Surgical Technician

This position is open to all U.S. Citizens and is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.205).

• At least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-6 level in the Federal Service, demonstrating knowledge of medical instruments, human anatomy, physiology, and aseptic technique to prepare and protect the sterile field during surgery.
• Experience exercising sterile technique, including sterilizer operations and tests to determine effectiveness of sterilization, packaging, storage, and shelf life.
• Experience handling medical instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures.
• Experience performing proper cleaning techniques, handling and rotation of sterile supplies, handling contaminated items, quality control, and personal hygiene using universal precautions and infection control policies.
• OR one full year of graduate education (18 semester hours) or an internship in courses directly related to surgical technician work, such as anatomy and physiology, surgical technology, or aseptic techniques, from an accredited institution.
• OR a combination of graduate education and specialized experience that totals 100% of the requirements.
• Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted if using education to qualify.
• Foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Selective Service Registration required for males born after 12/31/1959.

Provide assistance to the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures.

• Assist team members with patient care, including positioning, prepping, and obtaining supplies.
• Prepare procedures and surgical devices during operations.
• Function as primary scrub person, handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures such as endovascular, open heart, thoracic, major vascular, neurosurgery, microsurgery, transplantation, gynecology, urology, ophthalmology, plastic surgery, general surgery, minimally invasive procedures, and orthopedic surgery.
• Set up sterile field with all required items for each procedure, including air powered equipment, fiber optic equipment, laparoscopic equipment, microscopes, lasers, arthroscopy equipment, urologic equipment, recording devices, and other operating room supplies.
• Plan and discuss each procedure with the surgical team to ensure all supplies and equipment are available prior to surgery.
• Provide guidance and support to professional staff during surgical procedures.
• Observe and respond to the needs of the surgical team, maintaining a sterile environment throughout the procedure.

Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply.

• Subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use prior to appointment (testing designated position).
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Must complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form of identification required (REAL ID compliant after May 7, 2025).
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Must serve a 1-year probationary period.
• This position is not telework eligible and is not remote.

A career with the U.S. government provides a complete benefits package including health insurance, retirement, paid leave, and more.

• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position (full-time, part-time, or intermittent).
• Federal employees and their families have access to a range of benefits designed to make a federal career rewarding.

This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.205), so traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply; qualified veterans will receive full consideration.

• VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible under Schedule A (5 CFR 213.3102(u)).
• The Fair Chance to Compete Act prohibits VA from requesting criminal history prior to a tentative job offer.
• Contact Trisha Juanez at 414-384-2000 X44342 or [email protected] for questions.
• The address for the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center is 5000 West National Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53295.
• If you are relying on education to qualify, ensure your school is accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Failure to provide all required information may result in an ineligible rating.
• After the announcement closes, applications are reviewed, and referred applicants may be contacted for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision is made.

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care to over 9 million veterans each year. The Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a Level 1a Complexity facility offering a full range of medical services, including advanced surgical care. Veterans Health Administration is named as the hiring organisation for the Surgical Technician post.

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