Veterans Health Administration
Surgical Technician
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Summary
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/19/2026. Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR): Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists. Therefore, technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled. OR Education and Training For GS-3: Successful completion of l year of study that included study in medical, health, or related fields. For GS-4: Successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours in subjects related to the position. For GS-5: 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. You may qualify based on your experience and/or educationas described below: GS-03: Generalized Experience: You must possess six months of generalized experience that demonstrates the ability to do the work of a Surgical Technician, OR experience that provides familiarity with the operating room processes, instruments, and sterilization. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have one year of education above high school that included study in medical, health, or related fields. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond high school. The percentage of experience and education must meet 100% to qualify. GS:04: Generalized and Specialized Experience: You must possess Six months of generalized experience and six months of specialized experience as a medical or health professional that demonstrates the ability to perform the work of a surgical technician applying knowledge, methods, and techniques of a surgical technician. 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 2 years of education above high school that included at least 12 semester hours in subjects related to the position. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond high school. The percentage of experience and education must meet 100% to qualify. GS-05: Specialized Experience: You must possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-04 level in the Federal service, that equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to successfully perform the duties of this position and that is typically in or related to the position being filled. Specialized experience includes but is not limited to the following: Performing scrubbing functions on all types of surgical procedures minor and major; Participating in perioperative role with the principles of aseptic technique by assessing the needs of the surgical patient, preparing instrumentation, supplies, and equipment for the procedure; Scrubbing during the operative intervention, maintaining and cleaning the instrumentation and equipment post-operatively; Utilizing preference cards as a reference to prepare instrumentation, supplies, and equipment for a procedure. 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. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED). Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must possess a combination of education and experience. * NOTE* Only education more than the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements. Two full academic years of study, or 60 semester hours, beyond the second year is equivalent to l year of specialized experience (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) GS-06: Specialized Experience: You must possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal service, that equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to successfully perform the duties of this position and that is typically in or related to the position being filled. Specialized experience includes but is not limited to the following: Assisting the Registered Nurse with circulating duties during major and minor procedures by positioning patients on the operating table, holding extremity during surgical prep, controlling safety hazards, checking the working condition of equipment and anticipating the need for and providing additional supplies and equipment for either the scrub or circulating nurse; Operating and helping maintain surgical equipment reporting any malfunctions in equipment; Recognizes emergency situations, taking appropriate and immediate action, and immediately notifying the charge nurse; Locating and operating emergency equipment and supplies readily and effectively; Utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE) when implementing standard precautions to provide direct patient care. 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/.
Major Duties
Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. At the full performance level, the incumbent will perform a variety of duties, including, but not limited to the following: Participates with the surgical team members in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the surgical team. Functions as the primary scrub person, responsible for handing instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures such as, but not limited to thoracic, neurosurgery, EENT, vascular and total joint surgery. Independently sets up the sterile field with all required instruments, supplies and equipment for each procedure to include, but not limited to: air powered instrumentation, endoscopy, laparoscopy, arthroscopy, urologic equipment, lasers, microscopes, and recording devices. Plans and discusses each procedure with the RN, and surgical team. Assures all instruments, supplies and equipment are available prior to the surgical procedure. Prepares, organizes, and maintains highly complex surgical setups. Practices sterile technique, preparing instrumentation independently and without direct supervision, utilizing aseptic technique, maintaining a sterile field intra-operatively. Transports patients pre-operatively and post-operatively acquiring needed supplies, medications, blood, reports, and equipment throughout the perioperative process. Uses computers on a daily basis for various functions such as, reading and sending email communications, entering patient information, requesting leave, etc. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:30pm; with rotational on-call requirements 7:30am - 6pm or longer if there are cases. Call Cases may be after hours, including weekends and holidays. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Surgical Technician GS-3: 7881-A, GS-4: 7880-A, GS-5: 7879-A, GS-6 01392A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Requirements
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required. Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Other (1) PCS Orders Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities. Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.
How to Apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online questionnaire and submission of the required documentation specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. To preview the application questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13090277. The application process is as follows: To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date, 10/19/2026. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link. NOTE: Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused. Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us. To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To view the announcement status or your application status: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application. Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying for a job. Resumes should include information relevant to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of the position to which you are applying. VA is unable to make assumptions about qualifications if not clearly listed. Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement. Your resume must be 5MB or less. We recommend saving and uploading your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX). We do not accept PDF portfolio files. We recommend using a sans-serif font size like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans. Make your page margins 0.5 inches. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started. Helpful Hints for Creating a Two-Page Resume: Prioritize most relevant and recent experience Use concise, results focused language Align language from the job announcement Focus on demonstrating skills and competencies Remove outdated or unrelated experience Use the USAJOBS resume builder Additional guidance on this new requirement and resume building tools can be found at https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/page-limit.