Histopathology Technician

Job Summary

Job Title: Histopathology TechnicianLocation: VA Maine Healthcare System, Augusta, MEPeriod of Performance: 5/1/25 - 4/25/2026

Bill Rate: $30.72 SCA minimum (Medical Laboratory Technologist) $4.93 H&W = $35.65 hourly

Job Summary:

Aptive is seeking a qualified Histopathology Technician to provide laboratory services at the VA Maine Healthcare System (Togus VA Medical Center). The selected candidate will be responsible for performing histological preparation, specimen processing, and laboratory support services for inpatient and outpatient settings.

Work Schedule:

• Monday – Friday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• No Night, Weekend, or Holiday shifts.
• Overtime may be required, but on-call or standby duties are NOT required.
• The VA may discontinue use of contracted staff with two weeks' notice if positions are filled by permanent employees or contracted staff are no longer required.
• All contract personnel must sign in and out daily, with hours tracked by the Laboratory Manager or designee.

Leave Policy:

• Employees may request up to 80 hours of leave during their appointment.

Primary Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Gross, accession, embed, cut, stain, and cover-slip tissue specimens per pathologist requests.
• Prepare special stains for tissue analysis upon request.
• Assist pathologists in cutting surgical, frozen sections, and potentially autopsies.
• Process specimens using equipment, instruments, and techniques to ensure proper preparation for analysis.
• Serve as a backup morgue assistant, assisting in autopsies, including identification, setup, body closure, and cleanup.
• Ensure positive patient identification before sample processing.
• Safeguard electronic and paper-based patient information following VA privacy regulations.
• Independently test, evaluate, document, and report patient test results and quality control measures.
• Identify, document, and resolve collection, processing, testing, and reporting issues.
• Provide patient-centered care and uphold professional conduct to avoid complaints from patients and staff.
• Adhere to VA, The Joint Commission, and national laboratory standards.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of recent Histology and Cytology experience.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Technical Proficiency: Must be fluent in English (spoken, written, and reading) and possess the necessary technical skills for laboratory functions.
• Certifications: Must meet national standards as established by Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines.

Training Requirements:

• Basic Life Support (BLS): Required every two years.
• VA Privacy & Information Security Training
• VHA Privacy & HIPAA Training
• Completion of OSHA-required Bloodborne Pathogen Training

Health & Infection Control Requirements:

Candidates must provide proof of compliance for the following before starting work:

• Tuberculosis (TB) Testing: Negative skin test or Quantiferon within the past year.
• Immunization Records:
  • Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR)
  • Hepatitis B
  • Varicella
  • Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
  • Annual Influenza vaccination (unless medically contraindicated)
  • COVID-19 Vaccination (Exemptions reviewed on a case-by-case basis, subject to VA testing protocols)

About Aptive

Arrow ARC supports Veterans Health Administration facilities and offices across the U.S. with health care staffing and program support via the 10-year Integrated Critical Staffing Program (ICSP). We provide staffing solutions to address critical shortages in VHA medical facilities caused by turnover, recruitment issues, seasonal needs, surges or emergencies.

Arrow is a certified Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business joint venture between Artemis ARC and Aptive Resources, two award-winning companies that share an agile, mission-focused, results driven approach in the federal sector.​ Arrow provides management consulting services and specializes in working with federal government agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs and Office of Personnel Management.​

EEO Statement

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class.

Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply.

Salary : $36