About this role
Job SummaryThis position is located within the Critical Care Service at the Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System in Tucson, AZ. The Surgical Technician is a member of the surgical team and provides assistance to the surgeon and other healthcare team members during surgical procedures and perioperative preparation of these procedures.
QualificationsTo qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 06/17/2026. English Language Proficiency Requirement: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to perform the duties of this position. ~AND~ You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: GS-07 Level Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-06 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: functioning as the primary scrub person or providing assistance to a surgical team during/for surgical procedures in at least half of the following specialties: Orthopedics (Totals), Vascular (Open and Endo). Ophthalmology, Urology, Gynecology, general, plastics and Cardiothoracic; utilizing knowledge of highly technical medical instruments, human anatomy, and aseptic technique to prepare and protect the sterile field during surgery; functioning as the primary scrub person handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures; preparing, organizing, and maintaining highly complex sterile surgical setups; observing and responding to each stage of a surgical procedure to anticipate the needs of the surgeon; handling specimens appropriately; and cleaning and decontaminating instruments before and after procedures. NOTE: Experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates, AND hours worked per week. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have Successfully completed one (1) full year of graduate education (or 18 semester hours) or an internship in course matter that must include courses directly related to the work of the Surgical Technician position such as anatomy and physiology, surgical technology, aseptic techniques, etc. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. OR, Combination: You must have a combination of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience, as described above, which meet the total experience requirements for this grade level. The education portion must include graduate courses directly related to the work of the Surgical Technician position. Equivalent combination of successfully completed some graduate level education and specialized experience, as described above, which meet the total experience requirements for this grade level. The education portion must include graduate courses directly related to the work of the Surgical Technician position such as anatomy and physiology, surgical technology, aseptic techniques, etc. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. Preferred Qualification: Completion of a surgical Technologist program. 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 DutiesThis is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until June 17, 2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be May 1, 2026, with subsequent cut-off dates every two (2) weeks thereafter. 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. The major duties include but are not limited to: Functions as a primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures including but not limited to: thoracic, major vascular, general, urology, plastics, ophthalmology, and total joint replacement surgery; Sets up sterile field with all required items for each procedure such as air-powered equipment, fiber optic equipment, laparoscopic equipment, etc. responsible for fashioning a highly complex sterile field and identifying the required surgical items need for each procedure. Prepares, organizes, and maintains highly complex sterile surgical setups. In conjunction with the circulating Registered Nurse (RN), performs sponge and instrument counts to verify accuracy before the start of the procedure, end of procedure, or anytime a staff relief occurs. The incumbent must have in depth knowledge of each surgical item used during the procedure. Each item is inspected prior to the case to ensure the integrity of the equipment is intact, sterile and equipment is functional. Incumbent will have familiarity with each piece of equipment, be able to identify the equipment by name, and understand usage for surgical procedures. Incumbent must have knowledge of additional surgical equipment specific to each surgical service, such as air-powered equipment, fiber optic equipment, laparoscopic equipment. microscopes, lasers, arthroscopy equipment, urologic equipment, recording devices, and other operating room supplies and equipment. Assists the team members with care of the patient, i.e., positioning, prepping, and obtaining supplies. Incumbent is knowledgeable in anatomy, stages of the surgical procedure and able to anticipate the needs of the surgeon by maintaining a high level of concentration. Utilizes universal precautions and follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment. Prepares prostheses and surgical devices during procedures. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Surgical Technician/PD12591A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): 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 Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required. 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 dentification 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.