Advance Your Career as a Histopathology Technician with the VA

Are you a dedicated professional in the clinical laboratory space looking for a role that combines technical precision with a deeper purpose? The Amarillo VA Health Care System is currently hiring an Advanced Histopathology Technician to support our mission of providing world-class health care to the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. military.

Job Responsibilities

As a Histopathology Technician (Advanced), you will be a cornerstone of our diagnostic team. Your duties are both diverse and highly specialized, requiring both technical expertise and the ability to work independently. Key responsibilities include:

Complex Specimen Processing: Handling surgical, autopsy, and cytology specimens, including tissue embedding, microtomy, and staining.
Diagnostic Support: Performing immunohistochemical and special staining techniques to assist pathologists in diagnosis.
Equipment Management: Maintaining and troubleshooting sophisticated laboratory instruments to ensure optimal performance.
Quality Assurance: Implementing and documenting quality control measures to maintain the highest standards of safety and accuracy.
Training and Education: Contributing to the development of new staff and students through in-service training programs.

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-7 level position, applicants must meet specific criteria by the closing date. These include:

Education & Experience: A combination of education and experience, or specific specialized experience in a clinical or health care laboratory setting.
Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken English.
Compliance: Ability to undergo a security investigation and adhere to all VA safety and vaccination policies.

Comparison Table: Key Qualification Pathways

Pathway	Experience Requirement	Education Requirement
Pure Experience	1 Year of Clinical Lab Work	N/A
Education Focus	None	Bachelor’s Degree (Biology/Chem)
Combined	6 Months Clinical	2 Years College (with 6+ Science hours)

Salary and Benefits

The annual salary for this position ranges from $50,460 to $65,599. Beyond the competitive base pay, employees benefit from the robust federal employment package, which includes:

Leave Accrual: Credit for prior military or federal service may be applied to your annual leave rate.
Professional Growth: Continuous learning opportunities and a stable work environment.
Work-Life Balance: Standard Monday–Friday scheduling with the opportunity to support the mission of the VA.

Application Tips

Applying for a federal position requires attention to detail. Ensure your resume is "long-form" and includes specific dates, descriptions of your laboratory techniques, and evidence of your ability to solve complex problems independently. Do not assume the hiring panel knows your technical background—explicitly state your experience with embedding, cutting, and specialized staining.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is this a remote position?
A: No, this is an onsite position at the Amarillo VA facility.

Q: Do I need to be a veteran to apply?
A: No, this position is open to the public; however, veterans' preference applies to eligible applicants.

If you are ready to apply your histological expertise in a rewarding environment where your work directly impacts the health of our Veterans, the Amarillo VA Health Care System is the place for you. Submit your application today and take the next step in your health care career.

Why This Histopathology Technician (Advanced) Job Matters

Advance your career in pathology at the Amarillo VA Health Care System and play a pivotal role in delivering life-saving diagnostic services to our nation's Veterans.

Histopathology Technician (Advanced) Job Overview

The Amarillo VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Histopathology Technician (Advanced) to perform high-level laboratory diagnostics. In this role, you will be instrumental in analyzing complex surgical, autopsy, and cytology specimens. You will work within a collaborative environment in Amarillo, Texas, utilizing cutting-edge techniques to ensure accurate diagnoses for those who have served our country.

Requirements for Histopathology Technician (Advanced)

U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply for non-citizens under specific conditions).
Minimum one year of specialized experience in a health care or clinical laboratory setting.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Completion of a background and security investigation.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications for Histopathology Technician (Advanced)

Extensive experience in microtomy and tissue embedding techniques.
Deep knowledge of complex histochemical and immunohistochemical staining procedures.
Proven track record in laboratory quality control and performance improvement initiatives.
Technical proficiency with anatomic pathology laboratory instrumentation and troubleshooting.
Background in laboratory safety protocols and regulatory compliance.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal leave accrual based on prior experience or military service.
✓Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings options.
✓Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
✓Mission-driven work serving Veterans with a commitment to Whole Health care.
✓Low cost-of-living environment in Amarillo with no state income tax.

💡 How to Apply Histopathology Technician (Advanced) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Histopathology Technician (Advanced) Job

Create or update your USAJobs profile.
Review your resume to ensure it clearly details your relevant laboratory experience.
Gather supporting documents such as transcripts, professional certifications, and SF-50s if applicable.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application portal.
Submit your full application package before the deadline.
Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Be specific about your technical duties in your resume; do not leave the hiring team to make assumptions about your laboratory capabilities.
If using education to qualify, ensure you submit official transcripts showing the relevant credit hours.
Update your application every 90 days if the position remains open and you wish to remain in consideration.
Highlight your experience with specific equipment or complex staining techniques to distinguish your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this Histopathology Technician role?

This advanced role focuses on performing complex histopathological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical procedures, troubleshooting lab equipment, and ensuring rigorous quality control in an anatomic pathology setting.

Is relocation assistance provided for this position?

No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

What happens if I have an exemption to the influenza vaccine?

Employees who are granted a medical or religious exemption must adhere to additional safety protocols, including wearing a face mask in patient-contact areas.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." By joining the Amarillo VA, you become part of an integrated health care team that values compassion, integrity, and clinical excellence.

Amarillo offers a unique lifestyle, providing the atmosphere of a close-knit community with the amenities of a larger city. With a low cost of living and no state income tax, it is an ideal location for professionals looking to grow their careers while enjoying a high quality of life.