Health Technician (Surgical)

Indian Health Service • Phoenix, AZ

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Health Technician (Surgical) works in Operating Room Nursing Services at the Phoenix Indian Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The role provides surgical scrub technician support for operations ranging from minor to complex and extensive procedures. A REAL ID-compliant document may be required for identification, in accordance with the stated federal requirements.

The technician handles instruments, supplies, and equipment during surgical procedures; prepares and maintains the sterile field; and ensures required supplies and equipment are available before procedures. The role follows infection-control policies and universal precautions, maintains concentration throughout procedures, anticipates the surgeon’s needs, and assists with tasks such as preparing skin grafts, suctioning, holding retractors, applying skin staples, and cutting sutures. The technician also prepares prostheses and surgical devices and identifies and corrects potential hazards.

This position is subject to federal employment, background investigation, and financial suitability requirements. It may require on-call hours or standby duty. Selectees working in an IHS healthcare facility must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy, subject to applicable exemption processes. The position is covered by a bargaining unit, and recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. A service agreement of at least one year is required.

Requirements

• Meet one of the GS-07 qualification pathways: at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower federal grade; one year (18 semester hours) of directly related graduate education; or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
• Hold either Certified Surgical Technician (CST) certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or Certified Technician in Surgery (TS-C) certification from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), and attach proof of certification.
• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Register for Selective Service if applicable to male applicants born after December 31, 1959.
• Pass E-Verify employment verification and a federal background investigation.
• Satisfy the stated financial suitability requirements and present two valid forms of identification before appointment; a state-issued ID or driver’s license must be REAL ID-compliant.
• Complete any required background investigation forms within five calendar days of issuance.
• Comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy if duties require work in an IHS healthcare facility.
• Submit a resume that clearly identifies duties and responsibilities and total hours worked per week; provide transcripts or course details when using education to qualify.
• Meet all qualification requirements and submit required documents by the applicable application cutoff date.

Nice To Haves

• Directly related prior non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service may be credited when determining annual leave accrual, at IHS’s discretion.
• Relevant prior education and experience in monitoring aseptic technique, positioning patients, and maintaining an unobstructed operative field are examples of specialized experience.

Responsibilities

• Handle instruments, supplies, and equipment during surgical procedures.
• Set up the sterile field and ensure required supplies and equipment are available before each procedure.
• Use universal precautions and follow infection-control policies when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment.
• Observe and respond to each stage of the procedure, maintaining concentration and anticipating the surgeon’s needs.
• Assist the surgeon by preparing skin grafts, suctioning, holding retractors, applying skin staples, and cutting sutures.
• Prepare prostheses and surgical devices during procedures.
• Recognize potentially hazardous conditions, such as frayed cords or water on the floor, and take corrective action.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for eligible employees.
• Annual leave accrual based on federal service, at a rate of 4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period; qualifying prior experience or active-duty service may be credited toward the accrual rate.
• Student loan repayment programs may be available through IHS, NHSC, or HRSA for qualifying health disciplines; these are separate competitive programs subject to agency priorities and funding.
• Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed