriage Status
  • 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 06/27/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12672244.

  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

VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
Address
Thomas E Creek VA Medical Center
6010 Amarillo Boulevard, West
Amarillo, TX 79106
US
Learn more about this agency

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.


© 2006-2025, exclusive of U. S. government job opportunity announcements