Advance Your Career as a Supervisory Medical Laboratory Technician
Are you a skilled laboratory professional ready to step into a leadership role? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Syracuse, New York, is looking for a motivated Supervisory Medical Laboratory Technician to oversee critical diagnostic services for our nation's heroes. This is an exceptional opportunity to combine your technical expertise with administrative leadership in a supportive, mission-driven environment.
Job Responsibilities
The incumbent will balance technical excellence with administrative oversight. You will spend at least 25% of your time managing laboratory operations, including:
- Supervision: Leading phlebotomists, technicians, and laboratory assistants.
- Quality Management: Ensuring compliance with all regulatory and accreditation standards.
- Clinical Testing: Performing complex testing in hematology, chemistry, microbiology, and blood banking.
- Policy Development: Developing training plans, performance standards, and new lab procedures.
Role Comparison
| Feature | Supervisory Level | Generalist Level |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Strategy & Personnel | Routine Testing |
| Oversight | Administrative/Technical | Technical Execution |
| Regulatory Role | High (Inspection Ready) | Moderate (Standard Adherence) |
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must be a U.S. citizen and hold a valid certification (ASCP, AMT, or AAB). You must demonstrate one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-07 level and possess strong interpersonal skills to manage a diverse clinical team.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $55,882 to $72,644. As a federal position, you will be eligible for annual salary increases and potential step adjustments based on unique qualifications.
Benefits
- Comprehensive Insurance: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits program.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- Future Planning: A robust federal pension system and 401K-style Thrift Savings Plan.
- Family Support: Access to paid parental leave and childcare subsidy programs.
Application Tips
When applying, focus on clearly documenting your supervisory experience. If you have led a team, trained students, or implemented a new laboratory protocol, be specific. Quantifiable achievements (e.g., "reduced turnaround time by 10%") stand out to hiring managers.
If you are ready to lead, innovate, and serve, we encourage you to apply. This role offers more than just a paycheck; it offers the chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of Veterans every single day.
Why This Supervisory Medical Laboratory Technician (Phlebotomy) Job Matters
Elevate your career in clinical leadership at the Syracuse VA Medical Center—where your expertise as a Medical Laboratory Technician supports those who served our nation.
Supervisory Medical Laboratory Technician (Phlebotomy) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Supervisory Medical Laboratory Technician to join the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service in Syracuse, New York. In this pivotal role, you will provide professional oversight, manage laboratory operations, and perform complex clinical testing, directly contributing to the world-class healthcare provided to our Veterans.
Requirements for Supervisory Medical Laboratory Technician (Phlebotomy)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Current certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician (ASCP, AMT, or AAB)
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- One year of progressively complex laboratory experience equivalent to the GS-07 level
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination
- Must be able to pass a drug screening test
- Must meet suitability and security background investigation requirements
- Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination mandates
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Medical Laboratory Technician (Phlebotomy)
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement laboratory training programs
- Proven experience in personnel management, performance evaluations, and conflict resolution
- Strong technical proficiency in hematology, chemistry, microbiology, and blood banking
- Expertise in regulatory compliance and quality management programs
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with regular increases
- ✓Generous paid time off (up to 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid holidays)
- ✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting
- ✓Federal 401K (TSP) with agency matching up to 5%
- ✓Paid parental leave after 12 months
- ✓Childcare subsidies for eligible employees
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Medical Laboratory Technician (Phlebotomy) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Medical Laboratory Technician (Phlebotomy) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
- Prepare your resume and supporting documents (transcripts, certifications, etc.).
- Complete the required occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
- Submit your application package electronically before the November 10, 2026, deadline.
- Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is detailed, clearly linking your experience to the specific KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) mentioned.
- Do not omit any documentation; incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Highlight any volunteer or clinical rotation experience if you are early in your career.
- Use the USAJOBS document upload feature to ensure your certifications and transcripts are clearly legible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply without a current MLT certification?
Non-certified applicants may be considered for a temporary two-year appointment if they meet all other educational requirements, but permanent status usually requires standard certification.
Is relocation assistance offered?
No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
What is the work schedule for this position?
The schedule is primarily Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, though flexibility is required to cover weekends, holidays, and lab priorities.
Is this position remote?
*A: No, this is an onsite role at the Syracuse VA Medical Center.*
What is the trial period?
*A: New hires must complete a 1 to 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and mission fit.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. We pride ourselves on providing compassionate, comprehensive care to Veterans. Working at the Syracuse VA Medical Center means joining a team dedicated to excellence, innovation, and, most importantly, the well-being of those who have sacrificed so much for our country.