Medical Laboratory Technician
Department: Department of Veterans Affairs
Location(s): Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Salary Range: $40332 - $58445 Per Year
Job Summary: The Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) performs routine laboratory testing, quality control procedures, basic instrument maintenance, and troubleshooting. Testing is conducted on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using both manual and automated methods. The MLT performs waived, moderate, and complex testing in accordance with established protocols.
Major Duties:
- This announcement is open continuous. Certificates will be issued to the hiring manager on a biweekly basis until all positions have been filled. Announcement will remain open until all vacancies are filled and may close sooner than 1/29/2026. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major Duties Include, but are not limited to the following: Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requesting new specimens if determined to be unusable. Prepares specimens for analysis, ensuring that the physiological state of the specimen properties is maintained. Selects, performs, evaluates and monitors the performance of test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction; locates and implements corrections. Performs quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports. Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts and maintains instruments. Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring. Identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs. Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures. Correlates quantitative data with patient data (i.e., history, medications) to verify results. Performs additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results. Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician and reports them directly. Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results recorded into the computer system. Collects specimens with minimal discomfort to the patient, ensures accurate identification and proper preservation of the specimen and controls physical conditions to ensure the physiological state of the specimen is maintained throughout the pre-analytical process. Collaborates and communicates with primary care teams. Consults and communicates with members of external healthcare teams, customer service and patient education. Will be efficient in organization, able to set priorities, work as a team member and effectively complete assignments. Must locate and review patient orders in the computer system using VISTA or CPRS programs. Appropriately deletes and adds tests and properly documents in the VISTA system. Patients lacking or with unclear orders require multiple computer searches to identify orders or locate the ordering provider and contact them for clarification. Identifies tests that require special handling conditions and appropriately performs proper specimen collection. Manages or assists in the management of the metric screening assigned by CBOC supervisor or Ancillary Coordinator. Will perform miscellaneous minor duties as assigned. Takes emergency care procedures in the event a patient has a reaction to blood collection procedures including fainting, hematoma, and anxiety. Instructs and assists healthcare personnel as necessary regarding questions, but not limited to, patient testing, specimen collection, equipment, ordering requirements, incorporating principles of educational methodology, etc. Adheres to all facility, local, state and federal safety requirements. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:30am to 4pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized 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). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Qualifications: All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to clearly demonstrate your experience in your application package may result in disqualification. All applicants are encouraged to submit responses to each Knowledge, Skill, and Ability (KSA) on a separate document. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education. Candidates must meet the applicable educational requirements for certification. Certification: Candidates must currently possess one of the appropriate certifications as an MLT granted by the following organizations. (a) American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) i ASCP, Board of Certification. OR ii ASCP, Board of Registry. (b) American Medical Technologists. OR (c) American Association of Bioanalysts. English Language Proficiency. MLT candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: GS-05: Experience: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-06 :Experience: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of MLT principles, practices, concepts and theories for sound independent work. Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures to manage reagents and supply inventories using document control systems. Ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation. Ability to work as a team member in a laboratory setting to effectively complete assignments. Ability to use technical judgment to interpret laboratory results. Ability to apply complex written laboratory instructions. Ability to consult with other members of the health care team, patients and external customers. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.
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 02/03/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12827561. 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.
Application Deadline: 2026-02-03