Summary The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. The Nuclear Medicine Technologist will function in Imaging Service. Responsibilities Nuclear Medicine Technologists will, with supervision, provide a wide range of specialized nuclear medicine procedures, including diagnostic imaging, therapy with unsealed radioactive materials, radioassay, in-vivo or in-vitro cell labeling; evaluate abnormal results; use and maintain equipment; set up and monitor quality control; work within guidelines from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Department of Transportation (DOT), National Health Physics Program, Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) among others. Duties include but not limited to: Operating nuclear medicine equipment such as imaging systems such as SPECT, SPECT/CT, PET and PET/CT, well counters, GM survey meters, thyroid uptake system, and dose calibrators for various patient procedures. Also operate and understand the PET dose infusion system. Possessing a good working knowledge of processing of data. Understanding and performing exposure rate calculations. Performing a full range of nuclear medicine diagnostic imaging, non-imaging, in-vitro and therapeutic procedures, including highly specialized computer assisted studies such as gated, tomographic, quantitative procedures and Positron Emission Tomographic studies. Performing and understanding a range of hybrid imaging including SPECT/CT and PET/CT. Knowledgeable in low dose Computed Tomography aspects including KeV and MAS settings. Understanding attenuation correction and anatomical landmarks as they relate to CT. Attentive to CT safety and reducing the patient's dose to as low as reasonably possible. Performing radionuclide therapy in collaboration with Nuclear Medicine Physician. Instructing patient, family and nursing staff in radiation safety precautions. Performing radiation surveys, post appropriate caution signs, and distribute personnel monitoring devices as required. Scheduling patient procedures, taking into consideration camera availability, scan length, patient condition, the need for multiple nuclear medicine studies, other clinic appointments of the patient, contraindications for the test and urgency of the request. Performing required technical procedures for safe receipt, handling, transport, usage and disposal of radioactive materials, assuring compliance with multiple regulatory and medical center policies. Performing daily laboratory surveys, wipe tests and bio-assays. Recognizing evidence of contamination and act accordingly to maintain ALARA principles. Preparing, assaying, and administering radiopharmaceutical doses by injection, inhalation or ingestion as prescribed. Introducing intravenous catheters in patients for administration of radiopharmaceuticals and/or medications. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday (Rotating shifts as needed) Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 94133-0, 94134-0, 94135-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment 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. You may be required to serve a trial period. 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 dentification 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). Qualifications Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Certification: All applicants must be certified in nuclear medicine technology by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT). NMTCB or ARRT (N) certification eligibility requirements are normally satisfied by one of the following: graduation from an educational program in nuclear medicine technology accredited by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation; or national certification as a registered medical technologist or registered radiologic technologist; or a bachelor's or associate's degree in one of the physical or biological sciences, and 4 years of clinical NMT experience. English Language Proficiency: [NMTs] must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: Nuclear Medicine Technologist, GS-5 Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements Nuclear Medicine Technologist, GS-7 Experience or Education: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position to be filled (i.e., experience that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics needed to provide nuclear medicine technology services at that level) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations that pertain to nuclear medicine technology practices. Knowledge of the medical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and physics and how they relate to the cardiovascular, skeletal, endocrine, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary systems of the human body. Knowledge of radioactive package types, package surveys, and radioactive materials record management. Ability to independently use and interpret Geiger-Mueller meter. Nuclear Medicine Technologist, GS-9 Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position to be filled (i.e., experience that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics needed to provide nuclear medicine technology services at that level) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to document excessive radiation exposure in the working environment. Knowledge of medical events requiring documentation and the ability to properly document them and make recommendations to the radiation safety officer (RSO). Ability to communicate orally and in writing post iodine-131 therapy radiation safety precautions. Ability to troubleshoot gamma camera and auxiliary equipment problems. Ability to analyze computer generated data for technical quality and artifacts and initiate corrective measures References: VA Handbook 5005/125, Part II, Appendix G19The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-09. Physical Requirements: This position requires the ability to do the following: Heavy lifting (45lbs and over), moderate carrying (15-44lbs), pushing, use of fingers, use of both hands, walking (up to 8hrs), standing (up to 8hrs), repeated bending (up to 8hrs), ability to distinguish basic colors, emotional/mental stability. Environmental factors include: exposure to radiant energy, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working closely with others and/or working alone. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. 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/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.