Surgical Technician (Operating Room) is a member of the surgical team and provides assistance to the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures. The ST participates with the surgical team members and planning and implemented complex procedures under the general supervision of the surgical team. This position is assigned to the Surgical Department of the VA Northern Indiana Health Care System - Fort Wayne VA Medical Center and reports directly to the Operating Room Nurse Manager.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/20/2025. You may qualify based on your experience and/or educationas described below: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. 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. OR Applicants may substitute education for the experience required for the GS-07 level. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have 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. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. OR Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-07 level. 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. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. 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/.
The Surgical Technician functions as a primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures. The incumbent's duties include but are not limited to: 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. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 07:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Subject to change depending on the needs of the agency. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Surgical Technician/PD919690 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized