Pharmacy Technician Job in Viera, FL

Vacancy No. CBTC-12809548-26-MAC Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $66,010.00 to $85,820.00 Grade 8 to 8
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/7/2025 Close Date 10/15/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Viera, FL


Summary

The duties of this position are performed in the sterile product preparation suite and accompanying storage areas of the inpatient pharmacy section at the Orlando VA Healthcare System Department of Pharmacy service. The incumbent is a highly specialized technician, who, under the authority of the Compound Sterile Products (CSP) program manager or designee, and responsible for the preparation of sterile products handled by pharmacy.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to current, and permanent employees of the VA Healthcare System (Facility Employees have first consideration). NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

Duties

The duties of the Pharmacy Technician include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Knowledgeable in United States Pharmacopeia (USP) 797/800/795, Pharmacy Law, VHA Directives, and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) regulations as they relate to practice within the VA Healthcare System and its organizational elements.
  • Using aseptic technique, compounds both complicated and uncomplicated parenteral admixtures in the form of large volume, small volume, infusion syringe or another modality as required. Follows proper aseptic preparation techniques when compounding hazardous and non-hazardous medications.
  • Prepares sterile ophthalmic preparations and other complex sterile pharmaceuticals such as total parenteral nutrition and cardioplegia solutions.
  • Correctly interprets orders, selects, and measures appropriate ingredients, mixes ingredients in an aseptic and effective manner, inspects the final product for accuracy, suitability, and elegance, labels the product, maintains records of the manufacturing process, and supplies the product for delivery.
  • Understands specific handling considerations for storage, distribution, and disposal of medications.
  • Consistently displays competence with good aseptic technique manufacturing practices through demonstration and/or actual work performance.
  • Technical working knowledge of equipment and supplies used in compounding sterile products including but not limited to admixing pumps, needles, syringes, and various compounding supplies, etc.
  • Operates and maintains complicated pharmacy equipment including but not limited to Omnicell/Pyxis, laminar flow hoods, total parental nutrition (TPN) compounder, repeater pumps, etc.)
  • Ensures that the IV cleanrooms are cleaned daily, and appropriate logs are completed for daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning.
  • Routine checks for soon to expire medications and supplies and adjudicates them for appropriate disposition.
  • Completes assigned ward inspections timely.
  • Uses knowledge, skills, and abilities to resolve questionable orders or situations to ensure quality of care. Contacts pharmacists to obtain clarification for prescriptions/orders or any situation that presents a possible hazard to patient care.
  • Performing accurate product selection, dosage calculations and compounding of agents utilizing package literature, written procedural guidelines and application of specialized knowledge.
  • Generating of proper product identification labeling and assigning accurate stability and handling information. Labeling also includes appropriate auxiliary information to ensure safety and efficacy to the patient and other handlers of the product.
  • Upon completion of the order, contacts the assigned pharmacist for a final check and then delivers prepared products to the wards, clinics, or other designated areas.
  • Stocking and maintaining the Pharmacy Service preparation area(s), reviewing anticipated inventory needs and notifying the procurement technician in a timely manner of products required.
  • Working knowledge of position specific equipment including vertical and horizontal laminar flow hoods and all disposable supplies needed to compound sterile products.
  • Participates in glove fingertip and media fill testing, maintain competences passing didactic practical skill assessment initially and annually thereafter.
  • Assists in airborne particulate and microbial testing and surface testing to ensure cleaning schedules are met.
  • Responsibility for keeping abreast of changes in the Pharmacy Service (i.e., interdepartmental memoranda, relevant station memoranda, and policies and procedures. and to maintain a general knowledge of VA, DEA, USP and Joint Commission (JC) regulations.
  • Assists in training and orientation of new staff to ensure consistency in the training process.

Work Schedule: Employees may be required to work during day, evening, night, weekend, holiday, or compressed shifts on a rotating schedule. Work hours will be scheduled based on operational needs and will rotate fairly and equitably, including weekends and holidays.
Compressed/Flexible: Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 81989F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
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

Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.

English Language Proficiency. Pharmacy Technician candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed.

GRADE DETERMINATIONS

Pharmacy Technician, GS-08

Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-07) level.

Certification-Documentation Supplied. For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either:

  • PTCB as a CPhT.
OR
  • NHA as a ExCPT.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the education or experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  • Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology and policies in a specialized area or section of pharmacy (such as sterile compounding, controlled substances, automation, clinical pharmacy, contact center, etc.) Note: See Specialized Area.in the Definitions Section.
  • Skill in training and orienting new and existing pharmacy facility employees and students on proper policies and procedures.
  • Ability to evaluate, analyze and coordinate workflow and work activities within a specialized area or section of the pharmacy.
Preferred Experience:
  • Sterile compounding experience in inpatient setting.
Physical Requirements:

Physical Demands: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-08.

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

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

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.

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. HPTs

Required Documents

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

  • Verification of passing national certification exam and hold an active national certification: PTCB as a CPhT. OR NHA as a ExCPT.
  • 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.

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.

  • Verification of passing national certification exam and hold an active national certification: PTCB as a CPhT. OR NHA as a ExCPT.
  • Other (2)
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • 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 10/15/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12809548.

  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

Manuel Colon
Address
Orlando VA Medical Center
13800 Veterans Way
Orlando, FL 32827
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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