Surgical Technician

Veterans Health Administration

Boise (ID)

On-site

USD 50,000 - 66,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

The Surgical Technician (ST) at Veterans Health Administration in Boise, ID supports the surgeon and team during complex procedures, preparing sterile fields and equipment for open heart, neurosurgery, and total joint surgeries.

You will train students and act as second circulator for complex cases; schedule Monday–Friday 7:00am–3:30pm with on-call, and you must submit transcripts for education and foreign equivalency if applicable.

Qualifications

A transcript must be submitted with your application to meet qualification criteria.
Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be used to qualify for Federal employment.
If you are using foreign education, send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript.

Responsibilities

Set up sterile field with required items for each procedure.
Handle instruments, supplies, and equipment during all procedures.
Perform sponge and instrument counts with RN for accuracy.
Maintain accountability for instruments and equipment during surgery.
Assist surgeon with skin grafts, suctioning, and retractors.
Train residents and students in OR procedures and sterile technique.

Skills

Sterile technique

Instrument handling

Infection control

Team training

Sponge and instrument counts

Patient positioning

Education

Transcript required for education

Certificate of Foreign Equivalency

Tools

Air powered equipment

Fiber optic equipment

Laparoscopic equipment

Microscopes

Lasers

Arthroscopy equipment

Urologic equipment

Recording devices

Job description

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

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.

Key Responsibilities

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

Requirements & Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $50460 – $65599/yr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-19.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.