Lead Pharmacy Technician: Career Opportunity with the Amarillo VA
Are you a dedicated pharmacy professional looking to step into a leadership role? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring a Lead Pharmacy Technician at the Amarillo VA Health Care System in Lubbock, Texas. This position is perfect for experienced pharmacy technicians who excel in clinical operations, team coordination, and regulatory compliance. If you are passionate about providing high-quality care to our nation's Veterans, this role offers a rewarding career path with excellent federal benefits.
Job Responsibilities
The Lead Pharmacy Technician serves as the subject matter expert for outpatient pharmacy operations. Key duties include:
- Coordinating workflow and managing staffing schedules to ensure efficiency.
- Overseeing controlled substance accountability and compliance with DEA and VA regulations.
- Training and mentoring pharmacy staff and students.
- Performing quality assurance tasks, including sterile compounding compliance (USP 797/800).
- Troubleshooting and maintaining pharmacy automation equipment.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. Citizen.
- Possess an active national Pharmacy Technician certification (PTCB or NHA).
- Proficiency in English (spoken and written).
- Ability to clear a background investigation and drug test.
- Willingness to participate in the mandatory annual influenza vaccination program.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary structure commensurate with experience and federal pay scales. Beyond the salary, employees enjoy a robust benefits package.
| Benefit Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Paid Time Off | Up to 50 days (13-26 annual, 13 sick, 11 holidays) |
| Retirement | Federal pension + 401K with 5% matching |
| Insurance | Health, Vision, Dental, Life, Long-term care |
| Family Support | Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave |
Application Tips
- Be Detailed: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your clinical experience. Do not leave the hiring team to guess your proficiency levels.
- Check Documentation: Have your active certification and any relevant SF-50 forms ready before starting the application.
- Follow Procedures: The application requires a full questionnaire—do not skip any sections.
Serving the Veterans of Lubbock is a noble and rewarding career path. If you possess the leadership skills and technical expertise to manage a high-volume outpatient pharmacy, apply today to become a vital part of the VA mission.
Why This Lead Pharmacy Technician Job Matters
Elevate your pharmacy career while serving those who served. Join the Amarillo VA Health Care System as a Lead Pharmacy Technician in Lubbock, Texas, and lead a mission-driven team in clinical excellence.
Lead Pharmacy Technician Job Overview
The Amarillo VA Health Care System is seeking a highly skilled Lead Pharmacy Technician to manage complex outpatient pharmacy operations. In this pivotal role, you will act as a subject matter expert, overseeing controlled substance accountability, sterile compounding compliance, and team workflow optimization. Based in the vibrant city of Lubbock, this position offers the opportunity to provide vital, high-level support to Veterans while working in a collaborative, mission-focused healthcare environment.
Requirements for Lead Pharmacy Technician
- U.S. Citizenship
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Active national certification (PTCB/CPhT or NHA/ExCPT)
- Successful completion of a background and security investigation
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screening
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
Preferred Qualifications for Lead Pharmacy Technician
- Prior experience within the Department of Veterans Affairs
- Hands-on experience with Pharmacy automation systems such as ScriptPro and Pyxis
- Previous experience working in an outpatient pharmacy setting
- Demonstrated leadership or management experience
- Specialized experience with controlled substance management
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Annual paid time off (up to 50 days including holidays/sick leave)
- ✓12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months
- ✓Childcare subsidy for eligible full-time employees
- ✓Federal pension and 401k plan with 5% matching
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- ✓No state income tax in Texas
💡 How to Apply Lead Pharmacy Technician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Lead Pharmacy Technician Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a detailed long-form resume.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation (Certification, SF-50 if applicable, Transcripts).
- Submit your application package before the October 30, 2026, deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and clear about your experience; do not assume the hiring manager understands your previous duties.
- Ensure your certification is current and clearly documented in your application.
- Double-check that all required documents, including your long-form resume, are attached.
- Review your application for accuracy before submitting to avoid disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is relocation assistance provided for this position?
No, recruitment, relocation, and permanent change of station incentives are not authorized for this vacancy.
What certification is required for this role?
You must hold an active national certification as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) from either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this is an onsite position requiring physical presence in Lubbock, Texas, and is not eligible for telework.
What is the salary range?
The position is listed with a salary range of $60,293 to $78,378 per year.
Is there a trial period?
Yes, new federal employees must serve a 1- or 2-year trial period to evaluate fitness for the role.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, providing comprehensive care to Veterans. The Amarillo VA Health Care System, specifically the Lubbock Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), is committed to providing compassionate care. Lubbock offers a unique blend of big-city amenities with a small-town atmosphere, including excellent cultural opportunities and a low cost of living.