Surgical Technician

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Hampton, VA is seeking a Surgical Technician to assist the surgeon and team during procedures. The ST participates with the surgical team in planning and implementing complex surgeries under general supervision.

Qualified applicants must meet requirements by the closing date and may qualify via specialized experience with sterile technique, instrument handling, sterile field and infection control, or via a bachelor's degree with related coursework.

Qualifications

• Specialized experience includes knowledge of medical instruments, anatomy, physiology and aseptic technique to prepare and protect sterile field during surgery.
• Experience with sterilizer operations, packaging, storage and shelf life; infection control policies.
• Education substitution allowed with a full 4-year bachelor's degree and related coursework.

Responsibilities

• Assist surgeon and team during surgical procedures.
• Plan and implement complex procedures under supervision of the surgical team.
• Handle sterile supplies, maintain sterile field and practice universal precautions.

Skills

Medical instruments

Anatomy

Physiology

Aseptic technique

Sterilization procedures

Sterile field maintenance

Sterile packaging & storage

Infection control

Education

Bachelor's degree with related coursework

Job description

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. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/17/2026. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below.

Individual Occupational Requirements:

• 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 me 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; Knowledge of sterile technique--to include exercising sterile technique to include sterilizer operations and tests to determine the effectiveness of sterilization, packaging, storage, and shelf life; 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.

OR,

• Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position.

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/.

Preferred Experience:

At least 1 year experience as a Surgical Technician

Physical Requirements

Duties regularly require providing manual assistance in lifting and positioning patients, most of which are stages of unconsciousness. There are 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 of aseptic technique and in a manner requiring little or no effort from the surgeon.