Surgical Technician (Operating Room)

Veterans Health Administration • Washington, DC

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Surgical Technician (ST) is a member of the Surgical Specialty Operating Room surgical team. The ST aids the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures. The ST participates with the surgical team members in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the surgical team. This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.205) for this occupation.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process.
• In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment.
• The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
• All applicants 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
• The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment.
• A pre-placement physical examination is not required.
• 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 ( https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents ).
• 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.
• Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Assisting surgical team with patient positioning, prepping, and setting up the operative field. Providing transportation of patients to and from the surgical/operating room. Recognizing changes in patient condition and takes appropriate actions in response to the situations. Providing guidance and support to staff regarding infection control and patient safety protocol. Preparing prosthesis and/or surgical devices during procedures. Preparing, organizing, and maintaining highly complex sterile surgical setups. Monitoring and maintaining sterile practices throughout surgical procedures.
• Applicants who meet the basic qualification requirements and demonstrate superior experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities directly related to the duties of the position may be placed in the Best Qualified category.
• To be considered Best Qualified, applicants must possess: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-6 level in the Federal service performing duties as a Surgical Technician in a hospital or surgical setting.
• Specialized experience must demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of surgical procedures, instrumentation, sterile techniques, and infection prevention practices required to support a full range of surgical operations.
• Qualifying experience includes: Documented competency in sterile technique, instrument handling, and surgical field preparation across multiple specialties (e.g., general surgery, orthopedics, vascular, robotics).
• Anticipating the needs of surgeons and the surgical team during routine and complex procedures while responding quickly and accurately in emergency situations.
• Being recognizant of emergent complications and able to anticipate surgical needs during critical events in surgery.
• Handling surgical specimens, including proper collection, and labeling in accordance with established procedures.
• Preparing and managing for implantable devices such as prosthetic joints, pacemakers, vascular grafts, and other surgical implants.
• Applying knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology relevant to the sterile field.
• Communicating effectively with surgeons, nurses, anesthesia staff, and other multidisciplinary team members to ensure safe and efficient patient care.
• Providing guidance or instruction to staff and maintaining high standards of surgical support and patient safety.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of Operating Room (OR) experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Functions as a primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and complex equipment during all surgical procedures such as open heart, thoracic, major vascular, neurosurgery, microsurgery, transplantation, gynecology, urology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, a full range of general surgery cases, minimally invasive procedures, orthopedic surgery, and robotics.
• Plan and discuss each procedure with surgical professionals and assure that all supplies and equipment are available prior to the surgical procedure.
• Assists the team members with care of the patient, i.e., positioning, transporting, prepping, draping and ensuring patient safety via participation in surgical time out processes.
• The ST is responsible for ensuring sterility is maintained during the procedure by monitoring for breaches in technique of the surgical team.
• Handles all specimens appropriately.
• Utilizes standard precautions and follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment.
• In conjunction with the circulating registered nurse (RN), performs sponge and instrument counts to verify accuracy.
• responsible for the accountability for all surgical instruments and equipment during the surgical procedure.
• Assists the surgeon by performing such procedures as preparing skin grafts, suctioning, holding retractors, applying skin staples, and cutting sutures.
• Prepares prosthesis and surgical devices during procedures.
• Provides transportation of patients to and from the Operating Room, as assigned.
• Functions as second circulator for complex surgical procedures.
• Performs non-technical maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions.
• Maintains rules and regulations of restricted and semi-restricted areas of the OR suite.
• Provides guidance and support to OR Nursing Assistants and other ST's.
• Supervises volunteers, aides, non-surgical team members, students, and other personnel.
• Assists surgical team members in quality improvement activities.

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.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
• Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed