Surgical Technician

Veterans Health Administration • Dallas, TX

27d • Onsite

About The Position

The Surgical Technician is a member of the surgical team who assists the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures and participates in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the surgical team in the Operating Room. The technician serves as a primary scrub person, handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during a variety of complex procedures. The role also functions as a second circulator during complex procedures and includes maintaining the operating room area and equipment, ensuring adequate supplies, and addressing potential hazards.

The position involves preparing and maintaining complex sterile setups for orthopedic, neurological, cardiothoracic, robotic, bariatric, general, ENT, and ophthalmic procedures, among others. It requires familiarity with specialty instruments and equipment, including fiber optic and laparoscopic equipment, microscopes, lasers, urologic equipment, and recording devices. The technician plans procedures with surgical professionals and ensures the required supplies and equipment are available. The role also provides guidance to nursing assistants, other surgical technicians, students, volunteers, aides, and other personnel.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, with the specific schedule determined after orientation. This is not a virtual position. Relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized, and a critical skills incentive is not approved.

Requirements

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the federal service, involving knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the position; or qualifying graduate education; or a combination of qualifying experience and education.
• Knowledge of highly technical medical and surgical instruments, human anatomy, physiology, and aseptic technique for preparing and protecting the sterile field during surgery.
• Knowledge of sterile technique, sterilizer operations, tests of sterilization effectiveness, packaging, storage and shelf life, cleaning techniques and detergents, handling and rotation of sterile supplies, contaminated-item handling, quality control, and personal hygiene.
• In-depth knowledge of standard precautions and the ability to implement infection control policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the operation and function of surgical instruments and equipment, equipment testing procedures, and postoperative decontamination procedures.
• Knowledge and understanding of Joint Commission (TJC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) concepts and requirements.
• For the education pathway, one full year of graduate education (18 semester hours) directly related to the work; transcripts are required when education is used to qualify.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Completion of all required application steps, including an online assessment.
• Submission to urinalysis screening for illegal drug use if tentatively selected; refusal results in denial of employment.
• Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Successful completion of a background/security investigation and online onboarding requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
• Serve a one-year probationary period.
• Provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements; effective May 7, 2025, non-REAL-ID-compliant driver's licenses or state identification cards cannot be used as acceptable identification.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary scrub person, handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during surgical procedures, including open-heart, thoracic, major vascular, neurosurgery, microsurgery, and total joint replacement surgery.
• Set up the sterile field and provide required supplies and equipment for each procedure, including fiber optic and laparoscopic equipment, microscopes, lasers, urologic equipment, and recording devices.
• Plan and discuss procedures with surgical professionals and ensure supplies and equipment are available before surgery.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain complex sterile setups for orthopedic, neuro, cardiothoracic, robotic, bariatric, general, ENT, and ophthalmic procedures, and other listed surgical services.
• Function as the second circulator for complex surgical procedures.
• Perform non-technical maintenance of equipment to help prevent malfunctions.
• Maintain the operating room area and assess equipment needs to maintain adequate stocks of supplies and materials.
• Recognize potentially hazardous conditions, such as frayed cords or water on the floor, and take corrective action.
• Provide guidance and support to nursing assistants and other surgical technicians.
• Supervise volunteers, aides, non-surgical team members, students, and other personnel.
• Provide guidance and support to professional and technical students in an approved surgical technology program.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package. Specific benefits eligibility depends on position type; applicants are directed to contact the hiring agency for details.
• VA may offer newly appointed federal employees credit for job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual; approval is required and is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level