Surgical Technician

The Surgical Technician is a member of the surgical team and provides assistance to the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures. The Surgical Technician participates with the surgical team members including surgeons, anesthesia providers, registered nurses, and other members of an operating room team in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the surgical team.

Major duties include but not limited to: Prepare and maintain sterile field with all required items for each procedure such as, fiber optic equipment, laparoscopic equipment, microscopes, lasers, urologic equipment, recording devices, and other 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. Provide surgical scrub on all procedures, including minor and major surgeries. Prepares, organizes and maintains highly complex sterile surgical setups which include but are not limited to Orthopedic (total joint replacement), Neuro (craniotomies tumors/ aneurysms, laminectomies, fusions), Cardiothoracic (open heart surgery), Vascular (Open surgical repair with vascular stent graft), Robotic procedures (Genitourinary, Gynecological, and General); Bariatric, General Surgery (colorectal); Plastic procedures, Podiatry procedures, LASER technology for various surgical services and/or ENT/ Ophthalmic procedures; all of which require knowledge of complex specialty instruments, equipment and supplies unique to each of the surgical services. Utilizes standard 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., positioning, transporting, prepping, draping and obtaining supplies. Handles all specimens appropriately. Assists the surgeon by performing such procedures as holding retractors, applying skin staples, and cutting sutures. Prepares prosthesis and Surgical devices during procedures. Assists in training residents, medical students, nursing students, operating room technology 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. Functions as the second circulator for complex surgical procedures. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Various work schedules based on the needs of the unit Position Description Title/PD#: Surgical Technician/12805-A Physical Requirements and Work Environment: Duties regularly require providing manual assistance in lifting and positioning patients, most of which are stages of unconsciousness. There are extensive periods of regular and recurring standing, walking, bending, lifting at least 50lbs, pushing, reaching, and prolonged stretching to provide easy accessibility of instruments and supplies for the surgeon. Incumbent must be dexterous in passing instruments to surgeons without compromising principles of aseptic technique and in a manner requiring little or no effort from the surgeon. Duties are performed in the operating rooms and other procedural areas which require special OR attire with regular and recurring exposure to toxic and noxious gases such as: methylmethracrylate, glutaraldehyde, exposure to x-rays, and pure oxygen, exposure to blood and body fluids which are often infectious, and laser beams requiring special safety precautions. Appropriate scrub attire is required per the facility policy, including sterile gown and gloves, surgical caps and facial hair coverings to cover incumbent's hair, shoe covers, and surgical mask in order to provide an aseptic environment in the operating room. Incumbent must wear protective eyewear such as goggles or face shield to prevent inadvertent splash injuries to his or her eyes. Appropriate laser glasses must be worn when working with lasers. Incumbent must frequently wear a 20-30 pound lead apron as protection from radiation during various procedures. The operating room can be an exceptionally stressful work environment and the incumbent must be able to provide a high level of care, even when under pressure. Good mental and emotional health is required in order to function at an optimum level.

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: A pre-placement physical examination is required. 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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.