Pharmacy Technician - (Automation)
About This Position
The primary responsibility of the GS 8 Automation Pharmacy Technician is to serve as a first line point of contact and subject matter expert in the maintenance, troubleshooting, and updating of all pharmacy automation systems at the Clement J. Zablocki VAMC in Milwaukee, WI. Additionally, the incumbent carries out the full range of Pharmacy Technician technical support functions and also serves as Pharmacy Service's alternate timekeeper.
Qualifications
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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: Must be proficient in written and spoken English Certification: must hold an active national certification through either: Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) OR National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT).
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). A Pharmacy Technician employed in VHA on the effective date of the qualification standard (11/7/2023) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level or changed to lower grade within the occupation but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
Employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/ registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure/ certification/registration requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Employees who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation.
Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. Grade Determinations: Pharmacy Technician GS-8 Must possess at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07). Examples of specialized experience include but are not limited to: Mentoring and training lower graded pharmacy technicians in the practice setting.
Assist advanced/ specialized pharmacy technicians and participate in performance improvement initiatives. Uses independent judgement to perform the full range of duties in the pharmacy. Functions as staff pharmacy technicians in various locations of a pharmacy, including pharmacy contact centers and other non-traditional pharmacy locations, with minimal oversight
In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of following technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology and policies in a specialized area or section of pharmacy (such as sterile compounding, controlled substances, automation, clinical pharmacy, contact center, etc.) Skill in training and orienting new and existing pharmacy facility employees and students on proper policies and procedures. Ability to evaluate, analyze and coordinate workflow and work activities within a specialized area or section of the pharmacy. References: VA Qualifications Standards - Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO) The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 8.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 8.
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS 8. Physical Requirements: Work is performed primarily in the inpatient pharmacy and outpatient care areas, where there is a potential for exposure to communicable diseases. Such areas are adequately heated and ventilated, and safety precautions are required.
In some cases, dealing with anti-neoplastic drugs may expose the incumbent to hazardous and toxic agents. The incumbent works with drugs/chemicals and must exercise precautions to avoid accidental contact to the skin, eyes, and lungs.
Major Duties
Major Duties of the GS 8 (Automation) Pharmacy Technician Include but are not limited to: Automation Provides specialized technical support to inpatient and outpatient pharmacy staff regarding the use of automated medication distribution systems. Assisting in the preparation of requests for new equipment from OIT or acquisition. Performs or schedules basic and routine service maintenance to automated dispensing devices at times least disruptive to patient care.
Serves as technical advisor and trainer to other pharmacy staff and other facility department staff (i.e., Nursing) in the operation, calibration, and maintenance of automated pharmacy equipment and devices. Supports pharmacy staff in the use of automated pharmacy equipment involved in the packaging and distribution of medications to ZVAMC beneficiaries. Support and advises the Pharmacy lnformaticist on software/interfaces related to automation devices.
Troubleshoots all equipment malfunctions and initiates service calls in accordance with pharmacy's contingency plan as appropriate for the Inpatient Pharmacy and Outpatient Pharmacies. Maintains logs, records and reports including, but not limited to controlled substance and Pyxis discrepancy reports. Pharmacy Technician Duties: Sets up, adjusts, and maintains the operation of automated medication dispensing devices that support the treatment of the Clement J.
Zablocki VAMC Patients. Sets up, adjusts, calibrates and maintains accessories and supplies for automated medication dispensing devices. Maintains control records, collecting data on any deviation in equipment accuracy, operation, or suitability.
When not directly involved in performing the duties of the pharmacy automation technician, the incumbent's duties will revert to those of a Full Performance pharmacy technician, such as: Perform processing and filling of prescriptions for scheduled and non-scheduled federal legend drugs and medical devices, over-the-counter products and supply items Maintains a training/education manual for the focus assigned. Provides training for new or existing staff so that these competencies are maintained. Performs all the duties of lower graded pharmacy technicians, as required.
Equipment Stock management, operation, maintenance, usage, re-stocking, and troubleshooting of automated dispensing equipment patient and customer relations Comprehensive working knowledge of operation and capabilities of the automated dispensing systems involved, and the ability to perform daily maintenance for assigned systems. Provides applicable equipment information to the Pharmacy equipment manager during any contract updates and/or changes that involve Pharmacy equipment as needed to ensure proper security and accountability of all Pharmacy equipment. Has working knowledge of hospital computer system(s), specifically the applicable VISTA/CHCS, CPRS, and Class-Ill software applications and processing options (e.g., ScriptPro, Pyxis and Pyxis CII safe, prescription processing, and a thorough knowledge of the operation and basic daily maintenance and minor repair of automated dispensing equipment.
Alternate Timekeeper Serves as alternate timekeeper for pharmacy service T&L units (including the NEWAC sites) Prepares and completes at least one T&L per pay period to maintain competencies in time and attendance Completes all T&L duties during absence of primary timekeeper Maintains all relevant time and attendance training requirements Work Schedule: Full Time Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 10075F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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 (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.
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. 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.
Additional Information
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.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/06/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12996552. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account.
Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field. 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.
Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License Other (1) PCS Orders Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.