Supervisory Histopathology Technologist

Summary

The Supervisory Histotechnologist position is established to provide for effective and efficient management of the resources available to the Anatomic Pathology Unit, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS), in a fully computerized, highly complex, diversified, University affiliated tertiary care teaching Veteran's Affairs Medical Center. The incumbent provides technical and administrative supervision to a unit of GS-11 Lead Histology Technologists and GS-9 Histology Technologists.

Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to: Responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the Section, prepares work schedules and assigns duties to subordinates to assure efficient and timely performance of all tests and procedures. Directs the activities, work assignments and progress of subordinate employees in order to ensure that all incoming specimens are properly accessioned and analyzed and that all records are kept in compliance with applicable regulations. Coordinates the performance of CAP surveys and HQIP by technicians/technologists and pathologists in the Section, and prepares the appropriate work sheets for the Service Quality Assurance Manager. Establishes and supervises all quality assurance programs pertaining to Histology and the Morgue, such as daily internal quality control and external and/or regional quality control programs, instrument preventive maintenance programs and annual update of procedure manuals. Submits to the Service Quality Assurance Manager, a monthly report that summarizes the Unit's quality assurance activities and proposes plans to correct identified deficiencies. Investigates complaints from the hospital staff and pathologists concerning questionable results. Assures that all standards of the American College of Pathologists (CAP), The Joint Commission and VA Central Office are practiced at all times in the Section, and that the section will qualify for accreditation by CAP. Manages all routine personnel matters related to the unit, such developing performance standards; evaluating the work performance of subordinates for performance appraisals; competency assessment; scheduling; leave approval; awards; recruitment; and disciplinary actions. Interviews candidates for positions in the unit; recommends appointments, promotions, and reassignments to unit positions. Participates in succession planning and reviews human resource utilization. Authorizes procurement of the supplies, reagents, and consumables from appropriate contractors. Responsible for the maintenance of all required records and review of invoices to ensure that the section remains within budget. Responsible for implementing and monitoring the compliance of mandatory safety programs within the Section and provides recommendations for improvement of the safety programs to the Laboratory Safety Officer. Assures that all specimens are processed in a timely and efficient manner with a minimum amount of errors. Gives advice, counsel, and instruction to employees on both work and administrative matters. Hears and resolves minor complaints from employees; refers group grievances and more serious unresolved complaints to a higher level supervisor or manager; effects minor disciplinary measures such as warnings and reprimands and recommends action in more serious cases. Identifies and provides for training needs; and finds ways to improve production or increase the quality of work within the area of authority. Reviews all of the results for correctness as required by regulatory agencies (CAP, TJC, AABB, FDA), directs involved technicians/technologists in the correction of errors, and notifies attending physicians as appropriate. Provides technical guidance to technicians/technologists when problems occur. Designs daily workload monitoring and oversees the recording of proper workload by technicians/technologists (when applicable); verifies the quarterly LMIP report for the Section. Designs and prepares appropriate instrument maintenance logs, reviews these logs monthly, and assures that proper routine maintenance is being done by technicians/technologists. Writes and updates procedure manuals applicable to the assigned laboratory section. Evaluates and implements the use of new methodologies and instrumentation in the Section. Work Schedule: Full time, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Telework: Available. Ad hoc, as determined by the agency policy. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 95266-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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 identification 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). 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 and evaluation

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.

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/.

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 08/14/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13022258. 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.

Required documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Histotechnologitst Certification Resume Transcript 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 Histotechnologitst Certification Other (2) Other (3) 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.

Additional information

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.