Surgical Technician

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

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Boise, Idaho seeks a Surgical Technician to support the surgeon and the operating room team.

The role includes preparing sterile setups, assisting with patient positioning, and maintaining a safe, efficient surgical environment. Responsibilities cover instrument handling, sponge and instrument counts, and collaboration with the circulating RN to ensure readiness throughout procedures.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience at GS-6 level or higher in surgical settings.
• Alternatively, one year of graduate study in a related field with relevant coursework.
• Documentation of duties, dates, and hours on resume or transcripts if education used.

Responsibilities

• Set up sterile field with air powered, fiber optic, laparoscopic, and other operating room equipment.
• Plan and discuss procedures to ensure supplies and equipment are ready.
• Maintain highly complex sterile surgical setups.
• Assist with patient positioning and preparation.
• Perform sponge and instrument counts with the circulating RN.
• Ensure accountability for instruments and equipment during procedures.
• Train OR staff and students in sterile technique and equipment handling.
• Act as second circulator for complex surgeries.

Skills

Sterile technique

Infection control

Patient positioning

Surgical setup

Tools

Laparoscopic equipment

Fiber optic equipment

Arthroscopy equipment

Air powered equipment

Job description

Summary

The Surgical Technician (ST) 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 in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the surgical team.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet basic minimum qualification and/or education requirements by the closing date of this announcement - 10/19/2026. English Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You may qualify based on your 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: Prepare - organize - and maintain highly complex sterile surgical setups; Follow all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens - supplies - and equipment; Plan and discuss each procedure with surgical professionals to determine proper positioning and assurance of all supplies/equipment are available; Assist surgical team with patient positioning - and setting up the operative field; Monitor and maintain sterile practice throughout surgical procedure; Practice of sterile technique and experience in all surgical specialties - especially general - cataracts - ortho and urology. NOTE: Experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title - duties - month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. 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 (1) year of graduate education or internship directly related to the position. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. One year of full‑time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent one (1) year of full‑time study. If that number cannot be obtained from the school - 18 semester hours will be considered an academic year of graduate study. Part‑time graduate education is creditable in accordance with its relationship to a year of full‑time study at the school attended. NOTE: If you are basing your qualifications on education (or a combination of education and experience) or if the position requires a college education to qualify - you must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application. 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/.

Duties

• Duties include - but not limited to: The incumbent functions as a primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments - supplies - and equipment during all surgical procedures such as: open heart - thoracic - major vascular - neurosurgery - microsurgery - and total joint replacement surgery
• The incumbent will be responsible to perform these duties 100% of the time
• Sets 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 professionals and assures that all supplies and equipment are available prior to the surgical procedure
• Prepares - organizes - and maintains highly complex sterile surgical setups
• 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 periods of time
• Utilizes universal 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 - prepping - and obtaining supplies
• Handles all specimens appropriately
• In conjunction with the circulating Registered Nurse (RN) - performs sponge and instrument counts to verify accuracy
• Responsible for the accountability for all surgical instruments and equipment during the surgical procedure
• Assists the surgeon by performing such procedures as preparing skin grafts - suctioning - 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 second circulator for complex surgical procedures
• Maintains Equipment and Work Areas Performs non-technical maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions
• Maintains OR area
• Assesses equipment needs and maintains adequate stock of supplies and materials
• Recognizes potentially hazardous situations (e.g. - frayed cords - water on floor) and takes corrective action
• Work Environment Duties are performed in the operating room and GU Clinic 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 incumbent's hair - and surgical mask in order to provide an aseptic environment in the operating room
• The incumbent is often required to wear special attire such as a \"space helmet\" or hood used during total joint replacements
• 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 20-30 pounds lead apron as protection from radiation during various procedures
• The operating room can be an exceptionally stressful work environment
• Good mental and emotional health is required in order to function at an optimum level
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 7:00am - 3:30pm - with required call Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Position Description/PD#: Surgical Technician/PD60308A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized