The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) is seeking experienced and motivated Health Tech (Opticians) to support operations within VCS Optical Shops at the Hickory, NC Location VA Medical Center
This position plays a critical role in delivering exceptional service by coordinating optical operations and serving as a key liaison between VCS, eye clinic providers and prosthetics teams. Join us and help enhance the experience for our Nation's Veterans.
Learn more about this agency
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference
Individuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans.
Duties include, but are not limited to the following:
Customer Service & Patient Assistance: Greet customers and provide knowledgeable assistance with frame selection, pricing, product options, and delivery timelines. Maintain a professional, welcoming environment while supporting patients in making informed eyewear decisions.
Eyewear Fitting & Optical Measurements: Perform eyewear fittings and obtain accurate measurements using optical equipment such as digital pupilometers, lensometers, and other tools. Document patient information and measurements within the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS).
Order Processing & Sales Support: Process eyewear orders, collect payments, prepare sales documentation, and enter orders into contractor and VA systems. Promote appropriate lens options, upgrades, and additional eyewear using a consultative, no-pressure sales approach.
Coordination & Issue Resolution: Collaborate with eye clinics, laboratories, prosthetics staff, and vendors to track orders and resolve issues related to missing, damaged, or delayed eyewear. Address customer concerns professionally and escalate complex issues when necessary.
Inventory & Merchandise Management: Maintain eyewear displays in a clean, organized, and visually appealing manner. Support merchandise control, pricing, recordkeeping, and protection of inventory and fixed assets.
As a Condition of Employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-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
- 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.
Additional Conditions of Employment include:
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
Licensure & Experience:Minimum of one (1) year of experience working as an Optician required.
Independent Work Capability: Demonstrated ability to work independently while managing responsibilities efficiently and maintaining high standards of patient service.
Prescription Interpretation & Problem Resolution: Ability to identify prescription discrepancies or anomalies and take appropriate corrective action to ensure accuracy and patient satisfaction.
Optical Verification & Quality Assurance: Skilled in identifying and resolving optical issues, including prescription verification, transitions verification, optical center alignment, segment height accuracy, and appropriate frame selection.
Technical Equipment & Tools Proficiency:
Proficient in the use of optical equipment and tools, including:
- Adjustment and bench tools
- Lensometer and lens clock
- Frame heater
- PD ruler and pupilometer
- Penlight and interpupillary measuring devices
- Frame and lens cleaning products
- Thickness caliper
- Vertex densometer
- Tolerance charts
- Visual acuity charts
Identification Requirement: A current, valid REAL ID is required to work with the Veterans Canteen Service.
Education Requirement: High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) required.
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.
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.
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.NOTE: A formal pay-setting process will be used to determine your salary. The salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy. 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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package that includes:
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.
- Most recent SF-50
- Performance Appraisal
- Separation Notice (RIF)
Veterans' Preference: Since the Veterans Canteen Service falls under 38 U.S.C. 7802, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified Veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the 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 08/28/2026 to receive consideration.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS 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.
It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account, or your application will be incomplete.
Undra Stewart
Address
VCS Central Office
1 Jefferson Barracks Drive Bldg. 25
St. Louis, MO 63125
US
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
Accepting applications
Posted yesterday · Apply by 08/28/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on August 28, 2026
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$49,215 - $49,215 per year
Pay scale & grade
VC 10
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Travel Required
Not required
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
- 0640 Health Aid And Technician
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Represented by a union
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
CBAD-13023912-26-US
