Nuclear Med Technologist (Fusion Imaging) Job in North Chicago, IL

Vacancy No. CAZP-12788847-25-RA Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $82,655.00 to $107,447.00 Grade 11 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/28/2025 Close Date 9/8/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
North Chicago, IL


Summary

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Fusion Imaging Technologist) performs technical work in support of the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Care Line, Nuclear Medicine section under the direction of a Nuclear Medicine Physician or Radiologist. The Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Fusion Imaging Technologist) will be scheduled and assigned to all areas of the Service and must possess the required professional knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the following functions:


This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to Current permanent employees of the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center and its outreach facilities including CBOC and VCS employees.

Duties

Nuclear Medicine Technologists have responsibility for providing a wide range of specialized nuclear medicine procedures, including diagnostic imaging, therapy with unsealed radioactive materials, radioassay, in-vivo or in-vitro cell labeling; evaluating abnormal results; using and maintaining equipment; setting up and monitoring quality control; working within guidelines from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Department of Transportation (DOT), National Health Physics Program, Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) among others

Major Duties:
Patient Care
Organizes and plans for the efficient flow of patient care work for optimal utilization of technical staff. Assigns work ensuring a cooperative and professional work environment. Adjusts and revises assignments on a day-to-day basis as required to meet examination schedules, responds to emergencies during peak workloads and fluctuating staff presence.

Verifies patient identity to comply with medical center and service policy, physician order for the procedure, and pregnancy status of females, when appropriate. Checks for appropriateness of study to assure that the proper study is being performed. Additional duties.

Radio Pharmacy
Receives radioactive material (RAM) packages and responds appropriately if the package is damaged or wet. Monitors RAM package for external exposure and removable contamination. Analyzes the survey results and takes appropriate notification action if the results exceed regulatory limits.

Reviews daily work schedule and prepares appropriate Tc-99m labeled radiopharmaceuticals to accomplish the workload, such as MDP, Mebrofenin, Macroaggregated Albumin, MAG3, and DTPA. Radiolabels meal for gastric emptying studies. Maintains records of by-product material for review/inspection and more.

Equipment Quality Control
Responsible for the equipment quality assurance program. Responsible for the technical aspect of equipment operation and safety and for carrying out the recommendations of the radiology safety committee.

Oversees the calibration of instruments. Evaluates instrument malfunction and initiates repairs. Monitors quality assurance on instrumentation, equipment, procedures and patient care and more additional duties.

Diagnostic Procedures
Reviews the work schedule to determine radiopharmaceutical and supply needs. Responsible for ordering radiopharmaceuticals and supplies and ensuring that adequate volumes of each are available for patient procedures. Receives ordered items and reconciles orders.

Evaluates the procedure and adult and older adult patient. Identifies variances that may affect the patient or outcome of the study.
Additional duties

Radiopharmaceutical Therapy
Assists the Nuclear Medicine Physician in performing a wide variety of radiopharmaceutical therapies with I-131, Sm-153, Ra-223, Y-90, and SR-89. Ensures that the authorized user has completed the written directive.

Instructs patient, family, and nursing staff in radiation safety precautions, as needed.

Radiation Safety
Implements and follows the Radiation Safety Program. Follows the procedures for the safe use of unsealed and sealed sources to reduce occupational radiation exposure and exposure to the public. Secures and stores radioactive material and sealed sources to prevent unauthorized access or removal. Takes appropriate measures to maintain radiation exposures As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) in restricted and non-restricted areas. Calculates exposure rates and posts appropriate radiation caution signs in areas, as needed. Uses personnel monitoring devices to measure external radiation exposure and bioassay to detect internal contamination. Analyzes monitoring results and takes corrective action. Additional duties

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm
Telework: Not Authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #:
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:
US Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

English Proficiency: NMTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, VA Handbook 5005, Part II.

Certification: All applicants must be certified in nuclear medicine technology by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (N). NMTCB or ARRT (N) certification eligibility requirements are normally satisfied by one of the following:
  • (1) Completion of a NMTCB-recognized nuclear medicine technology program,
OR
  • (2) Completion of a nuclear medicine technology program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT), or other accrediting agencies as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), culminating in a certificate, associate, baccalaureate, or master's degree. Educational programs must have structured clinical training sufficient to provide clinical competency in radiation safety, instrumentation, clinical procedures, and radio-pharmacy, as deemed acceptable by the NMTCB.
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-11 Experience: You must have at least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level directly related to the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level.

In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
  • Ability to produce and assess high quality fusion and quality control images using independent judgement to recognize abnormal or unacceptable results.
  • Practical knowledge and skill in the use of ancillary equipment with an understanding of how the results will affect the study outcome.
  • Knowledge of physiologic processes as they relate to altered radiopharmaceutical uptake and/or artefactual findings.
  • Knowledge of CT and/or MR radiographic techniques utilized in quality control and acquisition parameters.
  • Ability to recognize and correct fusion imaging system errors.
Preferred Experience: PET/ CT Experience

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

Physical Requirements: The Nuclear Medicine PET/CT Technologist's work requires long periods of standing, sitting and walking up to 8 hours. There is repeated bending, pushing / pulling, reaching above shoulders, use of both hands (hands and fingers), twisting and carrying of moderately heavy articles weighing from 15-44 pounds such as shipping containers that contain shielded patient doses, phantoms, flood source, lead lined items that included but not limited to sharps container, syringe shields, L-Shield, and radioactive waste barrels. Positioning of patients who are disabled may require considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients is done only with help of the overhead patient lift. If the lift is out of service and a sliding board must be used, then several staff members are required to safely move a patient. Near vision correctable at 13 inches to 16 inches to Jaeger 1 - 4 and far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and to 20/100 in the other is acceptable. Hearing aids are permitted. Nuclear Medicine Technologists must display emotional and mental stability

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.

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:

  • Certification Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT)
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action


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
  • License
  • Certification Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT)
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

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 09/08/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12788847.

  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

Ralph Abueg
Address
Captain James A Lovell Federal Health Care Center
3001 Green Bay Road
North Chicago, IL 60064
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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