Surgical Technician

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Surgical Technician (ST) is a member of the Surgical Specialty Operating Room team at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The ST aids the surgeon and other team members during procedures, participates with the team in planning and implementing complex operations under supervision, and ensures aseptic technique throughout. Preferred candidates have 3–5 years of recent scrubbing experience and certification; must be familiar with a wide range of surgical supplies, equipment, and

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience at GS-6 or equivalent in the normal line of progression for the occupation.
• Education may substitute for the required experience as described: one full year of graduate education (18 semester hours or equivalent) or an internship.
• Combination of specialized experience and education is acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Assist the surgeon and team during surgical procedures.
• Plan and implement complex procedures under supervision.
• Maintain aseptic technique and ensure availability of instruments and supplies from the sterile field.

Skills

Surgical procedures knowledge

Surgical supplies & equipment

Sterile field medication handling

Education

Graduate education in related field

Internship in related field

Tools

Surgical instruments knowledge

Sterile processing procedures

Job description

The Surgical Technician (ST) is a member of the Surgical Specialty Operating Room surgical team. The Surgical Technician aids the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures. The ST participates with the surgical team members in planning and implementing complex procedures under the supervision of the surgical team. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/22/2026.

Health Aid and Technician-0640 Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR)

Specialized Experience-GS 4 and above:

• Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists.


• Therefore, technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled.

In addition to the OPM Individual Occupational Requirements you must meet the specialized experience for the GS-7 below:

You may qualify based on your specialized 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-6 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Possess a knowledge of a wide variety of complex surgical procedures and possible complications to prepare for the procedure, to anticipate the needs of the surgical team, to respond with speed and accuracy, and to report observations and immediate procedural needs. Must have a thorough knowledge of all appropriate names, uses, physical characteristics, function, and processing procedures for the full range of surgical supplies and equipment. Familiar with dosages and proper use of all medications administered from the sterile field OR,


• Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed one full year of graduate education (18 semester hours or equivalent), or an internship in course matter with a major that included courses directly related to the work of the Health Technician position. OR,


• Combination: You must have an combination of specialized experience and education.

Preferred Experience

3-5 years of recent scrubbing experience, certification preferred.

Physical Requirements

Duties regularly require manual assistance in lifting and positioning patients, most of who are at stages of unconsciousness. There are extensive periods of regular and recurring standing, walking, bending, lifting, 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 or aseptic technique and in a manner requiring little or no effort from the surgeon.

Work Environment:

Duties are performed in the operating rooms 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, including sterile gown and gloves, surgical caps to cover incumbents hair, surgical mask or special attire such as a space helmet or hood used during total join replacements in order to maintain an aseptic environment. 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. Required personal protective equipment is provided by the facility.

The operating room work environment is complex intense and fast paced. Good mental and emotional health is required in order to function at optimum level.

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/.