Surgical Technician

Veterans Health Administration • Milwaukee, WI

8d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is organizationally aligned under the Acute Nursing-Outpatient Division, Operating Room, at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center (695) a Level 1a Complexity VHA Facility. The primary purpose of this position is to provide 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 teams.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Complete all required steps in the process, including the application, questionnaire, and an 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.
• 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.
• 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 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 techniques, 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.
• Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials if basing qualifications on education.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Relocation/Recruitment incentives: Not Authorized
• Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Responsibilities

• Provides assistance to the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures; assist the team members with care of patient, I. E., positioning, prepping and obtaining supplies; prepares procedures and surgical devices during procedures.
• Functions as a primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures such as: endovascular, open heart, thoracic, major vascular, neurosurgery, microsurgery, transplantation, gynecology, urology, ophthalmology, plastic surgery, a full range of general surgery cases, minimally invasive procedures, and orthopedic surgery.
• Set up sterile field with all required items for each procedure such as air powered equipment, fiber optic equipment, laparoscopic equipment, microscopes, lasers, arthroscopy equipment, urologic equipment, recording devices, and other operating room supplies and equipment.
• Plans and discusses each procedure with surgical procedure; 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; observes and responds promptly to each stage of the surgical procedure and anticipates the needs of the surgeon by maintaining a high level of concentration for extended period of time.
• Handles all specimens appropriately.
• Understands the proper procedure and safety precautions for disinfecting surgical instruments; utilizes universal precautions and follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment.
• 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.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

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