Surgical Technician

Duties and responsibilities for this position include but not limited to the following:

• Functions as a primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments supplies and equipment during all surgical procedures such as general surgery vascular urology gynecology podiatry ophthalmology and major orthopedic surgery i.e. total joint replacement.
• Sets up sterile field with all required items for each procedure such as air-powered equipment fiber optic equipment laparoscopic equipment microscopes arthroscopy equipment urologic equipment recording devices and other operating room supplies and equipment.
• Plans and discusses each procedure with surgical professionals and assures that all supplies and equipment are available prior to the surgical procedure and according to the surgeons preference cards.
• Prepares organizes and maintains highly complex sterile surgical setups.
• Observes and responds promptly to each stage of the surgical procedure and anticipates the needs of the surgeon by maintaining a high level of concentration for extended periods of time.
• Utilizes universal precautions and follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens supplies and equipment.
• Functions as support personnel for complex surgical procedures.
• Maintains equipment performing non-technical maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions.
• Maintains OR area. Assesses equipment needs and maintains adequate stock of supplies and materials.
• Recognizes potentially hazardous situations (e.g. frayed cords water on floor) and takes corrective action.
• Monitors volunteers aides non-surgical team members students and other personnel.
• Assists surgical team members in quality improvement activities.
• Updates personal knowledge regarding current trends in surgical technology through continuing education courses.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am-3:30pm
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Surgical Technician/PD07951A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

• 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 10/05/2026.

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: Handling instruments supplies and equipment during all surgical procedures such as: open hear thoracic major vascular neurosurgery microsurgery and total joint replacement surgery; assisting surgeons by performing such procedures as preparing skin grafts suctioning holding retractor applying skin staples and cutting sutures; utilizing universal precautions and follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens supplies and equipment; setting up sterile field with all required items for each procedure 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; other related duties performed by a Surgical Technician.

OR

• Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have One (1) full year of graduate education that meets the requirements for GS-7 only in those instances where it is directly related to the work of the position.

For more information on these qualification standards please visit the United States Office of Personnel Managements website at

Required Experience:

IC