Diagnistic Radiological Technician, USAF Academy, Colorado Springs, CO

Welcome to the U.S. Air Force Academy and thank you for your interest in becoming an integral part of our team! You'll have the opportunity to become part of the wonderful experience of preparing more than 4,000 cadets for careers as Air Force leaders. The mission requires everyone's effort to succeed -- officers, enlisted Airmen, civilian employees, contractors and family members. As a part of the Academy, you will help prepare our future leaders by serving as a role model both on and off duty. You will set the example through your performance on the job, your appearance, your attitude and your conduct. You may also chose to  become involved with cadets, because your participation is important to their personal and professional development. Your involvement can take many forms: attending intramural, club, and intercollegiate activities, coming to lectures presented by guest speakers, becoming a squadron participant and, if eligible, by becoming a cadet sponsor. While you're here, you can take advantage of our extensive recreational facilities, which are among the finest in the Air Force. We offer a wide range of seasonal programs to help make Colorado and its seasons enjoyable for our base community.

Working for the Department of Defense comes with an abundance of benefits and perks to include competitive compensation packages, paid-time off, medical benefits, student loan repayments, and retirement package with Thrift Savings Plan to include matching employer contributions. For more information, please visit the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/benefits/

MAJOR DUTIES

Serves as Diagnostic Imaging Technologist for Diagnostic Radiology Service, Department of Radiology.

1. Primary performs very difficult radiographic examinations. Receives patients, explains method of procedure, positions patients select and sets technical factors, sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required, and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedures. Independently make routine radiographic examinations of skull, thoracic, abdominal, spinal and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injuries. Operates portable equipment and performs operating room radiography.

2. Performs DRT Duties. Is the DRT within 23 personnel (contractor and military DRTs assigned to the DR). Personally performs the work of GS-7 DRTs and distributes and balances the workload among employees IAW established work flow or job specialization, assure timely accomplishment of the assigned workload, and assure that each employee has enough work to keep busy; keeps in touch with the status and progress of work, and makes day-to-day adjustments IAW established priorities, obtaining assistance from the supervisor on problems that may arise, such as backlogs which cannot be disposed of promptly; estimates and reports on expected time of completion of work, and maintains records of work accomplishments and time expended and prepare production reports as requested; instructs employees in specific tasks and job techniques and makes available written instructions, reference materials and supplies; gives on the job training to new employees in accordance with established procedures and practices; maintains a current knowledge and answers questions of other employees on procedures, policies, directives, etc. and obtains needed information or decisions from supervisor on problems that come up; checks on work in progress or spot checks work not requiring review (e.g., filing or direct services and reviews completed work to see that supervisor's instruction on work sequence, procedures, methods and deadlines have been met; amends or rejects work not meeting established standards, refers to supervisor questions or matters not covered by standards and problems in meeting performance standards; monitors working conditions such as seating, ventilation, lighting, safety, etc.; resolves simple, informal complaints of employees and refer others to supervisor; reports to supervisor on performance, progress and training needs of employees, and on behavior problems; and provides information to supervisor as requested concerning promotions, reassignment, recognition of outstanding performance, and personnel needs.

3. Provides direct teaching and guidance for student and staff technologists in Diagnostic Radiology. Communicates the underlying principles of Computed Imaging and the significance of observations made during examinations to staff technologists, Phase II students and Radiologists. Trains and assists technologists on the new digital imaging equipment such as the patient entry system, Computed Radiography (CR), film digitizer, and the DINPACS QC Workstation functions. Discusses rejected images with the technologist suggesting new techniques or improvements as needed. Confers with the supervisory technologist as to remedial or additional training sessions for technologists as needed.

4. Monitors the functions of Digital and Analog processors. Ensures that sensitometric calibration films are generated daily and documented. Trouble shoots and assures Kodak CR 900, CR 800 and Laser imaging equipment and standard film processors are functioning properly and refers work orders to proper areas as needed. Monitors all Radiographic Equipment for correct operation and reports necessary work orders to the supervisory technologist and the Quality Assurance (QA) Technologist or representative. Monitors and documents the cleaning of phosphor plates and cassettes. Responsible for acquiring images and reprinting them from the DINPACS system to the laser printers. Responsible for the general cleanliness and neatness of the Diagnostic Radiology area. Maintains appropriate levels of developer and fixer, and replenishes solutions for automatic x-ray film processors. Coordinates the supply needs of Diagnostic Radiology with the appropriate personnel. Responsible for the contrast reaction boxes. Familiar with nursing procedures, including crash cart, CPR, sterile techniques in radiographic procedures, use of contrast media and emergency medications. Must be able to recognize symptoms of allergic reactions or shock in order to administer appropriate care. Meets weekly with the supervisory technologist and QA technologist for the review of problem areas. Attends Performance Improvement (PI) and QC meetings with NCOIC's, Chief, Department of Radiology and QA technologist to discuss quality improvement and related concerns. Meets weekly with the supervisory technologist and QA technologist for the review of problem areas. Attends Performance Improvement (PI) and QC meetings with NCOIC's, Chief, Department of Radiology and QA technologist to discuss quality improvement and related concerns.

Performs other duties as assigned.