SURGICAL TECHNICIAN

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SURGICAL TECHNICIAN Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration Nursing Perioperative James H Quillen VA Medical Center

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Summary

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Duties

Requirements

How you will be evaluated

Required documents

How to apply

Summary The Surgical Technician (ST) is a member of the surgical team and provides assistance to the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures.

This is an Open Continuous Announcement. The first review of applicants will occur on April 21, 2026, and every 15 days thereafter until this position is filled or the announcement closes on July 2, 2026.

Learn more about this agency

Summary The Surgical Technician (ST) is a member of the surgical team and provides assistance to the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures.

This is an Open Continuous Announcement. The first review of applicants will occur on April 21, 2026, and every 15 days thereafter until this position is filled or the announcement closes on July 2, 2026.

Learn more about this agency

Overview Help Accepting applications Open & closing dates: 04/06/2026 to 07/02/2026

Salary: $53,236 - $69,208 per year

Pay scale & grade: GS 7

Location: 1 vacancy in the following location Johnson City, TN

Remote job: No Telework eligible: No Travel Required: Not required Relocation expenses reimbursed: No

Appointment type: Permanent Work schedule: Full-time Service: Competitive Promotion potential: None

Job family Series: 0640 Health Aid And Technician Supervisory status: No Security clearance: Not Required Drug test: Yes Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive NS / Low Risk Trust determination process: Credentialing, Suitability, Financial disclosure No Bargaining unit status: No Announcement number: CBTG-12926947-26-BRS Control number: 864019800

This job is open to Help The public

U.S. Citizens Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency ALL US CITIZENS. DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY. This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority 5 CFR 337.201 for this occupation.

Duties Help The ST functions as the primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments, supplies, specimens, and equipment during all surgical procedures, including but not limited to:

• Thoracic
• Major vascular
• Endovascular surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Ophthalmologic surgery
• Colorectal and oncological surgery
• Robotics and minimally invasive surgery

The ST must possess knowledge of a wide variety of complex surgical procedures and possible complications in order to prepare for the procedure, anticipate the needs of the surgical team, respond with speed and accuracy, and report observations and immediate procedural needs to the RN circulator. The incumbent must have a thorough knowledge of all appropriate names, uses, physical characteristics, function, and processing procedures for the full range of surgical supplies and equipment. The ST must be familiar with dosages and proper use of all medications administered from the sterile field.

Major duties consist of the following:

• Sets up the sterile field with all required items for each procedure, such as robotic equipment, air-powered equipment, fiber optic equipment, laparoscopic equipment, microscopes, lasers, arthroscopy equipment, urologic equipment, recording devices, and other operating room supplies and equipment.
• Plans and discusses each procedure with surgical professionals and ensures that all supplies and equipment are available before the surgical procedure.
• Prepares, organizes, and maintains highly complex sterile surgical set-ups.
• Observes and responds promptly to each stage of the surgical procedure and anticipates the needs of the surgeon by maintaining mental focus for extended periods.
• Utilizes universal precautions and follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment.
• Assists the team members with the care of the veteran, i.e., positioning, prepping, and obtaining supplies.
• Handles all specimens appropriately.
• In conjunction with the circulating Registered Nurse (RN), performs soft goods, sharps, and instrument counts to prevent retention of surgical items and 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, and cutting sutures. Prepares prostheses and surgical devices during operations and calibrates instruments/equipment in the sterile field.
• 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, including the scrub role in surgical procedures.
• Functions as a runner for complex surgical procedures under the direct supervision of an RN.
• Assists circulating nurse with veteran care during each phase of perioperative interventions, such as gathering equipment and supplies, opening sterile items, setting up the surgical field, veteran transferring and positioning, providing comfort measures, monitoring and maintaining sterility pre- and intra-operatively, staying inside the OR from the time of sterile field set-up to the time of veteran transfer out of the OR to ensure the integrity of the sterile environment, and participating in veteran care activities related to induction of and emerging from anesthesia.
• Functions as laser technician operator within the operating room environment, monitoring compliance with the organizations policy and procedures, supervising usage and safety, documenting treatment parameters, and reporting any adverse outcomes to Nurse Manager and Laser Safety Officer.

Maintains Equipment and Work Areas

• Performs non-technical maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions.
• Maintains OR area.
• Assesses equipment needs and maintains an adequate stock of supplies and materials.
• Recognizes potentially hazardous situations (e.g., frayed cords and water on the floor) and takes corrective action.
• Collaborates with engineering and biomedical services, promoting the use and maintenance of VA property safely that preserves the equipment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Rotational

Position Description Title: PD SURGICAL TECHNICIAN PD60069A

Physical Requirements Duties regularly require providing manual assistance in lifting and positioning patients, most of whom are at stages of unconsciousness. There are extensive 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. The ST 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.

Requirements Help Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job.
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation.
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• A complete application package including Resume, Transcripts, etc. is required.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable forms 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, drivers licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• 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.
• 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
• Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
• Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Individual Occupational Requirements 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.

Specialized Experience (GS-07 grade level) One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-6 grade level in the federal service, experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

Specialized experience includes but is not limited to:

• Applying aseptic technique in a sterile surgical field
• Preparing instrumentation, equipment, and supplies in advance of surgical procedures
• Scrubbing for surgical procedures
• Preparing operating room suites for procedures
• Knowledge of human body structure and function
• Anticipating the needs of the surgeon
• Assisting with minor surgical procedures
• Maintaining inventories of medical instruments, supplies, and equipment
• Sterilizing instruments

OR Applicants may substitute education for the experience required for the GS-07 level. Applicants may substitute graduate education or an internship to meet the specialized experience in those instances where it is directly related to the work of the position. One full year of graduate education meets the requirements for GS-7. Part-time graduate education is creditable in accordance with its relationship to a year of full-time study at the school attended.

OR Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-07 level. To calculate:

1. First, identify the percentage of required education you have earned when substituting (you cannot use the first 60 semester hours that you earned).
2. Then, identify the percentage of required experience you possess.
3. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-07.
   • For example: An applicant who has 9 semester hours of graduate-level education (i.e., 50% of graduate education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e., 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position.
   • A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
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     Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

     For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Managements website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards.

     Preferred Experience

     • 1-3 years Surgical Tech experience.
     • CST Certificate is preferred.

     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 that education.

     Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicants criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration, Operations Security and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) va.gov/EMPLOYEEdocs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.

     Additional information Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicants criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration, Operations Security and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) va.gov/EMPLOYEEdocs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.

     The following will be communicated to applicants for VA employment in a testing designated position and will also be included in all VA vacancy announcements for such positions: 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.

     The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position, including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPMs Career Transition Resources website, which can be found at https://www.opm.gov.

     Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual Vacation Leave Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate of 4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period, which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

     This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

     If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

     Expand Hide additional information

     Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

     Benefits Help A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. [Opens in a new window] Learn more about federal benefits.

     Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

     How you will be evaluated You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

     IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.

     Benefits Help A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. [Opens in a new window] Learn more about federal benefits.

     Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

     Required documents Required Documents Help

     Documents Accepted

     • Cover Letter
     • DD-214 Statement of Service
     • Disability Letter Schedule A
     • Disability Letter VA
     • License
     • Other 1
     • PCS Orders
     • Professional Certification
     • Resume
     • Separation Notice RIF
     • SF-15
     • SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action
     • Transcript

     Documents Required Resume

     Please review the above lists to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents; therefore, it is the applicants responsibility to ensure their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation for displaced Federal employees.

     You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.

     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.

     Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

     If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

     Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

     How to Apply Help All applicants are encouraged to apply online.

     To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on 07/02/2026 to receive consideration.

     To preview the questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12926947.1.

     1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
     2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

     NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

     To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account, or your application will be incomplete.

     Agency contact information Billie Smith Phone: 313-655-1466 Email: Billie.Smith2@va.gov Address: James H Quillen VA Medical Center Corner of Lamont Street and Veterans Way Mountain Home, TN 37684 US

     Next steps After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate is issued, and applicants will be notified of their status by email.

     Fair and transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance:

     • Criminal history inquiries
     • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
     • Financial suitability
     • New employee probationary period
     • Privacy Act
     • Reasonable accommodation policy
     • Selective Service
     • Signature and false statements
     • Social security number request

     Required Documents Help Documents Accepted

     • Cover Letter
     • DD-214 Statement of Service
     • Disability Letter Schedule A
     • Disability Letter VA
     • License
     • Other 1
     • PCS Orders
     • Professional Certification
     • Resume
     • Separation Notice RIF
     • SF-15
     • SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action
     • Transcript

     Documents Required Resume

     Please review the above lists to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents; therefore, it is the applicants responsibility to ensure their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation for displaced Federal employees.

     You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.

     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.

     Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

     If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

     Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

     How to Apply Help All applicants are encouraged to apply online.

     To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on 07/02/2026 to receive consideration.

     To preview the questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12926947.1.

     1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
     2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

     NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

     To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account, or your application will be incomplete.

     Expand Hide how to apply

     Agency contact information Billie Smith Phone: 313-655-1466 Email: Billie.Smith2@va.gov Address: James H Quillen VA Medical Center Corner of Lamont Street and Veterans Way Mountain Home, TN 37684 US

     Next steps After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate is issued, and applicants will be notified of their status by email.

     Expand Hide next steps

     Fair and transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance:

     • Criminal history inquiries
     • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
     • Financial suitability
     • New employee probationary period
     • Privacy Act
     • Reasonable accommodation policy
     • Selective Service
     • Signature and false statements
     • Social security number request

     Veterans Health Administration OUR MISSION - To fulfill President Lincolns promise to care for those who have served in our nations military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.

     How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate care to Veterans?

     The VA has adopted Core Values and Characteristics that apply universally across the Department. The five Core Values define who we are, our culture, and how we care for Veterans, their families, and other beneficiaries.

     The Values are Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence (I CARE).

     As a VA professional, your opportunities are endless. With many openings in the multiple functions of VA, you will have a wide range of opportunities and leadership positions at your fingertips.

     DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority 5 CFR 337.201 for this occupation.

     Agency contact information Billie Smith Phone: 313-655-1466 Email: Billie.Smith2@va.gov Address: James H Quillen VA Medical Center Corner of Lamont Street and Veterans Way Mountain Home, TN 37684 US

     Visit our careers page Learn more about what its like to work at Veterans Health Administration, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

     http://www.vacareers.va.gov/

     Summary The Surgical Technician (ST) is a member of the surgical team and provides assistance to the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures.

     This is an Open Continuous Announcement. The first review of applicants will occur on April 21, 2026, and every 15 days thereafter until this position is filled or the announcement closes on July 2, 2026.

     Learn more about this agency

     Overview Help Accepting applications Open & closing dates: 04/06/2026 to 07/02/2026

     Salary: $53,236 - $69,208 per year

     Pay scale & grade: GS 7

     Location: 1 vacancy in the following location Johnson City, TN

     Remote job: No Telework eligible: No Travel Required: Not required Relocation expenses reimbursed: No

     Appointment type: Permanent Work schedule: Full-time Service: Competitive Promotion potential: None

     Job family Series: 0640 Health Aid And Technician Supervisory status: No Security clearance: Not Required Drug test: Yes Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive NS / Low Risk Trust determination process: Credentialing, Suitability, Financial disclosure No Bargaining unit status: No Announcement number: CBTG-12926947-26-BRS Control number: 864019800

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