Surgical Technician

The Surgical Technician functions as a member of the surgical team and provides assistance to the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures. The technician participates with the surgical team in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the surgical team. The Surgical Technician functions as the primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments supplies and equipment during all surgical procedures.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Independently scrubs for complex extensive specialized procedures in all surgical specialties.
• Anticipates needs of the surgeon.
• Assembles and tests delicate instruments to ensure optimal functioning.
• Prepares organizing maintaining highly complex sterile surgical set-ups.
• Primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments supplies and equipment during all surgical procedures.
• Provides direct assistance to the surgeon.
• Shares responsibility with circulating nurse for correct sponge needle and instruments counts.
• Receives tissue specimens and cultures for laboratory analysis and ensures circulating nurse receives correct information for labeling purposes.
• Independently prepares and applies sterile dressings following procedures.
• Assists with positioning and draping patients.
• Positioning and draping patients.
• Accountable for taking emergency call on a rotating basis.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 9:00am- 5:30pm Work Schedule subject to change based on Agency needs.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Surgical Technician/PD06720A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Physical Requirements: Duties regularly require providing assistance in lifting and positioning patients. There are extensive periods of regular and recurring standing walking bending lifting pushing reaching and prolonged stretching to provide easy accessibility of instruments for the surgeon. Incumbent 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. Appropriate scrub attire is required including sterile gown and gloves surgical caps to cover incumbents hair appropriate eye protection and surgical mask in order to provide an aseptic environment in the operating room. If incumbent is assisting with a total joint replacement he/she is often required to wear special attire which may be confining such as a space helmet or hood. Incumbent may need to wears X-Ray protective lead attire (up to 20 pounds in weight) for prolonged periods of time.

• You 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 ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers 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 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.

To qualify for this position applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement 09/21/2026.

To qualify for this position at the GS-7 level you must meet one of the following:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-6) in the Federal Service that has given you the particular knowledge skills and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of a Surgical Technician. Specialized experience includes utilizing knowledge of medical instruments human anatomy physiology and aseptic technique to prepare and protect sterile field during surgery; exercising sterile technique to include sterilizer operations and tests to determine the effectiveness of sterilization packaging storage and shelf life; handling medical instruments supplies and equipment during all 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. NOTE: Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. OREDUCATION: 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 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: Combinations 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. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.

Preferred Experience: 1 year in Operating Room Surgical Technician Experience

NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation.

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 Managements website at

Required Experience:

IC