Department of Veterans Affairs

Health Technician (Pathology & Lab)

Birmingham, Alabama Full time

Health Technician (Pathology & Lab)

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Birmingham, Alabama

Salary Range: $41146 - $53491 Per Year

Job Summary: The selectee serves as a Health Technician in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at the Birmingham VA Medical Center, which provides acute tertiary medical and surgical care 24 hours a day, (7) days a week, including holidays.

Major Duties:

  • Major duties and responsibilities will include: Specimen Processing/Processing Support. This person has the following major areas of responsibility: Receives all specimens delivered to the laboratory for processing; Accessions all specimens into the computer system, using both automated and manual methods/downtime; Transports specimens from the collection site to the respective department for testing; Unpackages specimens and creates a manifest for all specimens being sent between Birmingham and CBOC locations for testing; Answers questions relative to patient specimens and tests requested; Instructs and assists patients, physicians, and providers on specimen requirements; Ensures adequate usage of equipment and maintenance of all required records; The incumbent will also trouble shoot all specimen type discrepancies according to specimen requirements; Accession and properly handle specimens in preparation for packaging and shipping to reference laboratories; Aliquot and store sample according to specimen integrity; Load sample onto instruments; Multitask/prioritize and work independently ;Scan and file documents; Additional duties as assigned; Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm or Midnight - 8:00 am. Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician (Pathology & Lab)/PD10201A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Qualifications: Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: Satisfactory physical examination as determined by the Employee Health Unit upon appointment only. The work is mostly sedentary and requires some standing, bending and carrying light items such as charts, papers, and books. Occasionally a piece of equipment would need to be moved. A significant amount of walking is also required to interact with patients and other services. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

How to Apply: All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the 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 05/15/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12941980. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS 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. To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete. 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.

Application Deadline: 2026-05-15