Surgical Technician

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/18/2026.

01QUALIFICATIONS

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.

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. ~OR~ EDUCATION: 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. 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 Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Duties: Provides assistance to the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures; Functions as a primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments, supplies and equipment; Prepares, organizes and maintains highly complex sterile surgical setups; Plans and discusses each procedure with surgical team to ensure all supplies and equipment are available prior to surgical procedures; Provides guidance and support to professional staff during surgical procedures; Understands the proper procedure and safety precautions for disinfecting surgical instruments; Performs non-technical maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions; Recognizes potentially hazardous situations and takes corrective action; Assesses equipment needs and maintains adequate stock of supplies and materials; Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: 0700-1530, 0900-1730. Work Schedule may change due to agency needs. Telework: Not Authorized 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: Physical and mental stamina are required, the duties involve frequently working under considerable stress, tense (sometimes life-threating) situations and with patients who are in a sedated state with loss of orientation.

Involves long, strenuous hours of standing, stooping, bending, and stretching without a break during procedures that require intense concentration. Involves frequent lifting to position or transport handicapped or anesthetized patients. Requires strenuous physical exertion and agility. Manual dexterity and agility are required to correctly assemble, test, or repair instruments. Strain is incurred in staying alert on long cases under difficult situations.

Scheduled for on-call for emergency procedures on a rotation basis, including holidays and weekends. Expected to respond, if reached, for life-threating emergency, even when not on-call. Expected to stay beyond shift if more than two rooms are running beyond 3:30 p.m.