Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist-Picture Archival Communication System (PACS)

About the role

*****A recruitment/relocation incentive may be offered to highly qualified candidate(s).***** The PACS Technologist provides planning, guidance, instruction, maintenance, and troubleshooting for all aspects of the daily operations relating to the Picture Archiving and Communications Systems section.

This position serves as a specialist providing support in the operation and management of digital image processing, storage, and display.

What you will do

• This is an open continuous announcement.
• Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available.
• The Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Technologist serves as a specialist providing support in the operation and management of digital image processing, storage, and display and is responsible for training Radiologists/Physicians, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists, Clinicians, and other staff members in hardware/software applications needed to support Radiology PACS functions.
• The PACS Technologist duties include, but are not limited to: PACS Technologist duties - 75% Provides planning, guidance, instruction, maintenance, training, and troubleshooting in all PACS related systems/components.
• Provides first line, technical support, for image transmission, voice recognition, and image display errors within all imaging modalities.
• Initiates appropriate repairs when possible and instructs users in the proper operation or contingency processes.
• Initiates help tickets and/or work orders when the scope of work needed exceeds the on-site technical level.
• Investigates system malfunctions to determine the root cause of the issue.
• Defines and isolates specific issues using available diagnostic recovery techniques and initiates corrective actions.
• Monitors PACS and executes contingency operations in the event of planned and unplanned downtimes, disaster responses, or elevated security risk situations.
• Oversees all aspects of implementation of software and upgrades to the PACS system including VISN 8 primary and backup data centers.
• Set up PACS Workstations for Radiologists at all sites of care, including remote PACS Workstations.
• This includes the assembly, set up, configuration, calibration, and confirmation testing for all PACS related components including the actual workstation (desk), monitors/mounts, keyboards, mouse/touch pad, voice recognition system, and any additional PACS-related items requested by the end users.
• Monitors PACS, voice recognition, and other related systems including applications systems, network interface software, modality interfaces, and system administrative software.
• Evaluates system performance by utilizing various tools, capacity planning, and imaging maintenance to adjust system and operation parameters as necessary.
• Designs, implements, and maintains a quality control program for digital radiographic images to include, but not necessarily restricted to evaluation of image quality from modality to viewing monitor.
• Clinical Duties DRT - 25% Performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the direction of a Radiologist/Physician.
• Operates digital, computerized, or conventional radiology equipment to carry out the diagnostic plan for patients.
• This may include fixed, portable, and surgical imaging equipment.
• Determines appropriate technical parameters; calculates the correct exposure factors of distance, time, kilovoltage (kV), and milliamperage (mA).
• Independently performs radiographic examinations of the head, trunk, spine, and extremities to assist in the diagnosis of injury or illness.
• As a team member with the Radiologist, the incumbent will perform fluoroscopy procedures, such as: Upper Esophagrams, Lumbar Punctures, Myelograms, Urethrograms, GI Procedures, Barium (Single/Double Contrast), and all other routine fluoroscopy procedures.
• Sets up the room and ensure sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast material, catheters, and other required supplies are present and prepared Provides intraoperative/post-operative fluoroscopy and diagnostic radiography as requested by the Operative Surgeon or appropriately credentialed Clinician.
• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm Telework: Ad-hoc/Situational-Occasional, Non-routine Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 80746F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized - As determined by Facility/Agency Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

• 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 (***).
• 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.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• 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.

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: ***

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: ***

How you will be evaluated

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.

WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order: Current permanent VA employees of the facility. All other VA employees. Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies.

All other applicants. This occupation is listed on the OIG Determination of Veterans Health Administration's Occupational Staffing Shortages Fiscal Year (FY27). Therefore, this vacancy announcement is exempt from Veterans Preference.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Documents you must provide

• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Transcripts or Diploma ARRT Certification The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
• Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. This occupation is listed on the OIG Determination of Veterans Health Administration's Occupational Staffing Shortages Fiscal Year (FY27).
• Therefore, this vacancy announcement is exempt from Veterans Preference.

What to expect next

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.

After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.

HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.

HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.

HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for 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.