This position Is located at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago, Illinois, working as a member of the surgical team and providing assistance to the surgeon and other members during surgical procedures.
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 and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have 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 the surgeon by performing procedures, performing non-technical maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions, and recognizing potentially harzardous situations.. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have one full year of graduate education . OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond 60 semester hours . 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/.
Major Duties: Independently sets up sterile field with all required items for each procedure such as air­powered equipment, fiber optic equipment, laparoscopic equipment, microscopes, lasers, arthroscopy equipment, urologic equipment, recording devices, stereo tactic stealth equipment for brain surgery, endo-vascular AAA equipment, ultrasound equipment, fluoroscopic equipment, and other major and minor operating room supplies and equipment. Plans and discusses each procedure with surgical professionals and assures that all supplies and equipment are available prior to the surgical procedure. Prepares, organizes, and maintains highly complex sterile surgical set-ups. 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 periods of time. Utilizes universal precautions and follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment. Assists the team members with care of the patient, i.e, transporting the patient to surgery, P ACU, out-patient units and wards, or positioning, prepping, and obtaining supplies. Handles all specimens appropriately. In conjunction with the circulating Registered Nurse (RN), performs sponge and instrument counts to verify accuracy. Responsible for the accountability of 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. Assists in training residents, medical students, nursing students, and new Operating Room (OR) staff in the operation of equipment, sterile technique, handling of instruments, and OR procedures to include the scrub role in surgical procedures. Acts as a first or second assistant to the surgeon. Has extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology. Assists the surgeon in draping the patient. Provides clerical support in the absence of the OR clerk. Provides guidance and support to Nursing Assistants and other Surgical Technicians. Supervises volunteers, aides, non-surgical team members, students, and other personnel. Provides guidance and support to professional, and technical students of an approved program. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm with call Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Surgical Technician/PD03691A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized