Become a Leader in Laboratory Medicine: Supervisory Medical Technician with the VA
Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to step into a leadership role where your work directly honors the brave men and women who served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently looking for a motivated Supervisory Medical Technician to join our Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS) in Saint Louis, Missouri. This is a rare opportunity to combine your technical expertise in medical laboratory operations with your passion for management, safety, and patient-centered care.
Job Responsibilities
As a Supervisory Medical Technician, your days will be dynamic and multi-faceted. You are not just overseeing a lab; you are leading a team. Your core duties will include:
- Team Leadership: Assigning work, setting priorities, and coaching staff on professional growth and technical excellence.
- Operational Oversight: Managing workflow distribution and resolving complex specimen processing issues across inpatient and outpatient settings.
- Quality & Safety: Executing rigorous quality control procedures and enforcing biohazard and infection-control protocols.
- Clinical Support: Modeling best practices in phlebotomy and maintaining patient dignity while performing complex venipunctures.
Requirements
To succeed in this role, you must meet specific standards set by the Federal government:
- English Proficiency: Demonstrated ability in basic written and spoken English.
- Technical Skill: Extensive experience performing phlebotomy on human patients.
- Background: At least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to a GS-4 grade level.
- Assessment: Completion of the Supervisory Situational Judgment Test.
Qualifications Comparison Table
| Criteria | Requirement | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor's or Graduate coursework | Highly Preferred |
| Experience | 1+ Year Specialized Medical Tech | Mandatory |
| Leadership | Supervisory/Management background | Mandatory |
| Technical | Proficient Phlebotomy skills | Selective Factor |
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is $51,740 to $67,264 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position is at the GS-7 level.
Benefits
Choosing a career with the VA comes with a robust federal benefits package, including competitive health insurance plans, generous paid annual leave, and potential service credit toward leave accrual based on prior employment or military experience.
Application Tips
- Keep it Concise: Federal resumes are now limited to two pages. Focus on impactful, results-oriented language.
- Document Everything: Ensure every job listed on your resume includes start/end dates and average hours per week.
- Check Your Documents: If using education to qualify, ensure your transcript is attached before clicking submit.
If you are ready to advance your laboratory career in a mission-driven environment, we invite you to apply. Join the VA today and help us provide the exceptional care our Veterans deserve.
Why This Supervisory Medical Technician Job Matters
Lead a dedicated team in the heart of Saint Louis, ensuring the highest standards of care and laboratory excellence for those who served our nation.
Supervisory Medical Technician Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a skilled Supervisory Medical Technician to join the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service in Saint Louis, Missouri. This role is pivotal in maintaining a high-reliability culture by overseeing specimen processing, coordinating resources, coaching laboratory staff, and ensuring exceptional patient care. You will serve as a frontline leader, balancing technical expertise in phlebotomy and lab support with essential administrative oversight to meet the diverse needs of our Veterans.
Requirements for Supervisory Medical Technician
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Experience performing phlebotomy and blood draws on human patients.
- One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level in medical laboratory support.
- Ability to complete a Supervisory Situational Judgment Test.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting and standing for long periods.
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Medical Technician
- Experience in team supervision, including work assignment and performance counseling.
- Background in resource management and scheduling.
- Graduate education in chemistry, biological sciences, hematology, or microbiology.
- Demonstrated ability to resolve workplace conflicts and improve operational workflows.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- βFederal leave accrual based on prior service.
- βGenerous paid time off.
- βComprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- βFlexible scheduling opportunities.
- βCareer growth within the VA health system.
π‘ How to Apply Supervisory Medical Technician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Medical Technician Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or less.
- Submit your application, including your transcript and any veterans' preference documentation.
- Complete the required online assessment questionnaire.
- Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview requests.
π‘ General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes start and end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every position.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your resume meets the strict two-page limit.
- Highlight specific leadership and supervisory achievements rather than just general duties.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting and document integrity.
- Double-check that your contact information is accurate before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this role?
The Supervisory Medical Technician leads a team in the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service, managing specimen collection, staff coaching, and operational efficiency.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an on-site position located in Saint Louis, Missouri, and requires in-person attendance.
What is the mandatory assessment for this job?
Applicants must complete a Supervisory Situational Judgment Test (SSJT), which evaluates decision-making and leadership judgment.
What is a Selective Placement Factor?
*A: It is a prerequisite for the job. For this role, you must have demonstrated experience in phlebotomy to be considered.*
How long does the Supervisory assessment take?
*A: It typically takes 45 minutes or less to complete.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Working at the VA offers more than just a job; it provides a fulfilling career in an honorable, supportive community focused on service.
External Resources
- β USAJobs Application Portal
- β Apply Online
- β Application Status
- β VA Benefits Information
- β Education Accreditation Check
- β Foreign Qualifications Recognition
- β Form I-9 Acceptable Documents
- β OPM Qualification Standards
- β Resume Page Limit FAQ
- β Merit Hiring Plan Resources
- β CTAP/ICTAP Information
- β Fair Chance Act Info
