Surgical Technician (Operating Room)
What you'd do
The Surgical Technician (ST) is a member of the Surgical Specialty Operating Room surgical team. The ST aids the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures. The ST participates with the surgical team members in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the surgical team.
Major duties
DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.205) for this occupation. Duties include, but may not be limited to the following: Functions as a primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and complex equipment during all surgical procedures such as open heart, thoracic, major vascular, neurosurgery, microsurgery, transplantation, gynecology, urology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, a full range of general surgery cases, minimally invasive procedures, orthopedic surgery, and robotics. Plan and discuss each procedure with surgical professionals and assure that all supplies and equipment are available prior to the surgical procedure. Assists the team members with care of the patient, i.e., positioning, transporting, prepping, draping and ensuring patient safety via participation in surgical time out processes. The ST is responsible for ensuring sterility is maintained during the procedure by monitoring for breaches in technique of the surgical team. Handles all specimens appropriately. 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 and instrument counts to verify accuracy. responsible for the accountability for all surgical instruments and equipment during the surgical procedure. Assists the surgeon by performing such procedures as preparing skin grafts, suctioning, holding retractors, applying skin staples, and cutting sutures. Prepares prothesis and surgical devices during procedures. Provides transportation of patients to and from the Operating Room, as assigned. Functions as second circulator for complex surgical procedures. Performs non-technical maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions. Maintains rules and regulations of restricted and semi-restricted areas of the OR suite. Provides guidance and support to OR Nursing Assistants and other ST's. Supervises volunteers, aides, non-surgical team members, students, and other personnel. Assists surgical team members in quality improvement activities. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Surgical Technician (Operating Room)/PD24148A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans? The VA has adopted Core Values and Characteristics that apply universally across the Department. The five Core Values define "who we are," our culture, and how we care for Veterans, their families, and other beneficiaries. The Values are Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence ("I CARE"). As a VA professional, your opportunities are endless. With many openings in the multiple functions of VA, you will have a wide range of opportunities and leadership positions at your fingertips. For more information on the Department of Veterans Affairs, go to http://www.vacareers.va.gov/. Serve those who have served our country.
What you need to qualify
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/23/2026. Individual Occupational Requirements: 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 requires application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: 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: Assisting surgical team with patient positioning, prepping, and setting up the operative field. Providing transportation of patients to and from the surgical/operating room. Recognizing changes in patient condition and takes appropriate actions in response to the situations. Providing guidance and support to staff regarding infection control and patient safety protocol. Preparing prosthesis and/or surgical devices during procedures. Preparing, organizing, and maintaining highly complex sterile surgical setups. Monitoring and maintaining sterile practices throughout surgical procedures. 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 (18 semester hours) or an internship in course matter that must include courses directly related to the work of the surgical technician position. 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 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. 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/.
Before you apply
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