BASIC REQUIREMETNS:
English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.
Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation.
Licensure or Certification. Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities.
GS-6: Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level GS-05, which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
(a)Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology (specifically cardiac and pulmonary).
(b)Knowledge and application of safety and infection control processes.
(c)Ability to serve as a circulating technician for supplies and to assist with documentation of hemodynamic patient data.
(d)Knowledge of anesthesiology supplies and equipment appropriate to less complex anesthetic
GS-7 Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level GS-06 which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
(a)Knowledge of the fundamentals of standard equipment operation, calibration and function.
(b)Knowledge of correct use of non-invasive patient monitoring equipment specific to anesthesiology.
(c)Ability to appropriately interact with patients during anesthetic procedures.
(d)Knowledge of anesthesiology supplies and equipment appropriate to routine anesthetic procedures, such as those found in typical inpatient settings.
Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification.
Assignment. The anesthesia technician at this level assists anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists in routine anesthetic procedures under general supervision. The technician will connect and operate non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment, blood and fluid warmers (e.g., Hot Line and Ranger) and patient warming devices (e.g., Bair Hugger). The technician will exercise moderate independent judgment in anesthesia technology duties.
GS-8 Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level GS-07 which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Experience. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
(a)Knowledge of the correct use of invasive patient monitoring equipment specific to anesthesiology.
(b)Knowledge of basic electrocardiography (EKG).
(c)Skill and ability to troubleshoot equipment, often while the patient is anesthetized.
(d)Skill and ability to maintain sterility during procedures.
(e)Knowledge and understanding of arterial pressure line wave forms including the ability to recognize and distinguish normal from abnormal, artifact from abnormality, and forewarn the physician or anesthetist of an impending life-threatening situation.
(f)Knowledge of anesthesiology supplies, medications, and equipment appropriate to more difficult anesthetic procedures such as those found in inpatient settings with more acutely ill patients.
Note: Anesthesia Technicians perform logistical and technical support to anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists. They maintain anesthesiology supplies and equipment, set-up anesthetizing locations and operate, monitor, and collect data from anesthesia related equipment. In some cases Anesthesia Technicians will perform clinical laboratory functions, equipment preventive maintenance/repair, and specialized cardiac procedures such as cardiac output measurement, intra-aortic balloon pumping, vessel cannulation, and autotransfusion services. Certification at two distinct levels is offered by the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT). (See Appendix A)
References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15, 2006 PART II APPENDIX II-G27
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08.
Physical Requirements: Moderate to heavy lifting 45 pounds and over; pulling/pushing; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; walking; standing; bending; crawling; kneeling; ability to distinguish basic and shades of colors; hearing aid permitted; working closely with others, excessive noise, fumes, electrical energy and around machinery with moving parts.
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Receiving Service Credit or 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.
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.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
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.