Operating Room Surgical Tech: Sterile Prep & Support

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Iowa City is seeking a Surgical Technician to join the Surgical Specialty Operating Room team.

You will assist surgeons and team members during procedures, participate in preprocedural planning, and help establish sterile fields and equipment readiness. Responsibilities include maintaining aseptic technique, handling instruments, and coordinating with OR staff to ensure patient safety and timely operations.

Qualifications

• Two years of study post high school with courses in anatomy and physiology, surgical technology, aseptic techniques.
• 2+ years of related education/experience across surgical tech tasks.
• GS-06 level requires one year of specialized experience and related graduate education.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate various medical equipment and instruments.
• Initiate care and cleaning of equipment and ensure sterilization between patient use.
• Monitor daily surgery schedules.
• Maintain infection control principles throughout procedures.
• Inspect packaging and sterilization indicators.
• Collaborate with surgeon and OR team to ensure prosthetics/implants availability.
• Observe and respond to each stage of the procedure.
• Handle specimens properly.
• Assist in maintaining sterile supplies.
• Answer phones and assist with scheduling.

Skills

Sterile technique

Aseptic technique

Medical terminology

Infection control

Patient handling

Surgical instruments

Education

Two years of study post high school (anatomy/physiology, surgical technology, aseptic techniques)

Bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours in related subjects

One year of specialized experience (GS-05)

Graduate education (9 semester hours) in related subjects

Tools

Surgical equipment

Sterilization equipment

Job description

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Iowa City is seeking a Surgical Technician to join the Surgical Specialty Operating Room team.

You will assist surgeons and team members during procedures, participate in preprocedural planning, and help establish sterile fields and equipment readiness. Responsibilities include maintaining aseptic technique, handling instruments, and coordinating with OR staff to ensure patient safety and timely operations.