Surgical Technician

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The US Department of Veterans Affairs, Atlanta VA Health Care System, is seeking a Surgical Technician to join the operating room team. The technician assists the surgeon and other team members before, during, and after surgical procedures and helps maintain a sterile field.

Applicants should have knowledge of anatomy and physiology, aseptic technique, infection control policies, and sterilization processes. Completion by the closing date 09/21/2026 is required.

Qualifications

• One full year of specialized experience at GS-6 level in the Federal Service.
• Experience with medical instruments, anatomy, physiology and aseptic technique.
• Knowledge of sterilization, packaging, storage, and shelf life.

Responsibilities

• Assist surgeon and surgical team before, during, and after procedures.
• Prepare and protect sterile field and manage sterile supplies.
• Follow infection control policies and universal precautions.

Skills

Sterile technique

Aseptic technique

Medical instruments

Infection control

Sterilization testing

Operating room experience

Education

Graduate coursework in anatomy/physiology/surgical technology

Job description

This position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration, at the Atlanta VA Health Care System. The Surgical Technician is a member for the surgical team and provides assistance to the surgeon and other team members before, during, and following surgical procedures. The Surgical Technician participates with the surgical team members in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the surgical team. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/21/2026.

To qualify for this position at the GS-7 level, you must meet one of the following:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

At least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-6) in the Federal Service that has given you the particular knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of a Surgical Technician. 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. NOTE: Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

EDUCATION:

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.

COMBINATION:

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.

Preferred Experience:

1 year in Operating Room Surgical Technician Experience

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

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/