Surgical Technician

Summary This position will serve as part of the El Paso VAHCS and William Beamont Army Medical Center (WBAMC) Surgical Expansion pilot to expand WBAMC surgical services to VA beneficiaries to include increased capabilities in Orthopedic - General Surgery - and Neurosurgery clinics and operative procedures. The Surgical Technologist participates with the surgical team members in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the surgical team and the registered nurse. Qualifications To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement - 06/01/2026. Specialized experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS‑5 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience include, but are not limited to: knowledge of asepsis to prepare/protect the sterile field during surgery; knowledge of sterile technique must include sterilizer operations and tests to determine the effectiveness of sterilization; packaging, storage, and shelf life; proper cleaning techniques and the types of cleaning solutions to be used on various items; proper handling and rotation of sterile supplies; handling of contaminated items; quality control; knowledge of pharmacology including classification and administration of drugs, patient responses, and common dosages; familiarity with dosages and proper use of all medications administered from the sterile field; technical knowledge of the use and effect of anesthesia to recognize hazardous conditions and respond during the procedure; skill/flexibility to adjust to new surgical subspecialties and adapt to associated challenges; knowledge of pathology care and handling of specimens correctly; proper handling of prosthesis such as IOL, hernia mesh, fixation devices such as screws and plates, and bone product. Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed one-half year of graduate education (9 semester hours) or an internship in a course that includes directly related courses such as anatomy and physiology, surgical technology, aseptic techniques, etc. This education must be obtained in an accredited college or university. Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. Combination: Applicants may combine education and experience to qualify at this level. The education portion must include graduate courses directly related to the work of the Surgical Technician position. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at Duties Primary Surgical Technician 1 Functions as a primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments and equipment during a variety of surgical procedures such as general surgery (including laparoscopy) - orthopedics (including arthroscopy) and neurosurgery Independently sets‑up the sterile field with all required items for each procedure such as air‑powered equipment - fiberoptic equipment - laparoscopic equipment - microscopes - lasers - arthroscopy equipment - urologic equipment - recording devices - fluoroscopic equipment - and other major and minor operating room supplies and equipment Performs daily quality measurement checks Plans and discusses each procedure with assigned surgical team and ensures all supplies and equipment are available prior to the start of the surgical procedure Prepares - organizes - and maintains complex sterile surgical set‑ups Ensures all sterile wrap/packaging have no holes/tears/breaks in packaging integrity Visualizing chemical indicators have turned Observes and responds promptly to each stage of the surgical procedure and anticipates the needs of the surgeon by maintaining a high level of concentration for extended periods of time Utilizes standard precautions and follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens - supplies - and equipment Assists with team members with care of patient – i.e positioning - prepping - and obtaining supplies Handles specimens appropriately – participates with circulating RN with two‑person verification of accurate specimen labeling and confirmation of correct patient identification Actively participates in Briefing - TimeOut - and De‑briefing process Maintains Equipment and Work Areas 1 Performs non‑technical maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions Recognizes potentially hazardous situations (frayed cords - water on floor) and takes corrective action – reporting unsafe working conditions/unsafe equipment to appropriate individuals Maintains clean and safe operating room work area Provides guidance and support to CMS/SPS staff – new OR providers – nursing – and nursing assistants Demonstrates outstanding aseptic technique and monitors sterile field to protect against breaks in sterile technique Delivers care to patients in respectful – non‑judgmental manner Respects patient privacy and confidentiality Provides individualized patient‑centered care VA/DOD Surgical Expansion Duties – performance of scrub or circulating Operating Room (OR) duties with primary emphasis on variety of surgical specialties Assist on surgical procedures ranging from routine (e.g. appendectomy - herniorrhaphy - etc.) to complex to high risk (e.g. thoracic - orthopedics - general surgery laparoscopic assisted procedures - etc.) or trauma cases (multi‑system involvement due to vehicular accidents - gunshots - knife wounds - ligament and nerve reconstruction - bowel resections - joint replacements and multiple bone fractures) Perform pre‑operative shave of surgical site Position or assists in positioning and draping the patient for specific procedures As a scrub technician – selects – assembles and organizes required supplies – equipment (set up – connect – test – operate drills – saws – etc.) and instruments for specific surgical procedures in accordance with operative worksheet – surgeon's preference card and/or conferring with surgeon or charge nurse Passes instruments and equipment to the surgeon during surgical procedure by anticipating the surgeon's needs Assists with application of dressings Surgical assistant actively engages in the manipulation of tissue with the proper instruments both intuitively by previous experience and by direction of the surgeon to facilitate and make possible the successful completion of the given procedures Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 6:45am‑3:15pm & Monday – Tuesday – Thursday – Friday 6:45am‑5:15pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position #J-18808-Ljbffr