Surgical Technician

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/06/2026. ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: 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 meet the requirements of this position.

In addition to meeting the requirement above, 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: 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.

OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have one 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.

OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and graduate education or an internship that meets the specialized experience required. The education portion must include graduate courses directly related to the work of the Surgical Technician position..

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/.

01Physical Requirements

You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Physical Demands: Duties regularly require providing manual assistance in lifting and positioning patients, most of which are in 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. 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.

Work Environment: Duties are performed in the operating rooms which require special OR attire with regular and recurring exposure to toxic and noxious gases such as methyl methacrylate, formalin, exposure to x-rays, exposure to blood and body fluids which are often infectious, and laser beams requiring special safety precautions. Appropriate scrub attire is required to provide an aseptic environment, including sterile gown and gloves, surgical caps to cover hair, and surgical mask.

The incumbent is often required to wear protective attire such as eye wear, googles or face shields to prevent inadvertent splash injuries to eyes, hoods during total joint replacements, appropriate laser glasses when working with lasers and must frequently wear a lead apron as protection from radiation during various procedures. The operating room can be an exceptionally stressful work environment. Good mental and emotional health is required to function at an optimum level.

Major duties include but are not limited to: Functions as a primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments and equipment during a variety of surgical procedures such as endoscopy, general surgery (including laparoscopy),orthopedics (including arthroscopy), central line insertions, urology, podiatry, and ophthalmology.

Sets up sterile field with all required items for each procedure such as electric/battery powered equipment, ceiling mounted booms, Neptune suction, Phaco, fiber optic equipment, laparoscopic equipment, microscope, arthroscopy equipment, urologic equipment, recording devices, and other related operating room supplies and equipment. Plans and discusses each procedure with assigned surgical team and ensures all supplies and equipment are available prior to the start of the surgical procedure.

Prepares, organizes, and maintains complex sterile surgical set-ups. Ensures all sterile wrap/packaging have no holes/tears/breaks in packaging integrity. Visualizing chemical indicators have turned. 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 standard precautions and follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment.
• Handles specimens appropriately, participates with circulating RN with two-person verification of accurate specimen labeling and confirmation of correct patient identification.
• Assists with team members with care of patient, i.e. positioning, prepping, and obtaining supplies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient operation of the department.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., variable tours Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Surgical Technician/PD90077A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers.

This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community.

This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.