Lead Histopathology Technologist

Veterans Health Administration

Salt Lake City, UT

JobSummary

The Histopathology Technologist serves as an expert providing authoritative advice and consultation for more difficult, complex, or unique tests requiring special knowledge. Advises all organizational levels on various aspects of the specialized testing, including appropriateness that takes into consideration the clinical context. The incumbent often works independently and is given freedom of action under the general guidance of a pathologist or other laboratory practitioner.

LowGrade

HighGrade

PromotionPotential

None

SubAgencyName

Veterans Health Administration

OrganizationCodes

VA/VATA

Relocation

False

HiringPath

public

MCOTags

TotalOpenings

AgencyMarketingStatement

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise - "To care for him who shall have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate care to Veterans? Interested in a career that offers a true work-life balance? Look no further! The VA Salt Lake City Health Care System offers a balance of professional and clinical complexity that stimulates growth yet, it also allows the professional an opportunity to enjoy life outside of work. If you are interested in a career that offers an integrated patient-centered approach while providing compassionate and state of the art care to Veterans, we welcome you to apply. The VA is in Salt Lake City (SLC) in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and overlooks the largest inland lake in the country. SLC is close to four National Parks creating limitless year-around outdoor recreation. Called Silicon Slopes, the city has a buzzing technology scene, performing arts scene, and a diverse culture. SLC offers the perfect mix of social activity, modern businesses and family life making it an ideal location to start a career, raise a family, or ease into retirement. The VA offers a teaching hospital, with state-of-the-art technology, education and research; making this hospital an ideal career choice for many clinical and administrative professionals.

TravelCode

ApplyOnlineUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/Apply

DetailStatusUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/ApplicationStatus

MajorDuties

Must apply professional complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. Identifies and tests suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate the impact on patients' samples. Organizes, coordinates, and prioritizes simultaneous work assignments, both individual and team-related. Uses information technology systems and inter-connectivity. Ability to perform specialized microtomy for various applications. Leads in the introduction of new tests, including stain protocol research, test protocol setup, validation testing, record keeping, and documentation. Researches, develops, tests, optimizes, and validates complex histochemical stains, immunohistochemistry(IHC) and/or in situ hybridization (ISH) protocols, including, but not limited to, new antibodies, probes, detection protocols/kits, new lots, and concentrated antibody titrations. Conveys knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines from organizations such as College of American Pathologists (CAP), The Joint Commission (TJC), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to ensure staff compliance with safety requirements, including continuing education and employee orientation. Planning and administering an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards. Maintains, operates, and troubleshooting computers and laboratory system instrumentation. Examines and describes, using dictating equipment, gross surgical specimens, noting size, color, consistency, and anatomic orientation, identifying abnormalities, and removing appropriate tissue samples for microscopic examination and diagnosis. Orders additional procedures that are appropriate to specific specimens and/or disease states. Monitors and makes work assignments, provides input on performance, resolves daily workplace issues, and maintains efficient workflow Assignments at this level include but are not limited to: assuring coverage of all areas of responsibility; conducting ongoing reviews to ensure quality of work; providing guidance to staff members, to include changes in policies and procedures: distributing and balancing workload; orienting and providing on-the-job training for new and current employees; and ensuring all training requirements are met in addition to organizing the work structure of his/her assigned areas. Oversees the proper processing of tissue specimens, especially those requiring special handling (i.e., immunofluorescence, special histological staining, or techniques, etc.), independently evaluating the acceptability of submitted material and, acting for the Chief, Anatomic pathology Service, returning unacceptable specimens, with explanation, to the contributor. Prepares frozen sections for the Pathologist to include gross description, cryostat sectioning and staining of glass slides. Processes all cytological specimens: Prepares smears, cellblocks, and special stains. Assists the Pathologist with Fine Needle Aspirations. Embeds tissue with proper orientation in a variety of media. Utilizes a microtome or cryostat to section embedded tissue. Determines the appropriate number of levels to cut for the type of embedded specimen. Determines which special stain is required to demonstrate tissue elements and properties (i.e., Congo Red for amyloid or Fontana-Masson for melanin). Performs microscopic evaluation of stains for acceptability of stain reaction through the utilization of positive and negative quality control. Performs complex immunohistochemical procedures and staining Provides guidance to pathologists and other staff members on immunohistochemical antibodies and their specificities. Prepares Histology for the Joint Commission, OSHA, EPA, and the College of American Pathologists inspections. Instructs staff members and trainees (if applicable) in the procedures and techniques used in examining, describing and dissecting organs and tissues removed during surgery, including pathophysiology of disease processes, recognition and identification of abnormalities and disease entities, both expected and unexpected, type and purpose of surgery performed, anatomic orientation of tissues and organs, and procedures which enable the pathologist to provide accurate and complete information, upon which therapeutic decisions are often based. Instruction includes demonstrations of techniques and advising as to the best methods of special processing techniques for demonstrating the absence or presence and extent of disease and evaluating adequacy of the surgical procedure performed. Work Schedule: M-F 6:00 am-4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 59662-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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/.

Requirements

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.

Evaluations

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.

HowToApply

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 04/13/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12920701. 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.

WhatToExpectNext

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.

RequiredDocuments

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume 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. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Other (1) Other (2) Other (3) Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript

Benefits

BenefitsUrl

http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp

OtherInformation

Receiving Service Credit for 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.

KeyRequirements

WithinArea

False

CommuteDistance

ServiceType

AnnouncementClosingType

AgencyContactEmail

V19USAJOBS@VA.GOV

AgencyContactPhone

719-227-4600

SecurityClearance

Other