🟢 Status: OPEN CONTINUOUS — Closes June 30, 2026 | San Diego, CA | Source: USAJOBS.gov
VA MRI Technologist Jobs 2026 — San Diego Veterans Affairs Medical Center | GS-9 | Apply USAJOBS
The VA San Diego Healthcare System is hiring for MRI technologist jobs at the GS-9 level on an open continuous announcement, with referral cut-offs occurring throughout the open period. This VA hospital MRI technologist jobs 2026 opening sits within the Diagnostic Imaging Service at the San Diego VA Medical Center, where the incumbent operates as a fully functional Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist specializing in Magnetic Resonance Imaging — supporting radiologists and other medical professionals to produce the imaging studies used to diagnose Veterans medical conditions.
This is a strong opportunity for ARRT-certified radiologic technologists with MRI specialization looking to step into federal healthcare. No prior federal service is required, and the position offers the full federal benefits package alongside hands-on clinical work supporting one of the VA busiest medical centers on the West Coast.
Job Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) |
| Agency | Department of Veterans Affairs |
| Department | Veterans Health Administration |
| Job Series | GS-0647 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist |
| Pay Scale & Grade | GS-9 |
| Salary Range | $102,818 – $133,671 per year |
| Locations | San Diego, CA (VA San Diego Healthcare System) |
| Work Schedule | Full-time; various shifts including holidays and on-call |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Service Type | Excepted Service |
| Promotion Potential | None (GS-9 is full performance level) |
| Security Clearance | Not Required |
| Drug Test | Required |
| Who May Apply | US Citizens — Open to the Public |
| Closing Date | June 30, 2026 — Apply Now |
| USAJOBS Link | Click Here to Apply |
About the Role
As a diagnostic radiologic technologist specializing in MRI, you will perform all aspects of magnetic resonance imaging at the San Diego VA Medical Center — coordinating with radiologists to determine the ideal pulse sequences and parameters for each exam, programming technical factors, selecting the correct coil, and monitoring patients throughout the scan. You will be responsible for patient safety in the MRI environment, including complying with FDA safety standards around ferrous objects and cardiac devices before anyone enters the magnetic field.
Beyond hands-on imaging, the role includes scheduling and tracking exams through VISTA (the VA Radiology Package), maintaining CPR certification, performing quality assurance checks, and working closely with biomedical engineers and manufacturer reps to troubleshoot equipment. This is a patient-facing clinical role within a Whole Health System of care, where every scan contributes directly to a Veteran treatment plan.
“You will operate in a model that is based in a partnership across time, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran.” — VA Desert Pacific Health Care Network
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Perform all aspects of MRI examinations independently
- Monitor patients throughout all phases of the exam, including safe removal from the magnetic field
- Coordinate with radiologists to determine optimal pulse sequences and scan parameters
- Program technical factors and select the most effective imaging coil
- Record and maintain all computer and scanning data per VA protocol
- Maintain a quality assurance monitoring system and comply with FDA safety standards
- Assist manufacturer reps and biomedical engineers with equipment calibration and troubleshooting
- Schedule, register, and status-track exams using VISTA (Radiology Package)
- Maintain current CPR certification
- Advise radiologists of exams requiring immediate attention during the procedure
- Set up and position patients, select technical factors, and operate equipment independently
- Identify and resolve administrative, clinical, or mechanical problems proactively
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizen (non-citizens only if no qualified citizens available) |
| Certification | ARRT certification in general radiologic technology (R); Advanced ARRT certification required for MRI |
| Education | Completion of a 24+ month full-time post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program (JRCERT-accredited or DOE-recognized) |
| Experience | 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, demonstrating clinical competencies |
| English Proficiency | Required per 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), 7407(d) |
Career Ladder & Salary by Grade
| Grade | Salary Range | Level | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-9 | $102,818 – $133,671 | Full performance | 1 year experience equivalent to next lower grade; ARRT MRI certification |
💡 Note: This GS-9 healthcare jobs federal posting is already at the full performance level — there is no promotion ladder built into this announcement, but ARRT MRI certification jobs like this one typically pay well above the GS-9 base due to San Diego locality pay.
Other Requirements
- Pre-employment physical examination
- Seasonal influenza vaccination (or approved exemption)
- 1-year probationary period (or 2-year trial period)
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
Salary & Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Salary | $102,818 – $133,671/year (GS-9, San Diego locality) |
| Paid Time Off | 26 days annual leave + 13 sick days/year |
| Federal Holidays | 11 paid federal holidays |
| Health Insurance | FEHB (~70% premium covered) |
| Dental & Vision | FEDVIP |
| Retirement | FERS |
| TSP (401k) | 5% government matching |
| Paid Parental Leave | 12 weeks |
| Life Insurance | FEGLI |
| Recruitment/Relocation Incentive | Authorized for highly qualified candidates relocating to San Diego |
How to Apply
- Create a USAJOBS.gov account if you do not already have one.
- Download the VA standard one-page Clinical Resume Document and complete it alongside your full federal resume — how to become an MRI technologist applicants should clearly list ARRT certification and MRI-specific clinical hours.
- Navigate to the announcement (control #869533400) on USAJOBS.
- Submit required documents: ARRT MRI certification, resume, and transcript.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
- Applications are reviewed at cut-off dates of May 29, 2026, June 12, 2026, and June 30, 2026 — apply by the next applicable cut-off for fastest consideration.
⚠️ Important: This is an open continuous announcement closing June 30, 2026. Apply directly at USAJOBS.gov — this site is not affiliated with the VA or USAJOBS.
Veterans’ Preference
Veterans preference applies to this announcement. Eligible veterans should claim 5-point (TP), 10-point (CP/CPS/XP), or Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the application questionnaire and submit a legible DD-214 (Member Copy 4) showing dates and character of service. Disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference must also submit an SF-15 with required proof. Veterans with military medical or imaging technician experience (e.g., 68P Radiology Specialist) may find their federal radiologic technologist jobs background translates directly to this role. Learn more at Feds Hire Vets.
About the Veterans Health Administration
VHA fulfills President Lincoln promise to care for those who have served in our nation military, their families, caregivers, and survivors. As part of the VA Desert Pacific Health Care Network, the San Diego VA Medical Center operates within a Whole Health System of care that empowers Veterans to take charge of their health and well-being. VA imaging technologist careers offer a stable, mission-driven path for clinical professionals who want their daily work to directly support those who served.
FederalJobsAlert.us is an independent job notification website. This listing is sourced from USAJOBS.gov for informational purposes only. Always verify the latest details and apply directly at usajobs.gov/job/869533400. We are not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Health Administration, or any US government agency.
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