Veterans Affairs
Summary
The Surgical Technician (ST) is an integral member of the surgical team and assists the surgeon and other team members during a wide range of surgical procedures from local anesthesia cases to vascular and micro‑vascular surgery. The incumbent must adapt to new procedures in a constantly changing surgical environment.
Responsibilities
Functions as the primary scrub person, handling instruments and supplies during all surgical procedures, including complex procedures such as thoracic, vascular, neurosurgery, microsurgery, urologic, hand, plastic, ophthalmology, ENT, and total joint replacements.
Sets up the sterile field with all necessary items for each procedure, including air powered equipment, fiber optic equipment, laparoscopic equipment, navigational equipment, microscopes, injectors, lasers, arthroscopy equipment, urology equipment, and OR table accessories.
Prepares, organizes, and maintains highly complex sterile set‑ups, skillfully draping the operative area and ensuring all infection control and sterility guidelines are followed.
Assists the RN with the care of the surgical patient, i.e., positioning, prepping, and obtaining supplies.
Performs sponge, sharps, and instrument counts with the circulating nurse and maintains accountability of all sterile surgical instruments and equipment.
Prepares prostheses and surgical devices for each procedure and assists the surgeon with tasks such as preparing skin grafts, suctioning, holding retractors, applying skin staples, and cutting suture.
Breaks down the sterile field post‑procedure, properly caring for and handling instrumentation and returning instruments to Sterile Processing Services.
Transports patients to and from the surgical suites and promptly reports changes in patient condition.
Plans supplies, instruments, and equipment availability before the procedure begins, prioritizes and responds promptly to each stage of the surgical procedure, and anticipates the needs of the surgeon.
Labeled and contained specimens accurately, communicating clearly and concisely.
Participates in operating room tasks to maintain a clean and organized department, including monitoring expired products and organizing storage.
Work Schedule Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 3:30 pm. This is not a virtual position.
Requirements
You must be a U.S. Citizen.
Complete all required steps, including an online assessment of general competencies.
Undergo urinalysis screening prior to appointment; refusal results in denial.
Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Background/security investigation required.
Pre‑placement physical examination is not required.
Participation in seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Qualifications To qualify, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date 10/14/2025. Applicants may qualify based on experience and/or education as described:
GS‑7 grade level: One year of specialized experience (GS‑6) in sterile technique and surgical instrument knowledge; advanced medical terminology and pathology handling.
Substitution of education: One full year of graduate education meets GS‑7; part‑time graduate education creditable.
Combination of experience & education: Equal combination of specialized experience and graduate education.
Education: Submit a transcript if based on education.
Reasonable Accommodation RA requests for online assessments and other workplace adjustments are provided on a case‑by‑case basis.
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Responsibilities
Functions as the primary scrub person, handling instruments and supplies during all surgical procedures, including complex procedures such as thoracic, vascular, neurosurgery, microsurgery, urologic, hand, plastic, ophthalmology, ENT, and total joint replacements.
Sets up the sterile field with all necessary items for each procedure, including air powered equipment, fiber optic equipment, laparoscopic equipment, navigational equipment, microscopes, injectors, lasers, arthroscopy equipment, urology equipment, and OR table accessories.
Prepares, organizes, and maintains highly complex sterile set‑ups, skillfully draping the operative area and ensuring all infection control and sterility guidelines are followed.
Assists the RN with the care of the surgical patient, i.e., positioning, prepping, and obtaining supplies.
Performs sponge, sharps, and instrument counts with the circulating nurse and maintains accountability of all sterile surgical instruments and equipment.
Prepares prostheses and surgical devices for each procedure and assists the surgeon with tasks such as preparing skin grafts, suctioning, holding retractors, applying skin staples, and cutting suture.
Breaks down the sterile field post‑procedure, properly caring for and handling instrumentation and returning instruments to Sterile Processing Services.
Transports patients to and from the surgical suites and promptly reports changes in patient condition.
Plans supplies, instruments, and equipment availability before the procedure begins, prioritizes and responds promptly to each stage of the surgical procedure, and anticipates the needs of the surgeon.
Labeled and contained specimens accurately, communicating clearly and concisely.
Participates in operating room tasks to maintain a clean and organized department, including monitoring expired products and organizing storage.
Work Schedule Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 3:30 pm. This is not a virtual position.
Requirements
You must be a U.S. Citizen.
Complete all required steps, including an online assessment of general competencies.
Undergo urinalysis screening prior to appointment; refusal results in denial.
Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Background/security investigation required.
Pre‑placement physical examination is not required.
Participation in seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Qualifications To qualify, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date 10/14/2025. Applicants may qualify based on experience and/or education as described:
GS‑7 grade level: One year of specialized experience (GS‑6) in sterile technique and surgical instrument knowledge; advanced medical terminology and pathology handling.
Substitution of education: One full year of graduate education meets GS‑7; part‑time graduate education creditable.
Combination of experience & education: Equal combination of specialized experience and graduate education.
Education: Submit a transcript if based on education.
Reasonable Accommodation RA requests for online assessments and other workplace adjustments are provided on a case‑by‑case basis.
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