Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

ABOUT THE ROLE This position is located within the Diagnostic Imaging service at the Martinsburg West Virginia VA Medical Center. The Medical Instrument Technician coordinates technical procedures requiring independent judgment and initiative in applying non-ionizing high-frequency ultrasonic waves for disease diagnosis. The role involves performing diagnostic ultrasound examinations on multiple body areas, vascular studies, and assisting radiologists with biopsies and surgical procedures. This is a permanent position in the Excepted Service with no promotion potential listed. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Control technical factors on ultrasound units affecting time, gain, amplitude, velocity, frequency, attenuation, absorption, reflection, scattering, refraction, and diffraction - Select between non-focused, fixed-focus, linear phased array, and annual phased array settings - Set up and adjust equipment and manually maneuver transducers to perform exams - Receive and identify patients, explain procedures, assist with patient movement, and position patients for examinations - Evaluate critical and emergency procedures and rearrange priorities to accommodate them MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - United States Citizenship required (non-citizens only appointed if qualified citizens cannot be recruited) - No specific educational requirements; education may substitute for experience only at GS-4 and GS-5 levels - Licensure or certification not required but strongly desirable at GS-6 or above - Proficiency in spoken and written English required - One year of experience equivalent to GS-08 grade level required for GS-09 position - Ability to perform diagnostic ultrasound on multiple body areas including abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, chest, small parts, thyroid, breast, and scrotum - Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, and portal-systemic shunts - Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures and surgical procedures - Knowledge of complex examination and treatment procedures for training and supervision - Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements - Ability to communicate effectively with employees at varying grade levels SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Subject to urinalysis screening for illegal drug use prior to appointment - Selective Service Registration required for males born after 12/31/1959 - Must pass background/security investigation - Must pass pre-employment physical examination - Participation in seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory - Must serve a 1 or 2-year trial period evaluating fitness and public interest advancement - Physical requirements include long periods of standing/walking, bending, lifting moderately heavy items, working in awkward positions, reaching above shoulder, and routine lifting/carrying of heavy equipment/patients SELECTION PROCESS - Applications evaluated based on qualifications and experience clarity/specificity - Pre-employment reference checks performed to verify information and assess abilities - Review of applications for qualification and eligibility requirements after vacancy closes - Referral certificates issued to qualified applicants - Hiring office contacts referred applicants directly for interviews - Final notification sent to all referred applicants after selection decision HOW TO APPLY - Apply online via USAJOBS by creating or logging into account - Complete full questionnaire and submit required documentation - Upload standard Clinical Resume Document (one-page, unmodified) into restricted Resume field - Upload full resume/CV without page limit into Other document field - Include any applicable documents: transcripts, SF-50s, DD-214, disability letters, professional certifications, SF-15, cover letter - Application deadline: 11:59 PM ET on October 7, 2026 - Contact: Javay Holmes, Phone: 202-745-8000 X57558, Email: javay.holmes@va.gov - Address: Martinsburg VA Medical Center, 510 Butler Avenue, Martinsburg, WV 25405 EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Work Schedule: Intermittent, variable shifts based on service needs - Location: Martinsburg, WV (1 vacancy) - Telework: Not available - Remote: No - Relocation Assistance: Not authorized - Recruitment Incentive: Not authorized - Appointment Type: Permanent - Federal Service Type: Excepted Service - Union Representation: Yes - Drug Test: Required - Security Clearance: Not required (Non-sensitive/Low Risk) - Background Check: Credentialing/Suitability/Fitness - Paid Time Off: 37-50 days annually (13-26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays) - Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks paid after 12 months employment - Child Care Subsidy: Available for eligible employees after 60 days - Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5-year vesting) and 401K with up to 5% VA contributions - Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care options