The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT)(Anesthesia) works in the Anesthesia Service, Operative Care Division of the VA Portland Health Care Center VHAPORHCS located in Portland, OR. 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. English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Education: There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Licensure: Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at the GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. 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-9. In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-8 full performance level, positions at this level may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and duties. Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. This would include specialized experience as an anesthesia technician which demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to provide all aspects of anesthesia technician services including specialized duties. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). KSAs 1 through 6 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 7 and 8 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment. Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of laboratory testing procedures to include maintenance, calibration, and quality control procedures. This includes the ability to perform these lab tests accurately and correctly. Advanced knowledge of electronics and anesthesia equipment with skill in repairing and maintaining this equipment and repairing complex problems. *Comprehensive knowledge of central venous and pulmonary artery (Swan-Ganz) catheterization procedures including measuring cardiac outputs and intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation procedures (i.e., balloon pump). Knowledge and ability to assist with airway management techniques. *Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. *Ability to manage and supervise employees. *Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. References: VA Handbook 5005/120, Part II, Appendix G27-A, Medical Instrument Technician (Anesthesia) Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over); Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); Light carrying (under 15 pounds); Pulling hand over hand (5 hours); Pushing (5 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (4-8 hours); Standing (4-8 hours); Crawling (0.5 hours); Kneeling (0.5 hours); Repeated bending; Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; hearing aid permitted. Environmental Factors: Excessive noise, intermittent; Fumes, smoke, or gases; Electrical energy; Working around machinery with moving parts; Working closely with others. ["The incumbent will perform logistical and technical support to anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists. They maintain anesthesiology supplies and equipment, set-up anesthetizing locations and operate, monitor, and collect data from anesthesia related equipment. In some cases, MIT Anesthesia will perform clinical laboratory functions, equipment preventive maintenance/repair, and specialized cardiac procedures such as obtaining invasive and non-invasive hemodynamic data and calculating measurements, intra aortic balloon pumping, vessel cannulation, and autotransfusion services. Major duties will include, but will not be limited to: a. Aid anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists in anesthetic procedures such as regional; the technician will connect and operate non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment, blood, and fluid warmers (e.g., Hot Line and Ranger) and patient warming devices (e.g., Bair Hugger) anesthesia (epidural and spinal), laryngeal mask anesthesia, and monitored anesthesia care. Assists anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists in difficult anesthetic procedures under minimal supervision.\nb. Mentors and trains lower graded technicians. Assists staff Anesthesiologists to train nurses, medical students, and anesthesia residents on VA anesthesia technology procedures and assist the supervisor/manager with quality control and performance improvement activities.\nc. Sets up the anesthesia machines in each operating room prior to the start of the scheduled OR day, including correct breathing circuit apparatus, life support monitors, suction, airway gas monitors, airway gases and disposable or other appropriate equipment that may be required. An in- depth knowledge of the anesthesia machine, monitors, gas supply systems and breathing systems is required for first line trouble shooting.\nd. Maintains standardized Anesthesia Carts, Emergency Airway Carts, Transplant supplies, Urgent/Emergent Anesthesia Cart, Latex Allergy Cart, Malignant Hyperthermia Cart, Gastroenterology cart, Bronchoscopy Cart and Pain Management Carts to assure that appropriate drugs and supplies are available to the anesthesia providers.\ne. Assists and performs calibration of oxygen analyzers using piped O2. Any failure to calibrate must be checked in the same location with the working analyzer. Any subsequent failure to calibrate must be checked against tank 02. Any anesthesia machine that is found not to be dispensing an accurate FI02 must be removed from service.\nf. Reviews the surgery schedule and confers with anesthesia providers to provide warming devices, IV lines, pressure lines, and specialty catheters, including CVP, arterial, and pulmonary catheters. Organizes airway management carts for bronchoscope or video scope procedures. Set up and calibrates equipment and obtains and calculate hemodynamic data when requested by cardiac anesthesiologist. Knowledge of numerous specialty catheters and their required disposable arrangement is required.\ng. Assist anesthesiologists in placement of pulmonary artery catheters, central venous catheters, and arterial lines. In-depth knowledge of anatomy, catheter placement, procedural complications and sterile technique is required to provide hands-on assistance. h. Assists anesthesia providers performing regional anesthesia on patients. Knowledge of regional practices and related equipment and pharmaceuticals is essential. Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, 6:00AM-8:00PM. Hours will be variable based on service needs. Position will take call.\nCompressed/Flexible: Available\nTelework: Not available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]