Become a Lead Pharmacy Technician with the Alaska VA
Are you a certified pharmacy technician looking to step into a leadership role? The Alaska VA Healthcare System is hiring a Lead Pharmacy Technician in Anchorage, where you will manage teams, influence pharmacy policy, and support the critical health needs of our nation's Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As a Lead Pharmacy Technician, you will move beyond daily technical tasks to oversee the success of your unit. You will:
- Lead Operations: Supervise at least three GS-07 pharmacy technicians and provide daily direction.
- Workflow Management: Identify backlogs, streamline processes, and make staffing adjustments to meet organizational goals.
- Training & Mentorship: Assist in the training and orientation of new employees, students, and residents.
- Policy Oversight: Help develop standard operating procedures and maintain equipment and automation integrity.
Qualifications
To qualify, you must hold a valid national certification (PTCB or NHA) and be a U.S. Citizen. We are looking for candidates with deep knowledge of pharmacy methodology who can demonstrate leadership, training capability, and the ability to manage complex workflow scenarios.
Grade Determination Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Level | GS-08 |
| Primary Function | Lead Pharmacy Technician |
| Certification | Required (PTCB or NHA) |
| Schedule | M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $67,764 to $88,090 per year. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides a comprehensive benefits package designed for long-term security.
- Insurance: Federal health, vision, and dental programs.
- Retirement: Traditional pension and federal 401K matching up to 5%.
- Leave: Between 37 and 50 days of total paid time off annually.
- Family Support: Paid parental leave and available childcare subsidies.
Application Tips
- Use the Template: Download the VA-specific Clinical Resume template; this ensures your information is formatted correctly for the hiring system.
- Be Explicit: Clearly map your experience to the required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed in the announcement.
- Review Deadlines: Ensure all documents are uploaded by the August 3, 2026, closing date.
Joining the Alaska VA as a Lead Pharmacy Technician is more than a job—it is a way to serve those who have served us. If you are ready to lead in a supportive, mission-driven environment, apply today.
Why This Lead Pharmacy Technician Job Matters
Step into a leadership role where your expertise shapes patient care and team success in the heart of Anchorage, Alaska.
Lead Pharmacy Technician Job Overview
The Alaska VA Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated and experienced Lead Pharmacy Technician to oversee operations at the Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson Campus. This pivotal role involves leading a team of pharmacy technicians, streamlining workflow processes, and ensuring high standards of patient care. You will serve as a technical expert, trainer, and mentor, helping the VA deliver on its mission to honor our nation’s Veterans.
Requirements for Lead Pharmacy Technician
- Must be a United States Citizen.
- Active national certification as a Pharmacy Technician (PTCB/CPhT or NHA/ExCPT).
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Must pass a drug screening prior to appointment.
- Must complete a security/background investigation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for all healthcare personnel.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period.
Preferred Qualifications for Lead Pharmacy Technician
- Prior experience in a lead or supervisory pharmacy capacity.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate workflow and manage pharmacy equipment.
- Proven experience in training and orienting staff or students.
- Knowledge of specific pharmacy areas such as sterile compounding, controlled substances, or clinical pharmacy.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive Federal Health, Vision, and Dental insurance.
- ✓Traditional Federal Pension plan and 401K with up to 5% employer matching.
- ✓Generous PTO including 13-26 days of annual leave and 13 sick days annually.
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays.
- ✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
- ✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible employees.
- ✓Opportunities for annual leave accrual credit based on prior work/military experience.
💡 How to Apply Lead Pharmacy Technician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Lead Pharmacy Technician Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the required occupational questionnaire.
- Download and prepare the standard Clinical Resume document.
- Upload your resume, professional certification, and any applicable supporting documents (e.g., DD-214, transcripts).
- Submit your complete application package before the deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and thorough when describing your experience in your resume.
- Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided to ensure compatibility.
- Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS dashboard.
- Ensure your professional certification is active and clearly documented in your submission.
- Do not assume the hiring manager knows your background; detail your accomplishments clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary responsibility of a Lead Pharmacy Technician?
You will lead a team of at least three pharmacy technicians, manage daily pharmacy operations, oversee workflow, and train staff while serving as a subject matter expert in pharmacy policies.
Is relocation assistance available?
No, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or relocation assistance is not authorized for this position.
Are there physical requirements for this role?
No, there are no specific physical requirements for this occupation per VA policy.
Is this a remote position?
No, this position is onsite at the Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson Campus in Anchorage.
Do I need a degree?
The requirement centers on national certification and documented experience in a pharmacy setting.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provides compassionate, whole-health care to those who have served. At the Alaska VA Healthcare System, we operate a complexity level 3 facility that serves the diverse needs of Veterans across the state. Anchorage offers an exceptional quality of life, blending modern urban amenities with the unparalleled natural beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.