Lead Surgical Technologist - Cardiac, Vascular and Thoracic

Billings Clinic•Billings, MT

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Surgical Technologist for Cardiac, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery provides advanced technical expertise and support for procedures across the service line, including urgent and emergent cases. The role is accountable for operating-room readiness and case preparation, coordinating instruments, supplies, implants, and equipment, and serving as a primary technical resource in collaboration with surgeons, anesthesia, perfusion, nursing, sterile processing, imaging, and vendor partners. The Lead may rotate to other specialties when competent to perform the assigned duties. The position supports direct and indirect operating-room activities, staff orientation and competency development, standardization of clinical practices and preference cards, and process-improvement efforts focused on quality, safety, efficiency, and cost stewardship. The Lead works independently, prioritizes changing case needs, supports emergency response, and practices in accordance with Association of Surgical Technologists standards and applicable AST, AORN, and AAMI standards. The position also coordinates daily staffing assignments, prepares monthly schedules, and participates in assigned call responsibilities. This is a full-time, non-exempt position with evening, night, and weekend shifts. The schedule is 80 hours every two weeks. Starting wage is $33.66–$42.07, depending on experience. The role may be eligible for a $15,000 sign-on incentive, relocation assistance, and tuition loan repayment.

Requirements

Graduate from an accredited surgical technology program or equivalent.
At least five years of surgical technologist experience.
Certification for Surgical Technology at hire.
Maintain any required license or certification in good standing.
Demonstrated proficiency in complex and emergent service-line procedures is preferred.

Nice To Haves

Three to five years of cardiac, vascular, and/or thoracic operating-room experience.
Certification by the Liaison Council for the Surgical Technologist (LCC-ST), or equivalent certification.
Demonstrated proficiency in complex and emergent service-line procedures.

Responsibilities

Coordinate daily staffing assignments and prepare monthly schedules to support appropriate Operating Room staffing and call coverage.
Participate in assigned call responsibilities and support continuity of surgical services, including urgent and emergent procedures.
Provide advanced technical expertise and demonstrate proficiency in cardiac, vascular, and thoracic procedures; maintain competency to support other specialties as assigned.
Prepare surgical cases by reviewing and updating surgeon preference cards and coordinating instruments, supplies, implants, and equipment.
Set up and break down cases, streamline instrument trays and dry goods, stock carts, complete case carts, and use supplies and equipment cost-effectively.
Establish, maintain, and monitor the sterile field; perform sterile draping; follow precautions, personal protective equipment requirements, infection-prevention practices, and patient-safety policies.
Clean and prepare instruments in the Operating Room for reprocessing and sterilization according to established standards.
Collaborate with the surgical team to implement patient care plans and anticipate team needs before, during, and after procedures.
Identify and handle specimens correctly; perform and verify instrument, sharp, and sponge counts according to protocols; report conditions that may compromise patient safety; protect patient confidentiality.
Operate and troubleshoot surgical-suite equipment and follow radiation-safety practices, including appropriate protective measures and equipment.
Lead process-improvement activities involving case turnovers, instrument sets, tray composition, workflows, and other perioperative operations.
Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, safety, quality, and resource utilization, and support standardization of surgical processes.
Partner with departmental leadership in strategic planning and operational implementation; participate in and lead development of programs and implementation of procedures, workflows, and practices.
Support staff education, orientation, and competency development; serve as a preceptor and role model for new staff and students; collaborate on orientee learning needs and teaching activities.
Maintain professional accountability and clinical competency, communicate effectively, follow Surgical Services policies, and promote a collaborative, respectful, safety-focused environment.
Maintain knowledge of applicable AST, AORN, and AAMI standards.