Intermittent Nuclear Medicine Technologist

The Syracuse VA Medical Center is seeking an Intermittent Nuclear Medicine Technologist to join their team. The work is primarily performed in the Nuclear Medicine section of the Imaging Department where they independently perform routine and non-routine nuclear medicine imaging procedures. This is an open continuous announcement until December 31, 2026. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. The Nuclear Medicine Technologist is responsible for performing a full range of routine and non-routine radionuclide studies to aid in the diagnosis of various organ functional disorders. They prepare proper instrument, computer and auxiliary equipment and acquires imaging procedures as indicated by protocol. Evaluates image appearance and performs any additional views as required. Processes and evaluates computer generated data. Obtains samples and/or data for non-imaging studies. Calculates and evaluates results of non-imaging studies. The Nuclear Medicine technologist primary responsibility is to perform Nuclear imaging scan duties, and radionuclide therapy to patient in accordance to the NHPP recommendations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor body systems susceptible to radiological hazards; to interpret the examination requests accurately; to understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques that will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, ,and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of particular interest to the physician. At this level, the incumbent performs the majority of procedures including complex patient examinations under the direction of radiologist, other medical officers, and senior staff members. The incumbent may be called upon to assist in performing procedures in DEXA scanning. The purpose of these examinations and procedures is to produce imaging studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body. The incumbent must be knowledgeable in preparing radiopharmaceutical kits, performing quality control, and evaluating the results. Prepares and dispenses diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceutical dosages. Schedules patient studies, ensuring appropriate sequence of multiple procedures and interact with staff regarding exam preparation. Receives patient and provides proper care during nuclear medicine procedures. Communicates effectively with patient, family, and staff. Provides safe and sanitary conditions. Recognizes and responds to emergency conditions. The technologist performs radiation safety duties associated with the radiopharmacy/hot lab. Post appropriate signs in designated areas to comply with NRC regulations. Surveys, inspects and inventories incoming radioactive materials. Reviews radioactive materials packages to determine if it is properly packaged and takes appropriate actions. Utilizes proper methods for the use and storage of radioactive materials. Monitors and disposes of radioactive waste. Prepares & packages radioactive materials for transportation. Performs wipe tests and area radiation surveys. The technologist uses proper procedures for managing emergency surveys in the event of a radiation accident, radioactive spill, or contamination by performing the proper clean up, surveying and monitoring of the area. Analyzes circumstances contributing to radiation exposure and to recommend procedures to minimize exposure. Provides instruction on proper radiation emergency procedures. Work Schedule: Intermittent; The Imaging Department operates on a 24/7 schedule. This position has no set tour hours; work is scheduled based on demand and the employee is compensated only for hours actually worked. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00182F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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 the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (N). NMTCB or ARRT (N) certification eligibility requirements are normally satisfied by one of the following: (1) Completion of a NMTCB-recognized nuclear medicine technology program, OR (2) Completion of a nuclear medicine technology program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT), or other accrediting agencies as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), culminating in a certificate, associate, baccalaureate, or master's degree. Educational programs must have structured clinical training sufficient to provide clinical competency in radiation safety, instrumentation, clinical procedures, and radio-pharmacy, as deemed acceptable by the NMTCB. NOTE: Technologists functioning as multi-modality technologists require additional specific certifications as stated in assignment descriptions below. Exceptions. Non-certified applicants, who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for NMTCB or ARRT (N) certification, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate NMT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405 (a)(1)(D). Failure to obtain certification within 1 year from the date of appointment is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. This may result in termination of employment. Failure to Obtain Credential. In all cases, NMTs must actively pursue meeting certification requirements starting from the date of their appointment. Failure to become certified within 1 year from date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0601 NMT occupation and may result in termination of employment. Loss of Credential. Once certified, NMTs must maintain a full, valid, and unrestricted certification. Loss of credential will result in removal from the GS-0601 NMT occupation and may result in termination of employment. For occupations which require an active certification at all grade levels, at the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may be reassigned to another occupation for which he/she qualifies if a placement opportunity exists. For occupations which require an active credential (licensure/certification/registration) in assignments above the journey level only, at the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may remain at an appropriate lower grade level in the occupation when both of the following apply: the credential is not a requirement and a placement opportunity exists. Creditable Experience To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs), and other characteristics, also referred to as core competencies, associated with the scope of NMT practice. Quality of Experience Experience is only creditable if it is earned after passing the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (N) certification exams. Experience as a graduate NMT is creditable provided the candidate worked as a NMT and subsequently passed the certification examination. Part-Time Experience Part-time experience as a NMT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a NMT would receive 1 week of full-time credit for each 2 weeks of half-time work. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations GS-09 Nuclear Medicine Technologist: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met: Experience. Completion of 1 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) is required. Assignments. Candidates at this grade level serve as staff NMTs at the journey level. NMTs at this level have a full understanding of proper methods of receipt, use, storage, and disposal of radioactive material; properly and independently handle unusual circumstances; perform and evaluate daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly quality control on all imaging and non-imaging instrumentation and auxiliary equipment, provide basic patient care, and can recognize and respond to emergency conditions. It is expected that they routinely and independently perform the full scope and complexity of these responsibilities and receive guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience requirement above, 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. Preferred Experience: An applicant who is a Certified Nuclear Medicine by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) is preferred. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 Employee Occupational Health Service 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. 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/.