Become a Histopathology Technician with the Defense Health Agency
Are you a skilled clinical laboratory professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, is currently hiring a Histopathology Technician. This position is a unique opportunity to provide essential diagnostic support for our service members, retirees, and their families.
Job Responsibilities
As a Histopathology Technician, your primary duties will revolve around preparing tissue specimens for microscopic examination. Key responsibilities include:
- Assisting Pathologists: Supporting the diagnostic process by determining the best methods for tissue preparation.
- Cryotomy: Freezing and cutting surgical specimens to provide rapid, intraoperative diagnosis of cancer.
- Technical Operations: Operating immunohistochemical stainers and managing mechanical versus manual procedure workflows.
- Specimen Logistics: Processing and shipping critical tumor studies and pathology samples to specialty referral laboratories.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Specialized Experience: At least one year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-06 level in a federal or private lab setting.
- Education: Graduate-level education in pathology or a related field can be substituted for experience.
- Fitness: Successful completion of a drug test and a one-year probationary period.
Qualification Comparison Table
| Qualification Type | Requirement Details |
|---|---|
| Experience | 1 Year at GS-06 equivalent level |
| Education | 1 Full year of graduate studies in relevant field |
| Combination | % of experience + % of education must equal 100% |
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this position ranges from $50,460 to $65,599 per year. Employees enjoy a robust federal benefits package, which includes comprehensive health insurance, retirement planning via the Thrift Savings Plan, and generous paid time off.
Application Tips
- Watch Your Resume Length: Your resume must be two pages or less. Excessive length will cause automatic removal from consideration.
- Detail Your Work: Ensure every experience entry includes hours worked per week and specific duties that align with the technical requirements mentioned in the job post.
- Transcripts: If you are substituting education for experience, include your transcripts. Without them, you will be deemed ineligible.
This position is perfect for a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced medical environment. By applying your skills in histopathology at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center, you contribute to the overall readiness and health of the Joint Force. Submit your application by the closing date to join our team in El Paso.
Why This Histopathology Technician Job Matters
Join the dedicated team at William Beaumont Army Medical Center and play a critical role in patient care through high-precision histopathology.
Histopathology Technician Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Histopathology Technician to join our team in El Paso, Texas. In this role, you will provide vital support to pathologists by preparing high-quality tissue specimens for diagnostic examination, including critical intraoperative cancer screenings. You will operate specialized medical equipment and manage complex laboratory workflows, ensuring that patients receive accurate and timely results. This is a mission-essential position that directly supports our commitment to providing world-class healthcare to our service members and their families.
Requirements for Histopathology Technician
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Completion of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level.
- Possess specialized experience operating medical devices to cut, stain, and prepare tissue specimens.
- Ability to pass a mandatory drug screening.
- Must be able to serve in a Mission Essential capacity during emergencies or contingency operations.
- Ability to complete a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Histopathology Technician
- Completion of one full year of graduate-level education in pathology, histopathology, or a directly related field.
- A combination of graduate education and professional clinical laboratory experience that totals 100% of the qualification requirements.
- Proficiency in cryotomy and immunohistochemical staining techniques.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health insurance options
- ✓Retirement planning and Thrift Savings Plan
- ✓Paid vacation and federal holidays
- ✓Sick leave accrual
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the Department of Defense
💡 How to Apply Histopathology Technician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Histopathology Technician Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, clearly detailing your specialized experience, hours worked per week, and job titles.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided application link.
- Upload all required documentation, including transcripts if using education to qualify.
- Review your application package for completeness and accuracy before submitting.
- Monitor your status through your USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is strictly two pages or less to avoid automatic disqualification.
- Clearly define your work experience by including start and end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week.
- Use plain language; avoid internal acronyms or overly complex technical jargon.
- If using education to qualify, your official or unofficial transcripts are mandatory; failure to provide them will result in an ineligible status.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents have cleared the virus scan before the closing deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a security clearance required for this position?
No, this position is designated as non-sensitive (NS)/low risk.
Can I use foreign education to meet the requirements?
Yes, provided the credentials have been evaluated by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign education programs and deemed equivalent to a U.S. program.
What does 'Mission Essential' mean for this role?
It means the incumbent is required to report to work during emergencies, natural disasters, or contingency operations to maintain critical laboratory functions.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized for this position.
Is this a remote position?
No, this role requires physical presence at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center and is not eligible for telework.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is a joint, integrated combat support agency that enables the Department of Defense to provide a medically ready force. Our mission is to improve health and build readiness by delivering world-class medical, dental, and pharmacy programs worldwide. By joining our team, you become part of a dedicated community of professionals committed to excellence in patient care.