Duties
Work Schedule: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM Monday- Friday
Compressed/Flexible:Not Authorized.
Telework: Not Authorized.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.
Duties:
- Performs the full range of supervisory duties for one or more sections of the laboratory, including responsibility for assignment of work; performance evaluations; recommendations for appointment, awards, advancement, and disciplinary actions; and identification of continuing education and training needs.
- Ensures compliance with the accrediting agency and regulatory requirements, establishes and monitors the quality of the pre-analytical processes as part of the overall laboratory quality management program, and initiates corrective action.
- Develops policies and procedures, manage document control, develop performance standards, position descriptions, and functional statements.
- Is responsible for professional and administrative management of an assigned area, to include budget execution, orientation, and competency assessment of assigned staff.
- Maintains effective interdepartmental relations with other services in order to accomplish medical center goals.
- Resolves specimen accessioning problems, implements procedural changes if necessary, and trains and monitors compliance by other laboratory personnel.
- Prepares both routine and special tissues including, but not limited to, cryopreservation of muscle biopsies, needle and punch biopsies, bone marrow aspirations, kidney biopsies, tissues from autopsies, brain, eye, and bone by fixing, decalcifying (when necessary), dehydrating, clearing, infiltrating with paraffin (using manual or automated equipment), embedding in paraffin, cutting these sections using microtomes, performing routine H&E staining, coverslipping and labeling the slides.
- Prepares tissues properly when embedding them, according to established procedures and depending on the type of specimens being prepared (e.g. shave biopsies on edge; core biopsies to demonstrate the maximum amount of tissue).
- Stains tissue sections using special stains as required, including, but not limited to Acid Fast, Aldan Blue, Congo Red Fontanna-Masson, Giemsa, Gram, Iron, Melanin, Methenamine Silver, Mucicarnine, PAS-Schiff, and Trichrome.
- Deploys stains to demonstrate particular tissue elements and properties (e.g. Congo Red for amyloid; Fontanna-Masson for melanin), and interprets positive controls used for these procedures.
- Examines slides microscopically and accepts or rejects them on the basis of proper staining reactions. The incumbent troubleshoots major problems with special staining procedures, implement changes, trains and monitors compliance by the histopathology staff.
- Prepares all stains and chemical solutions with a competent, practical knowledge of chemistry. Since many of these reagents and solutions are toxic, caustic or flammable (e.g. Silver Solutions, formaldehyde, acids, alcohols), exercises great care in handling them and uses personal protective equipment including face shields, gloves, and laboratory coats.
- Performs simple immunohistochemical stains; troubleshoots and corrects minor problems with these procedures and maintains records and QA data.
- Assists in the preparation and cutting of Frozen Section specimens for rapid intraoperative consultations.
- Processes, sections, and stains histologic material for research purposes.
- Prepares blocks, wet tissue, and slides for shipment to other institutions as required following regulatory and infection control directives for packaging and labeling specimens.
- Ensures all equipment is in excellent condition, maintains appropriate supplies, monitors quality control data.
- Participates in the orientation and training of new employees in Anatomic Pathology and provides training to other medical center staff.
- Assists the Pathologist or Pathology Resident with autopsy, as needed. The duties include accounting for all required documentation, such as patient information, identity of the body, and scheduling the autopsy.
- Under the direction of the Pathologist or Pathology Resident, performs postmortem eviscerations, places removed specimens in proper preserving solutions or containers and properly labels the specimens.
- Performs restoration procedure of the body and maintains the autopsy area including instruments, equipment and clothing. Will also appropriately discard residual autopsy tissues in accordance with retention guidelines.
Supervisory Control: The position is under technical directorship of the Chief of P&LMS or assigned pathologist and supervision of the Laboratory Manager. The Laboratory Manager provides administrative guidance and general supervision in terms of the broadly defined missions or functions of P&LMS. The incumbent has full supervisory responsibility for the nonsupervisory personnel, including GS-5, GS-6, GS-7, & GS-9 Histopathology Technicians and Technologists.
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.
- 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).
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.
- Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d)
- Education: Individuals must meet one of the requirements below:
- Successful completion of a full four-year course of study from an accredited college or university, leading to a bachelor's or higher degree, that included a major study in an academic field related to health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of a histopathology technologist, such as, but not limited to clinical biology, microbiology, physiology, pre-medical, medical lab technology, chemistry, immunology, physiology, anatomy;
- OR,
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both);
- OR,
- Successful completion of two years of progressively higher level graduate education, leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree, with a major study in an academic field related to health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the position of histopathology technologist, such as clinical biology, microbiology, physiology, pre- medical, medical lab technology, chemistry, immunology, physiology, anatomy.
- Certification: Candidates must currently possess the histotechnologist (HTL) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification. The ASCP requires completion of one of the following for a candidate to be considered "board eligible" to take the certification exam:
- Successful completion of a histotechnician or histotechnology program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS);
- OR,
- One year of full time experience in all of the following: fixation, embedding, microtomy, processing, and staining in a histopathology (clinical, veterinary, industry, or research) laboratory.
- Supervisory Histopathology Technologist, GS-11
- Education and Experience. Must meet one of the following: (a) One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled; or (b) Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education that included a clinical practicum; or (c) A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in histopathology technology, or a directly related field that included a clinical practicum.
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).
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit
https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: This work is mostly sedentary and requires some standing, bending, and carrying light items. The incumbent must have the ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time to interact with the patients and other services.
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/.
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:
- Professional Certification
- 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 (VA)
- License
- Other (1)
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- 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 09/24/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12802442.
- 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.
- 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.
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.