Surgical Technician

Summary

The Surgical Technician is a member of the surgical team that provides assistance to the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures - and participates in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the surgical team. DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.205) for this occupation

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement - 06/02/2027. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the federal service experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge - skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position - and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled - in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: Knowledge of highly technical medical/surgical instruments - human anatomy - physiology - and aseptic technique to prepare and 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 - also includes the proper cleaning techniques and the types of detergents to use on various items - as well as the proper handling and rotation of sterile supplies - handling of contaminated items - quality control - and personal hygiene; In-Depth knowledge of standard precautions and know how to implement infection control policies and procedures; Knowledge of operation and function of all surgical instruments and equipment - testing procedures to assure all equipment works - and proper postoperative decontamination procedures; Knowledgeable about and thoroughly understand the concepts and applicability of the Joint Commission (TJC) - Occupational Safety Health and Administration (OSHA). . OR - Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have one full year of graduate education (18 semester hours) that is directly related to the work of the position to be filled. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED TO CALCULATE SEMESTER HOURS FOR CREDIT). OR - Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and graduate level education. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED TO CALCULATE SEMESTER HOURS FOR CREDIT) To receive credit - a transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. For more information on these qualification standards - please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at

Duties

• This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until June 02 - 2027 .The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be June 15 - 2026 - with subsequent cut-off dates every two weeks until 06/01/2027
• Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled
• Applicants who are referred will be considered for 90 days - after 90 days applicants will have to reapply
• Major Duties: Functions as a primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments - supplies - and equipment during all surgical procedures such as open heart - thoracic - major vascular - neurosurgery - microsurgery
• and/or total joint replacement surgery
• Sets up sterile field with all required items for each procedure such as - fiber optic equipment - laparoscopic equipment - microscopes - lasers - urologic equipment - recording devices - and other operating room supplies and equipment
• Plans and discusses each procedure with surgical professionals and assures that all supplies and equipment are available prior to the surgical procedure
• Prepares - organizes and maintains highly complex sterile surgical setups for Orthopedic (total joint replacement) - Neuro (craniotomies tumors/ aneurysms - laminectomies - fusions) - Cardiothoracic (open heart surgery) - Robotic procedures (Genitourinary - Gynecological - and General)
• Bariatric - General Surgery (colorectal)
• LASER technology for various surgical services and/or ENT/ Ophthalmic procedures
• all of which require knowledge of complex specialty instruments - equipment and supplies unique to each of the surgical services
• Functions as the second circulator for complex surgical procedures
• Performs non-technical maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions
• Maintains OR area
• Assesses equipment needs and maintains adequate stock of supplies and materials
• Recognizes potentially hazardous situations (e.g. - frayed cords - water on floor) and takes corrective action
• Provides guidance and support to Nursing Assistants and other Surgical Technicians Supervises volunteers - aides - non-surgical team members - students - and other personnel
• Provides guidance and support to professional and technical students of an approved surgical technology program
• Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 7:00am-3:30pm -7:00am-5:30pm - 12:00pm-7:30pm - 2:00pm-10:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Position Description/PD#: Surgical Technician/PD07623A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.