Surgical Technologist

Military Health Research Foundation; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Military Health Research Foundation is seeking experienced Surgical Technicians/Operating Room Technicians to support teams at Madigan Army Medical Center, JBLM. The role requires preparing patients, rooms, instruments, and equipment with strict sterile techniques.

The ideal candidate will have recent OR tech experience, strong knowledge of instruments and specialized equipment, and the ability to respond quickly in emergencies while maintaining patient safety in high-pressure settings.

Qualifications

• Graduate from a Surgical Technology program accredited by CAAHEP/ABHES or military training program.
• Certified CST/TS-C or MOS certification preferred.
• BLS certification required.

Responsibilities

• Perform sterile and aseptic techniques throughout surgical procedures.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain surgical instruments, trays, supplies, and equipment.
• Prepare, position, secure, and drape patients for surgery.
• Transport and prepare patients for surgery with proper identification and charts.
• Assist during routine, complex, high-risk, trauma, and emergency procedures.
• Anticipate team needs and provide instruments during procedures.
• Monitor for complications and respond to events as directed.
• Maintain clean and safe operating room before, during, and after procedures.
• Assist with postoperative dressings and patient care.

Skills

Surgical Technician

Operating Room Technician

Aseptic technique

Emergency response

Patient safety

Education

CAAHEP/ABHES accredited Surgical Technology program

Military training program (US Armed Forces)

Tools

Surgical instruments

OR equipment

Job description

Overview

Military & Health Research Foundation (MHRF) is seeking experienced Surgical Technicians/Operating Room Technicians to support surgical teams at Madigan Army Medical Center (MAMC), Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). The Surgical Technician supports surgical procedures by preparing patients, operating rooms, instruments, supplies, and specialized equipment while maintaining strict sterile and aseptic techniques.

The position supports a wide range of surgical procedures, including routine, complex, high-risk, trauma, and OB/GYN procedures. Responsibilities include preparing and positioning patients, setting up surgical instruments and equipment, assisting during procedures, anticipating the needs of the surgical team, performing surgical counts, assisting with postoperative dressings, and maintaining a clean and safe operating room environment.

The ideal candidate will have recent Surgical Technician or Operating Room Technician experience, strong knowledge of surgical instruments and specialized OR equipment, and the ability to maintain aseptic technique throughout surgical procedures. The technician must be able to respond quickly and accurately to surgical emergencies, communicate effectively with the surgical team, and maintain patient safety in high-pressure situations.

This role requires a dependable healthcare professional who can meet government qualification, credentialing, security, and onboarding requirements while working under a personal services arrangement. Candidates must possess the required education, training, experience, certification, and documented competency for the position and be able to effectively communicate with patients and healthcare professionals.

Essential Functions and Job Responsibilities

• Perform sterile and aseptic techniques throughout surgical procedures.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain surgical instruments, trays, supplies, and equipment.
• Prepare, position, secure, and drape patients for surgery.
• Transport and prepare patients for surgery, including verifying identification, chart information, and preoperative requirements.
• Assist the surgical team during routine, complex, high-risk, trauma, and emergency procedures.
• Anticipate surgeon and anesthesiologist needs and provide instruments and supplies during procedures.
• Monitor for surgical complications such as hemorrhage, shock, or cardiac arrest and respond immediately as directed.
• Perform accurate sponge, needle, instrument, and sharp counts under RN supervision.
• Measure and document blood and fluid loss.
• Set up, operate, and perform basic maintenance on OR equipment, including suction, cautery, surgical lights, microscopes, defibrillators, and other specialized systems.
• Maintain a clean and safe operating room environment before, during, and after procedures.
• Clean, disinfect, process, and prepare instruments and equipment for sterilization.
• Restock sterile supplies and maintain adequate inventory for assigned surgical services.
• Assist with postoperative dressings and patient care.
• Provide specialized surgical support for OB/GYN procedures, including cesarean sections and hysterectomies.
• Communicate and immediately report significant events or changes to the RN or officer in charge and document notifications.
• Float or cross-train within similar specialties when assigned and based on demonstrated competency.

Minimum Requirements

• US Citizen
• Degree/Education: Graduate from Surgical Technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or completion of a formal training program provided by any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, or Air Force) for surgical technicians, surgical technologists or operating room technicians.
• Board Certification: (see base contract PWS 1.57.3): Certified as a Surgical Technologist (CST) from The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or certified as a Tech-in-Surgery (TS-C) from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) or possess a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) certification as a surgical technician and/or operating room technician.
• BLS

Experience

A minimum of one (1) year qualifying experience in the past two years as a Surgical Technician or Operating Room Technician. Familiarity with Labor and Delivery and Obstetric procedures is required.

Years of Professional Experience

1 year in the past 2 years as a Surgical Technician or Operating Room Technician. Familiarity with Labor and Delivery and Obstetric procedures is required.

Professional Certifications

Certificate and BLS

Education

Graduate from Surgical Technology accredited program

Additional Information

• Must pass TB Test
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Willingness to comply with DHA vaccination requirements.
• Pre-employment drug screening
• US Citizen
• Contract workers shall maintain good personal hygiene and present a well-groomed and professional appearance IAW the policy at the place of performance.

The Military & Health Research Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation dedicated to discovering and transitioning lasting solutions for troops on the battlefield and across civilian healthcare settings. Since 2011, our goal is to ensure that dynamic life-saving technologies with advances in healthcare are readily accessible when the need arises.

MHRF is an EEO Employer - Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories.