Histopathology Technician (Lead)

The incumbent serves as the Lead Histopathology Technician (HT). Lead HTs perform duties that include significant scope, complexity, and administrative independence. The Lead provides direction for the daily operations of the histopathology unit and assumes responsibility for integrating, coordinating, and monitoring adherence to established methods, protocols, and workflow processes to maintain continuous, efficient, and high-quality operations.

This position requires comprehensive knowledge of anatomic pathology laboratory practice. The Lead HT provides on-the-job training and cross-training to staff, offers input to the supervisor regarding employee performance and training needs, adjusts work assignments to meet changing priorities or staff absences, resolves simple informal complaints, and refers complex issues to the supervisor. Functions include, but are not limited to: Provides technical leadership and direction for the daily operations of the histopathology section, ensuring continuous workflow, adherence to protocols, and maintenance of high-quality standards. Prepares, directs, and adjusts work schedules, assigns daily tasks, monitors workload distribution, and ensures timely completion of all histology operations. Guides and instructs Histopathology Technicians on a broad range of complex and routine procedures, providing technical advice, additional training, and procedural clarification as needed. Conducts ongoing spot checks of work in progress and performs detailed reviews of completed work to ensure compliance with protocols, proper sequencing of procedures, and quality standards. Calibrates, operates, and maintains instruments and equipment used in surgical pathology, immunohistochemistry, frozen sections, special stains, and other complex histological procedures. Performs and oversees troubleshooting and corrective actions. Maintains accurate patient identification and chain-of-custody compliance throughout specimen receipt, processing, slide preparation, and archiving. Performs advanced histopathology procedures including difficult special stains, immunohistochemistry, frozen sections, bone marrow processing, cytology preparations, and other specialized techniques as required. Works varied shifts-including weekends, holidays, and off-hours-as operational needs dictate and provides coverage during absences or emergent workload surges. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual/remote position. Functional Statement #: 56229F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.