Surgical Technician

Veterans Health Administration • West Palm Beach, FL

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Surgical Technician is assigned to the Surgical/Specialty Care Service Line, VA Health Care System, West Palm Beach, FL. The Surgical Technician functions independently to provide a wide range of support to the professional nurse and physician in the Operating Room. The Surgical Technician participates with the surgical team members in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the surgical team.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Must complete all required steps in the process, including application, questionnaire, and online assessment
• Tentatively selected applicants for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements
• Driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment effective May 7, 2025
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• Must serve a 1-year probationary period
• Must be proficient in basic written and spoken English
• 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.
• 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 technique, etc. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Surgical Technologist (CST or TS-C) with an accredited Associate Degree, or completion of a recognized surgical technician program.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on surgical technology experience (1-3 years of hospital experience strongly preferred)
• Demonstrated proficiency with robotic platforms, including MAKO and DaVinci systems.
• Clinical experience across multiple service lines such as ophthalmology, endovascular procedures, and orthopedics.

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree