The Surgical Technician (ST) is a member of the surgical team and provides assistance to the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures, to include General Surgery, Orthopedics, Urology, Podiatry and Gynecology at the Fayetteville Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). The ST also assists the surgeons in outpatient clinics, prepares information regarding inpatient/outpatient procedures and ambulatory surgeries in addition to operating room surgical procedures.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 05/27/2025. 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-06 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures such as: open hear, thoracic, major vascular, neurosurgery, microsurgery, and total joint replacement surgery; assisting surgeons by performing such procedures as preparing skin grafts, suctioning, holding retractor, applying skin staples, and cutting sutures; utilizing universal precautions and follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment; setting 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; other related duties performed by 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 One (1) full year of graduate education meets the requirements for GS-7 only in those instances where it is directly related to the work of the position. NOTE: Graduate education or an internship meets the specialized experience required where it is directly related to the work of the position. (Transcripts Required) 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/. 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.
Duties and responsibilities for this position include, but not limited to the following: Functions as a primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures such as: general surgery, vascular, urology, gynecology, podiatry, ophthalmology, and major orthopedic surgery, i.e., total joint replacement. Sets up sterile field with all required items for each procedure such as airpowered equipment, fiber optic equipment, laparoscopic equipment, microscopes, 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 and according to the surgeon's preference cards. 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 patients, 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 of 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 support personnel for complex surgical procedures. Maintains equipment performing 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. Provides guidance and support to Nursing Assistants and other Surgical Technicians. Monitors volunteers, aides, non-surgical team members, students, and other personnel. Assists surgical team members in quality improvement activities. Updates personal knowledge regarding current trends in surgical technology through continuing education courses. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm. Telework: This is not a Telework position. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Surgical Technician /7999