About this role
Job SummaryThe Surgical Technician is a member of the surgical team and assists 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, 08/24/2026. REQUIREMENT: Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists. Therefore, technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled. In addition to the IOR, candidates must meet the specialized experience below: Specialized Experience: Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-6 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include: working in an operating room and setting up a sterile field with all required items for surgical procedures (i.e., air-powered equipment, fiber optic equipment, laparoscopic equipment, microscopes, lasers, arthroscopy equipment, urologic equipment, recording devices, and other operating room (OR) supplies and equipment, etc.); use proper sterilization and cleaning techniques on instruments and equipment; and assist surgeon by performing such procedures such as skin grafts, suctioning, holding retractors, applying skin staples and cutting sutures. Physical Requirements: Duties regularly require providing manual assistance in lifting and positioning patients, most of who are at stages of unconsciousness. There are extensive periods of regular and recurring standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, reaching, and prolonged stretching to provide easy accessibility of instruments and supplies for the surgeon. The surgical technician must be dexterous in passing instruments to surgeons without compromising principles of aseptic technique and in a manner requiring little or no effort from the surgeon. 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/.
Major DutiesDuties include but are not limited to: Anticipate needs of the surgical team. Handle all specimens appropriately Perform sponge and instrument counts to verify accuracy in conjunction with the circulating Registered Nurse (RN). Assist the surgeon by performing specific procedures (i.e. preparing skin grafts, suctioning, holding retractors, etc.). Assist in training in the operation of equipment, sterile technique, handling of instruments, and/or specific procedures to include the scrub role in surgical procedures. Perform non-technical maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions. Recognize potentially hazardous situations (i.e. frayed cords, water on floor) and take corrective action(s). Assess equipment needs and maintain adequate stock of supplies and materials. Serve as a primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures. Use proper cleaning techniques and types of detergents to use on various items. Proper handling and rotation of sterile supplies, handling of contaminated items, quality control and personal hygiene. Prepare, organize and maintain highly complex sterile surgical setups. Maintain Operating Room (OR) area. Plan and discuss each procedure with surgical professionals and ensure all supplies and equipment are available prior to the surgical procedure. Respond to surgical team with speed and accuracy during surgical procedures. Assist the team members with care of the patient (i.e., positioning, prepping, obtaining supplies, etc.). Work Schedule: Based on the needs of the service Position Description/PD#:PD06637A DESIGNATED DRUG-TESTING POSITION: 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. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test result is received.RequirementsYou 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 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.