Surgical Technician

Veterans Health Administration • Houston, TX

34d • Onsite

About The Position

The Surgical Technician (ST) is a member of the surgical team and provides assistance to the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures. 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.
• Requires an online assessment.
• Tentatively selected 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.
• Duties regularly require extensive period of regular and recurring standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, reaching and prolonged stretching to provide easy accessibility of instruments and supplies for the surgeon.
• Must be dexterous in passing instruments to surgeons without compromising principles of aseptic technique and in a manner requiring little or no effort from the surgeon.
• 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.
• Effective May 7, 2025, 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.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-06 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.
• Experience in an operating room.
• Experience with scrubbing and assisting independently in the surgical specialties (i.e., Cardiac, transplant, orthopedic, neurological).
• Experience with medical instruments, human anatomy, physiology and aseptic technic to prepare and protect sterile field during surgery.
• Experience with sterile technique to include sterilizer operations and tests to determine the effectiveness of sterilization, packaging, storage, and shelf life.
• Experience handling medical instruments, supplies and equipment during all surgical procedures.
• Experience performing proper cleaning techniques, as well as the proper handling and rotation of sterile supplies.
• Experience handling contaminated items, quality control, and personal hygiene.
• Experience of universal precautions and implementing infection control policies and procedures.
• One year of graduate education.
• An equal combination of specialized experience and graduate education.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Responsibilities

• Function as a primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments, supplies and equipment.
• Set up sterile field with all required items for each procedure.
• Plan and discuss each procedure with surgical team to ensure all supplies and equipment are available prior to surgical procedures.
• Prepare, organize and maintain highly complex sterile surgical setups.
• Observe, respond promptly and anticipate the needs of the surgeon during surgical procedures.
• Assist with care of the patient, i.e., positioning, prepping, obtaining supplies and transportation to and from the operating room.
• Provides patient information to the RN/Anesthesia Team for inclusion in the patient's plan of care.
• Handle all specimens appropriately, including labeling, keeping organized on table and transporting to lab.
• Assist with preparing skin grafts, suctioning, holding retractors, applying skin stables and cutting sutures.
• Prepare prosthesis and surgical devices during procedures.
• Performs non-technical maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions.
• Assists in training residents, medical students, nursing students, operating room technology students, and new Operating Room staff in the operation of equipment, sterile technique, handling of instruments, and OR procedures to include the scrub role in surgical procedures.
• 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