Surgical (Scrub/OR) Technician

Akicita Federal•Shiprock, NM

13h•Onsite

About The Position

Akicita Federal is hiring Surgical (Scrub) Technicians to deliver critical perioperative support for the Indian Health Service's Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock, NM — serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities across the Navajo Area. In this role, you will be a core member of the sterile surgical team, keeping the operating room running safely and efficiently across a diverse mix of surgical and endoscopy cases. This is meaningful, hands-on work in a community where skilled OR professionals make a direct and lasting difference in patient outcomes.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience as an Operating Room Scrub Technician, including hands-on scrub experience across multiple surgical specialties
Proficiency in sterile technique, surgical counts, instrument handling, and intraoperative support across general surgery, OB/GYN, dental, endoscopy, and related case types
Current certification as a Surgical Technologist (CST) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or equivalent recognized credentialing body, or eligible registration through a recognized professional association
Familiarity with Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) Code of Ethics and commitment to upholding those standards
Ability to comply with HIPAA privacy requirements and handle patient medical information with strict confidentiality
Valid motor vehicle operator's license
Ability to meet facility health and immunization requirements as a condition of employment (specific immunizations may be required)
Basic information technology skills sufficient to use electronic health record and timekeeping systems
Ability to complete required facility orientation prior to beginning independent work
Ability to pass a background check in accordance with applicable federal requirements

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working in a federal, tribal, or IHS healthcare setting, or in a rural or underserved community hospital environment
Cultural awareness of and sensitivity to American Indian and Alaska Native traditions and healthcare practices
Experience scrubbing endoscopy procedures in addition to traditional OR cases
Familiarity with Joint Commission (TJC) or CMS accreditation standards in a perioperative setting
Ability to communicate effectively in Navajo or familiarity with Navajo community health contexts

Responsibilities

Perform scrub technician duties for a full range of scheduled and add-on surgical cases, including general surgery, OB/GYN, dental, minor oral and facial procedures, podiatry, and endoscopy
Set up, prepare, and maintain sterile fields — selecting and arranging instruments, supplies, and equipment tailored to each procedure
Pass instruments, sutures, and supplies to the surgeon and team with precision and anticipation throughout all phases of each case
Conduct surgical counts (sponges, needles, and instruments) in strict accordance with facility policy and participate in pre-procedure time-outs to verify correct site, side, and procedure
Uphold infection prevention and sterile technique standards throughout every case, ensuring patient and team safety
Assist with specimen handling and labeling as required during and after procedures
Support room turnover and endoscopy suite readiness, ensuring efficient transitions between cases in a facility running up to 15 cases per day