Surgical Technician

Summary

The Surgical Technician (ST) is a member of the Surgical Specialty Operating Room surgical team. This position is part of the surgical specialty service line of the Central Iowa VA Healthcare System and is under the direct supervision of the Nurse Manager of the Operating Room/PACU/Ambulatory Surgery. The primary purpose of the positions is to directly assist the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures.

Duties

This position is for a temporary appointment, not to exceed 2 (two) years. Position will not be converted to permanent at the end of the 2 year temporary appointment. Major duties include but are not limited to: Surgical Clinical Duties: 50% Setting up and operating various medical equipment, necessitating a working knowledge of all required instruments and equipment used for each procedure, including but not limited to, surgical robotics, lasers, microscopes, laparoscopic/endoscopic instrumentation and camera systems, disposable and reusable surgical and medical equipment, battery powered, air powered equipment, fiberoptic and arthroscopic equipment, navigation systems, ophthalmologic equipment, urologic equipment, ultrasound equipment and recording devices. Monitoring daily surgery schedules, including providing input into case scheduling based on complexity and equipment/supplies needed. Functioning as a primary scrub person responsible for highly complex sterile surgical setups and for handling instruments, supplies and complex equipment during surgical procedures such as: thoracic, open and hybrid vascular, neurosurgical, microsurgery, transplantation, urologic, ophthalmologic, otolaryngologic, plastic, general surgery cases, minimally invasion procedures, orthopedic and robotics. Inspecting package/tray contents to ensure that all sterilization indicators have appropriately changed color, visually and physically inspects each instrument and equipment for chips, crack, missing parts and ensures that all working parts (i.e. hinges, ratchets) are intact and functions correctly and sterility has not been compromised. Assisting the surgeon by holding retractors, applying skin staples, cutting suture, preparing implants and surgical devices and other similar procedures. Utilizing case carts with surgeon preferences to ensure that all equipment and supplies are readily available prior to the date of each surgical case. Utilizing universal precautions and follows all infection control policies and procedures when handing specimens, supplies and equipment. Ensuring appropriate handling of surgical specimens including proper patient identification/verification, appropriate collection and medium specifics for the specimen and container and accurate hand-off between the surgeon(s), nurses and other members of the team. Collaborating with the circulating (RN) Registered Nurse and surgeon prior to a procedure to count and verify sponge, sharp, and that will be utilized during a surgical case. Supply Liaison: 25% Assisting in the monitoring of sterile supplies. Works collaboratively with logistics staff to maintain adequate surgical supplies, including but not limited to: restoking the OR cabinets, specialty carts and other secondary storage containers. Completing cleaning of supply areas and completion of outdating of surgical supplies. Training Liaison & Mentor: 15% Actively mentors' residents, medical students, nursing/ST students and new operating Room staff to guide these individuals when using equipment, applying sterile technique, instrument handling and OR procedures. Administrative Duties: 10% Answering telephones and assists with surgery scheduling needs and questions. Work Schedule: This position is intermittent. The tour of duty is flexible between the hours of 07:00 a.m. - 3:30p.m. with no set days to work, the incumbent will be scheduled as needed to fill in for staffing due to military leave and other leave. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Surgical Technician/PD30381A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/29/2026. ENGLISH LANGUAGE 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 must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position. 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-05 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: utilizing knowledge of medical instruments, human anatomy, physiology, and aseptic technique to prepare and protect sterile field during surgery; exercising sterile technique to include sterilizer operations and tests to determine the effectiveness of sterilization, packaging, storage, and shelf life; handling medical instruments, supplies and equipment during all surgical procedures; 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 successfully completed one-half (1/2) year of graduate education (9 semester hours) or an internship in course matter that must include courses directly related to the work of the Surgical Technician position such as anatomy and physiology, surgical technology, aseptic techniques, etc. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education in excess of undergraduate education or an internship that meets the specialized experience required. The education portion must include graduate courses directly related to the work of the Surgical Technician 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/.

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 tha