Lead Surgical Technologist - Cardiac, Vascular and Thoracic

Billings Clinic•Billings, MT

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Cardiac, Vascular and Thoracic Surgical Technologist provides advanced technical expertise for cardiac, vascular and thoracic procedures, including specialty instrumentation, implants, grafts, equipment and emergency readiness. The role demonstrates advanced competency scrubbing and assisting across the service line and may support other specialties when competency has been demonstrated. The Lead is accountable for service-line room readiness, case preparation, and coordination of instrumentation, supplies, implants and equipment. This includes maintaining equipment knowledge and availability, tracking repairs, supporting product evaluation, and participating in capital and new-purchase requests. Serving as the primary technical resource for the service line, the Lead collaborates with surgeons, anesthesia, perfusion, nursing, sterile processing, imaging and vendor partners to support safe and efficient care. The role supports operating-room activities, staff orientation, competency validation and ongoing education; standardizes clinical practices and preference cards; and identifies opportunities to improve quality, safety, efficiency and cost stewardship. The Lead works independently, prioritizes rapidly changing case needs and supports emergency response. Practice follows Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) standards and applicable AST, AORN and AAMI standards. This is a full-time, non-exempt position in Surgical Services at Billings Clinic in Billings, Montana. The schedule includes evening, night and weekend shifts, with assigned call responsibilities. The stated schedule is 80 hours every two weeks. Starting wage is $33.66–$42.07, depending on experience. The position may be eligible for a $15,000 sign-on incentive, relocation assistance and tuition loan repayment.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited surgical technology program or equivalent.
At least five years of surgical technologist experience.
Surgical Technology certification required at hire.
Any required licensure or certification must be current and in good standing.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience relating to the stated tasks, knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Coordinate daily staffing assignments and prepare monthly schedules to maintain appropriate Operating Room staffing and call coverage, including support for urgent and emergent procedures.
Demonstrate proficiency in cardiac, vascular and thoracic procedures, including urgent and emergent cases, and maintain competency to support other assigned specialties.
Serve as a professional role model and provide the technical knowledge, skills and judgment needed for safe, efficient surgical care.
Review and update surgeon preference cards and prepare for assigned procedures.
Streamline instrument trays and dry goods; set up and break down cases; stock carts and complete case carts; and ensure instruments, equipment and supplies are available and properly prepared.
Use equipment and supplies cost-effectively while supporting efficient workflows.
Establish, maintain and monitor the sterile field, and perform sterile draping according to surgeon preference.
Follow standard precautions, use required personal protective equipment, and comply with policies and procedures for aseptic technique, infection prevention and patient safety.
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 the needs of surgeons and other team members before, during and after procedures.
Demonstrate knowledge of instruments, equipment and supplies used in basic and specialty procedures; correctly identify and handle specimens; and perform and verify instrument, sharps and sponge counts according to protocol.
Identify and report conditions that may compromise patient safety and protect patient information and confidentiality.
Operate and troubleshoot surgical-suite equipment to support safe, uninterrupted procedures.
Follow radiation safety practices, including appropriate use of required protective measures and equipment.
Lead process-improvement activities involving case turnovers, instrument sets, tray composition, workflow and other perioperative operations; identify and implement improvements in efficiency, safety, quality and resource use.
Partner with departmental leadership on strategic planning and operational implementation to support departmental goals and objectives.
Participate in and lead development of programs and implementation of new procedures, workflows and practices, integrating changes into daily operations in alignment with clinical and organizational standards.
Identify individual learning needs and collaborate with the perioperative educator on professional development opportunities.
Serve as a preceptor and role model for staff and students learning the scrub role; collaborate to identify orientee learning needs; and assist with teaching, orientation and competency-based practice.
Promote professional accountability, respectful teamwork and a safety-focused perioperative environment; maintain competency, communicate effectively, follow Surgical Services policies, and support compliance with patient-care, confidentiality, infection-prevention, radiation-safety and operational standards.