About this role
Job SummaryThe Surgical Technician is a member of the surgical team at the Northwest Health Care Center San Antonio and provides assistance to the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures. The Surgical Technician participates with the surgical team members in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the surgical team.
QualificationsTo qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/05/2026. You may qualify based on your experience as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have 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 would typically include, but are not limited to: assisting with the preparation and protection of sterile fields during surgery; monitoring and maintaining aseptic techniques throughout surgical procedures; handling medical instruments, supplies and equipment during surgical procedures; performing proper cleaning techniques, as well as the proper handling and rotation of sterile supplies; handling contaminated items, quality control, and personal hygiene, using knowledge of universal precautions and implementing infection control policies and procedures. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Preferred Experience: Certified Surgical Technician 2-3 Years of Experience as Surgical Technician in the Operating Room 1-2 Eye Surgery Experience
Major DutiesA Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual. Major Duties: Functions as a primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures such as cataracts, vitrectomies, dental implants, odontectomies. 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. Prepares, organizes, and maintains highly complex sterile surgical setups for ophthalmic surgical procedures. Utilizes standard precautions and follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment. In conjunction with the circulating Registered Nurse (RN), performs sponge, sharps and instrument counts to verify accuracy per facility policy and procedures. Assists the surgeon by performing such procedures as holding retractors, applying skin staples, and cutting sutures. Performs non-technical maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions. Provides guidance and support to other Surgical Technicians. Work Schedule: Monday -Friday, Rotating Shift (6:30am - 3:00pm / 7:00am - 3:30pm / 7:30am - 4:00pm / 8:00am to 4:30pm) Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Surgical Technician - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized/PD03978A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not ApprovedRequirementsYou must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Examination: May be required, depending on the needs of the organization. Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.