Advance Your Career: Lead Medical Laboratory Technician at VA North Texas
Are you a skilled laboratory professional with a passion for leadership and service? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a motivated Lead Medical Laboratory Technician to join the prestigious team at the VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS). This position is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to oversee critical diagnostic services that ensure our Veterans receive the high-quality, compassionate care they deserve.
Job Responsibilities
As a Lead Medical Laboratory Technician, your primary mission is to ensure the operational efficiency and technical accuracy of the laboratory. Your duties will include:
- Operational Oversight: Managing daily laboratory workflows, assigning tasks, and ensuring resources are fully utilized.
- Technical Leadership: Serving as an expert consultant for complex tests where no direct precedent exists.
- Mentorship: Training staff and students, evaluating competencies, and identifying continuing education needs.
- Compliance: Maintaining stringent adherence to CAP, TJC, and OSHA regulatory standards.
- Communication: Acting as a key liaison between the laboratory and various medical departments.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates must satisfy several core requirements:
- Education & Certification: Possession of a valid MLT certification from ASCP, AMT, or AAB.
- Experience: One year of specialized, progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-06 level.
- Regulatory Compliance: Must be willing to undergo a background check, drug screening, and maintain the mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $56,107 - $72,940 per year |
| Leave | 13-26 days annual, 13 days sick, 11 paid holidays |
| Retirement | Federal pension + 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan) |
| Insurance | Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life coverage |
Application Tips
- Use the Template: Always download the required Clinical Resume Document from the official VA careers page.
- Clarity is Key: Avoid leaving room for assumptions. Be explicit about your experience level and how it relates to the lead functions listed.
- Documents: Ensure your transcripts and SF-50s are uploaded correctly. If you are a veteran, include your DD-214.
This role offers a unique blend of technical challenge and mission-driven purpose. If you are ready to take the next step in your laboratory career, the VA North Texas Health Care System is the ideal place to grow. Apply today to help us uphold our promise to those who have served.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I work remotely?
No, this is an onsite position requiring physical presence in our facilities.
What is the trial period?
All new VA employees serve a 1 to 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and conduct.
How will I be notified of my status?
Notifications are sent via email through the USAJOBS portal.
Why This Lead Medical Technician Job Matters
Elevate your career as a Lead Medical Laboratory Technician with the VA North Texas Health Care System and make a tangible difference in the lives of our nation's heroes.
Lead Medical Technician Job Overview
The VA North Texas Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Lead Medical Laboratory Technician to join our Pathology and Laboratory Medicine service. This role is pivotal in maintaining clinical excellence across our facilities in Dallas, Bonham, and Fort Worth. You will provide technical leadership, oversee complex laboratory workflows, and ensure the highest standards of quality assurance and regulatory compliance. If you are a seasoned professional ready to mentor staff and manage specialized laboratory operations, we invite you to apply.
Requirements for Lead Medical Technician
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply only under specific VA policy).
- Current certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) via ASCP, AMT, or AAB.
- One year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-06 level.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Must be able to successfully complete a background and security investigation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Lead Medical Technician
- Four years of experience processing laboratory, surgical, and anatomic specimens.
- Four years of experience managing, shipping, and resulting reference laboratory specimens.
- Advanced training beyond the entry-level Associate degree.
- Demonstrated ability to train staff, manage inventory, and resolve complex procedural issues.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive Federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- ✓Competitive salary with opportunities for regular pay increases.
- ✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid holidays.
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% agency matching.
- ✓Paid parental leave for eligible employees.
- ✓Childcare subsidies for qualifying families.
💡 How to Apply Lead Medical Technician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Lead Medical Technician Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Download and complete the required Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA careers site.
- Prepare your full resume/CV and any relevant supporting documents such as transcripts, SF-50s, or certifications.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of January 4, 2027.
- Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume; clearly detail your experience and how it aligns with the GS-07 level duties.
- Ensure your SF-50s clearly demonstrate one year of time-in-grade if you are a current or former federal employee.
- Use the standardized Clinical Resume template provided by the VA to ensure your application meets all technical formatting requirements.
- Double-check that all required supporting documents are uploaded before hitting the submit button.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Lead Medical Laboratory Technician?
You will oversee daily operations, assign work, monitor compliance with laboratory protocols, and provide technical guidance to staff and students in a complex, multi-facility healthcare environment.
Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Generally, you must be a U.S. citizen. Non-citizens may only be appointed when qualified citizens are unavailable, in strict accordance with VA hiring policies.
Is relocation assistance available for this position?
No, recruitment incentives and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) relocation assistance are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA North Texas Health Care System is one of the largest and busiest VA networks in the United States. Spanning Dallas, Fort Worth, Bonham, and Tyler, our system provides integrated care to over 500,000 Veterans. As an employee here, you are part of an organization that partners with top-tier academic institutions like the UT Southwestern Medical Center, positioning you at the intersection of cutting-edge research and clinical practice.