Serves as a Surgical Technician supporting complex ophthalmic and oral surgical procedures in an outpatient setting. Prepares and maintains sterile fields, handles specialized instruments and equipment, assists surgical teams during procedures, ensures compliance with infection control protocols, and trains staff and students. Maintains surgical equipment and supports ongoing quality improvement initiatives. This position is located at North West San Antonio VA Clinic
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/22/2025. You may qualify based on your experience as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-05 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 with the setup, preparation, and maintenance of sterile fields for a variety of surgical procedures; Monitoring and enforcing aseptic technique throughout operations; Passing surgical instruments and operating a range of specialized equipment and supplies in support of ophthalmic, oral, or other outpatient procedures; Cleaning and decontaminating surgical instruments using proper sterilization procedures and handling protocols; Managing contaminated items, rotating sterile stock, and adhering to infection control standards and universal precautions. This experience was gained through hands-on participation in surgical environments, directly supporting surgical teams, and routinely executing scrub role functions under supervision. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
Demonstrates sufficient knowledge of anatomy and multiple complex surgical procedures to anticipate surgeon needs. Prepares instruments for the full range of surgical procedures. Sets up for the procedure and handles instrumentation. Prepares pathological specimens for appropriate laboratory testing such as permanent, fresh, frozen, and cultures. Preforms instrument count, sharps, and sponge counts according to policy. Participates in proper patient identification and surgical site verification using Universal Protocol and Time-Out procedures. Assists coworkers to plan and prepare for surgical procedures using equipment properly and supplies effectively. Participates and contributes to in-service programs pertinent to the care of surgical patients. Coordinates with Environmental Management Services for the cleaning of patient care areas after procedures and educates surgical personnel of environmental sanitation and proper PPE. Complies with Infection Control policies and procedures. Educates surgical personnel on aseptic technique, hand hygiene, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Reads and adheres to SOPs, directives, policies and regulations to disassemble and prepare for high level disinfection of reusable medical equipment. Preforms proper pre-cleaning of instrumentation and prepare instrument sets and case carts for return to SPS. Maintains proper levels of disposable and non-disposable supplies. Ensures that all instruments are maintained in sufficient quantity and in good order. Assists in the selection and purchase of instruments, supplies, and equipment. Assists with training military surgical technology students; answers questions pertaining to surgical procedures; PPE; infection control policies and procedures. Work Schedule: 6:00a.m. to 2:30p.m.; 6:30a.m. to 3:00p.m.; 7:00a.m. to 3:30 Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Surgical Technician /PD03978A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized