The Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) perform clinical laboratory tasks such as CLIA-waived testing, specimen collection, specimen processing, urinalysis dipstick testing, basic hematology and chemistry preparation steps, phlebotomy, and general laboratory support activities.
The Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) performs the full range of clinical laboratory duties independently, requiring sound judgment, technical skill, and a thorough understanding of laboratory principles. The incumbent performs moderate and high-complexity testing across multiple sections of the laboratory, including chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, coagulation, microbiology support tasks, immunohematology support tasks, specimen processing, and phlebotomy.
The ML T evaluates specimen suitability, selects and performs appropriate test procedures, monitors instrument function, performs quality control, validates results, and communicates findings requiring prompt clinical attention. The incumbent identifies routine instrument malfunctions and resolves them using established troubleshooting protocols or escalates to senior staff when needed.
ML Ts at this level work with minimal direct supervision, following established laboratory policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements to ensure accurate, reliable, and timely laboratory results in support of patient care. - Properly collects, handles, accessions, and labels specimens according to safety, infection control, and patient identification policies. - Performs the full range of moderate and high-complexity testing independently per established protocols.
- Evaluates specimen suitability; requests recollection when necessary. - Selects, performs, and verifies test procedures using manual and instrumental techniques. - Recognizes indicators of instrument malfunction; performs routine troubleshooting and resolves common issues. - Performs routine instrument maintenance, calibration, and quality checks; documents all actions in accordance with laboratory and regulatory requirements.
- Analyzes and interprets laboratory results using technical judgment; correlates data with patient information when appropriate. - Performs repeat or confirmatory testing when needed to ensure accuracy and validity. - Reports critical values directly to clinical personnel following established procedures. - Enters, verifies, and releases laboratory results into the laboratory information system (LIS) accurately and promptly.
- Follows all laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures; documents QC and takes corrective action as appropriate. - Participates in proficiency testing and documents corrective actions for out-of-range results. - Maintains appropriate levels of reagents and supplies; notifies senior staff when shortages are anticipated. - Follows all CUA, CAP, OSHA, VHA, and local regulatory standards for laboratory operations.
- Participates in continuing education, process improvement, and competency assessments. - Maintains work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition. - Performs phlebotomy and specimen collection procedures as assigned. - May assist in general training of GS-05 developmental ML Ts under guidance of senior staff. - Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of clinical laboratory operations necessary to support patient care.
Duties outlined above are at the full performance level GS-06-Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT). Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 2:30pm to 11:00pm-with one rotating weekend per month. Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:56407-F, 56408-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Education: Candidates must meet the applicable educational requirements for Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification.
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $45072 – $64623/yr.
Applications close on 2026-09-22.
This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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