Position Summary: 

Performs complex histology procedures and provides technical expertise in support of pathology services. Conducts specialized staining, validation activities, quality assurance processes, and advanced troubleshooting of laboratory instrumentation and testing procedures. Supports laboratory operations through technical guidance, process improvement initiatives, and compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards. Collaborates with laboratory leadership and staff to promote quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree including coursework meeting ASCP Histotechnologist certification requirements.
• HTL (ASCP) certification.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible histology experience.

Preferred:

• Five (5) or more years of histology experience.
• Experience with validation studies, immunohistochemistry, and laboratory quality initiatives.

Essential Job Functions:

In addition to the essential functions of the job listed below, employees must maintain timely completion of all required education, trainings, and certifications as assigned and in accordance with Bozeman Health policies, department-specific requirements, applicable certification program and registry requirements, and other applicable regulatory requirements.

• Performs advanced histology procedures including complex tissue preparation, special stains, immunohistochemistry, frozen sections, and other specialized testing methodologies.
• Serves as a technical resource for histology staff and assists with resolution of complex testing and instrumentation issues.
• Leads validation and implementation activities for new reagents, antibodies, instrumentation, and testing procedures.
• Assists with collection and preparation of specialized pathology specimens as needed.
• Participates in laboratory quality assurance, quality improvement, and accreditation readiness activities.
• Evaluates testing performance, identifies quality concerns, and implements corrective actions in collaboration with laboratory leadership.
• Provides mentoring, technical guidance, and competency support for Histotechnologist I staff, trainees, and other pathology personnel.
• Assists with development, review, and maintenance of laboratory procedures and technical documentation.
• Identifies workflow improvement opportunities and recommends operational enhancements that improve quality, service, and efficiency.
• Performs advanced troubleshooting and serves as an escalation resource for technical issues affecting laboratory operations.
• Maintains compliance with regulatory, accreditation, and organizational standards.
• Demonstrates Bozeman Health SPIRIT values.
• Other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrate sound judgment, patience, and maintain a professional demeanor at all times.
• Exercise tact, discretion, sensitivity, and maintains confidentiality.
• Perform essential job functions successfully in a fast-paced environment.
• Learn current and new computer applications and office equipment utilized at Bozeman Health.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Analyze, organize, and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines.
• Demonstrate the Bozeman Health SPIRIT values of: Service, People, Integrity, Respect, Improvement, and Teamwork.

Schedule Requirements

• This role requires regular and sustained attendance.
• The position may necessitate working beyond a standard 40-hour workweek, including weekends and after-hours shifts.
• On-call work may be required to respond promptly to organizational, patient, or employee needs.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting (Rarely – 30 pounds): Exerting force and/or using a negligible amount of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects or people.
• Sit (Continuously): Maintaining a sitting posture for extended periods may include adjusting body position to prevent discomfort or strain.
• Stand (Occasionally): Maintaining a standing posture for extended periods may include adjusting body position to prevent discomfort or strain.
• Walk (Occasionally): Walking and moving around within the work area requires good balance and coordination.
• Climb (Rarely): Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like using feet and legs; may also use hands and arms.
• Twist/Bend/Stoop/Kneel (Occasionally): Twisting, bending, stooping, and kneeling require flexibility and a wide range of motion in the spine and joints.
• Reach Above Shoulder Level (Occasionally): Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects as necessary above the shoulder, requiring strength and stability.
• Push/Pull (Occasionally): Using the upper extremities to press or exert force against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward, or outward.
• Fine-Finger Movements (Continuously): Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than using the whole hand as in handling.
• Vision (Continuously): Close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures and to read computer screens, printed materials, and handwritten materials.
• Cognitive Skills (Continuously): Learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, and make timely decisions in the context of a workflow.
• Exposures (Rarely): Bloodborne pathogens, such as blood, bodily fluids, or tissues. Radiation in settings where medical imaging procedures are performed. Various chemicals and medications are used in healthcare settings. Job tasks may involve handling cleaning products, disinfectants, and other substances. Infectious diseases due to contact with patients in areas that may have contagious illnesses.

*Frequency Key: Continuously (100% - 67% of the time), Repeatedly (66% - 33% of the time), Occasionally (32% - 4% of the time), Rarely (3% - 1% of the time), Never (0%).