Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)

Summary

This position is located at Diagnostic Imaging Service with VA San Diego Healthcare System. The incumbent will perform as a fully functional diagnostic radiologic technologist in the specialization of MRI. The incumbent will support radiologists or other medical professionals to produce imaging studies used to diagnose medical conditions.

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Duties

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This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until June 30, 2026 . The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be May 29, 2026, June 12, 2026, and June 30, 2026 with subsequent cut-off dates. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.

Major duties include, but are not limited to:

• Incumbent will be required to perform all aspects of MRI.
• Monitor patient during all phases of the examination, removing the patient from the influence of the magnetic field upon completion of the data acquisition.
• Coordinate with the radiologist to determine the most ideal pulse sequences and other parameters necessary to accomplish a highly quality examination.
• Program all technical factors by integrating computer console and choose the most effective coil for producing the correct signal.
• Record all computer and scanning data on film and/or optical disc.
• Maintains all monitoring data pertinent to patient and equipment information and usage.
• Performs and maintaining a monitoring system for quality assurance purposes and complies with FDA Safety Standards regarding ferrous objects and cardiac pacemakers prior to these persons entering the environment of the 5 gauss magnetic field.
• Assist manufacturer representative and biomedical engineers in the calibration and troubleshooting of malfunctions and all equipment associated with the MRI unit.
• Schedule, register, and status track all exams utilizing VISTA (Radiology Package).
• Maintain CPR certification.
• Ensure that all images are sent to VISTA/RAD upon completion of examination.
• Reports all equipment problems to Supervisory Diagnostic Technologist or Chief Technologist.
• Proactively identifies administrative, clinical or mechanical problems and defines solutions thereof.
• Treats patients and visitors with courtesy and respect.
• Performs assigned duties with no supervision during irregular hours to ensure adequate patient examinations.
• Advises the Radiologist of examinations which require immediate attention while the patient is still undergoing the examination.
• Responsible for setting up and positioning patients, provides immobilization devices, selects proper technical factors on an individual patient basis, and operates the equipment.
• Monitors the examination by checking computations, performances and results of the selected parameters to obtain the best diagnostic computer data and images.
• Performs clinical analysis of data recorded by the computer and records the computer data on film, magnetic tape and printer plotter paper.
• Performs technical operation and general technical maintenance of the computer, disk drives, console, imaging devices, etc.
• Uses computer programs with competence, and establishes and monitors quality control programs.
• Coordinates daily schedule and consults with hospital physicians, clinical and administrative personnel pertaining to the next day and future day's availability for patient examinations.
• Assists in preparation of manuals, and assists in devising modifying procedures as necessary.

Work Schedule : Various times (Holidays and on-call as needed for patient care needs)

Telework : Not Authorized

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Recruitment/Relocation Incentives : Authorized for a highly qualified applicant relocating to the San Diego, CA commuting area.

Financial Disclosure Report: Not Authorized

Requirements

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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.
• 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 dentification 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).
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period 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 probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

Resume Requirement : Your resume must be detailed include the following information: Job title, description of duties, beginning and ending date (month/year) of employment; and average hours worked per week.

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 general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
• Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in the duration (or the equivalent in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee of Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

Grade Determinations : Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) GS-09:

• Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*).

* Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.

Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.

* Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.

* Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.

* Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.

* Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

Preferred Experience:

• 3 or more years of dedicated MRI experience in an acute care facility; OR
• 2 or more years of radiologic experience beyond the basic requirements listed above.

Reference: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9.

Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, moderate carrying, reaching above shoulders, use of fingers and hands required, walking, standing, and repeated bending.

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: 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:

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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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