Optical Laboratory Technician

Summary About the Position: This position is located within Brooke Army Medical Center, Vision Readiness, Optical Fabrication located at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The primary purpose is to provide technical ophthalmic production-oriented tasks and customer support for eligible beneficiaries in the Optical Fabrication Laboratories for the United States Medical Command (MEDCOM). Learn more about this agency Duties Assist walk-in customers with ordering, fitting and dispensing of spectacles, using equipment to verify and check accuracy of spectacles. Maintain an automated optical database regarding optical orders, frame inventories, shop standards, and customer account information. Provide interactive guidance to clinics and individual service members utilizing an automated ordering system to ensure accuracy and eligibility of service. Review technical data and forms to ensure completeness and accuracy of the orders. Interact with patients, customers, and healthcare providers (Optometrist, Ophthalmologists, etc.) to ensure the fabrication of spectacles meet customer needs. Process all external department communications to include prescription orders, voice mail messages, e-mail messages, facsimile orders and inquiries. Responsible for inventory management based on assignments and quality control of military eyeglass frames. Perform independent research/documentation into software calculation problems in surfacing and finishing of ophthalmic lenses. Conduct evaluation of new optical lens or frame technology for active duty service members to include specialty ophthalmic lenses. Requirements Conditions of employment You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. A Tier 1, NACI Personnel Security Investigation is required. This position is subject to annual seasonal influenza vaccinations. Applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to sign a statement consenting to seasonal influenza vaccinations or must provide a recognized exemption. Immunization screening is required. Hepatitis B immunization is required for all positions with direct patient contact. Applicants may be required to show proof of other immunizations depending on the type of position. A pre-placement medical examination is required. Qualifications Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service which includes 1) assisting customers with the end-to-end optical process such as ordering, dispensing, and fitting of appropriate eye wear, 2) utilizing automated optical databases to maintain and track order inventory, 3) assisting in optical maintenance to include re-fabrication, calibration, and cleaning, and 4) determining necessary safety eye protection for customers based on environmental and occupational hazards. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-06). Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted. Education Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted. Additional information Direct Deposit of Pay is required. This position requires a 1 year probationary periodduring which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest. Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. This is a Medical Career Field position. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest. Expand Hide  additional information 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. Benefits 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. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.