Supervisory Histopathology Technologist

Summary

The Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, Pathology and Laboratory service, is currently recruiting for one (1) Supervisory Histopathology Technologist to join their team.

Duties

*Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.* Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major Duties and Responsibilities: Operates, verifies and maintains correct instrument operation for all equipment in the histology laboratory, using established procedures and quality control checks in accordance with College of American Pathologists, Joint Commission and VHA guidelines. The supervisor will be responsible for ensuring continuity of MOHS laboratory operations and must be prepared to cover duties when the primary MOHS staff member is unavailable. Support and advise CUA Technical Director (Service Chief, AP Section Chief, or other designee) in areas of anatomical pathology quality control/assurance, records control, proficiency testing, inspection, and accreditation to all levels of the organization. Plans, implements and coordinates preventive maintenance of all instruments, collaborating with the Biomedical Service any instrument malfunctions. Responsible for validating, modifying, or adapting new staining methods or techniques, or improving existing methods as necessary for routine histopathology technology procedures. Properly documents all validation procedures and obtains approval of Laboratory Medical Director or AP Technical Director prior to implementation. Establishes and monitors the quality of the pre-analytical processes as part of the overall laboratory quality management program and initiates corrective action. Prepares monthly QA/QM data for section consistent with VA NEO and accreditation agency regulations. Generates and executes action plan(s) for metrics requiring such. Responsible for professional and administrative management of an assigned area, to include budget development, orientation, and competency of assigned staff. Manages inventory, supplies, and reagents and monitors expenditures in the section. Evaluates existing tests for cost-benefit and recommends sending out low volume, high cost or labor-intensive testing as indicated. Manages document control for assigned section(s) per VA regulation and accrediting agency requirements. Maintains effective interdepartmental relations with other services to accomplish medical center goals. Performs advanced procedures and quality control of tissue samples. Acts as a technical resource, troubleshoots a variety of specialized lab tests, identifies suboptimal issues and uses independent judgment and resources to resolve concerns. Organizes, coordinates and prioritizes work assignments. Adjusts staffing levels/assignments or work procedures as deemed necessary. Coordinates schedule of autopsy and transfer of bodies to and from other facilities with Decedent Affairs. Uses professional skills in applying complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. Develops new tests, including stain protocol research, test protocol setup, validation testing and recordkeeping and documentation. Guide and train staff to prepare reagent and control materials. Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents and products. Maintains proper records for quality control reports. Provides training and competency assessment, including effective and professional training for the histopathology and technician(s), Pathologist assistants, and other laboratory employees that support the services of the anatomic pathology department. Develops quality control procedures that would include obtaining control tissues for special stains and special studies. Approves leave requests and timecards for payroll. Also establishes and maintains record keeping systems. Interviews and recommends candidates for positions or status changes, solves problems related to work supervised, writes functional statements, position descriptions, plans and carries out training and development of employees. Manages employee issues regarding suggestions, complaints, reprimands, grievances, and other matters involved in the administration of labor- management agreements. Assures orientation, training, and competency assessment of staff. Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Functional Statement #: 635-590300 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. Must pass pre-employment physical examination / evaluation. 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 09/01/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13041029. 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: Professional 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.* *Your resume/CV must include the following information for each job listed (a determination may not be able to be made if these items are missing): Job title and Duties. Month & year, start/end dated (e.g. June 2020 to April 2021). Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week). Series and Grade, if applicable. 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 Full resume/CV without page limitation Other (2) Professional Certification Resume 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.

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.