Orthopedic Technician

Full Job Description

VA San Diego Healthcare System is a highly academic affiliated, tertiary care system with large and active research programs and Spinal Cord Injury Center.

The incumbent accepts guidance and assignments, as well as clinical supervision, by the Chief of Orthopedic Surgery, Chief of Podiatric Surgery, Chief of Plastic Surgery, Chief of Vascular, Wound Reconstruction Surgeons, attending Surgeons and advanced practice providers in the treatment of bone, joint, and complex wounds.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 02/27/2026. This position has an Individual Occupation Requirement (IOR).

You must meet the following: Possess technician experience that requires application of knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled.

(This position is part of the series that range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists.) In addition to meeting the IOR above, you must meet the experience/education as described below: GS-06 Specialized Experience: You must have one (1) 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: Ability to apply, adjust, and remove all common and difficult orthopedic devices.

Ability to perform in an operating room environment in a proficient manner as a first and second assistant or scrub technician under the direct supervision of a surgeon.

Identify emergency situations and use sound judgment in instituting established procedures to respond to emergencies in a calm and efficient manner.

Record patient's blood pressure, pulse and weight. Measure and fit patients for braces and other orthopedic devices. 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 full year in a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation.

Training: Completion of appropriate training such as in service training programs, training acquired while serving in the Armed Forces, and government-sponsored developmental training programs will be allowed credit on a month-for-month basis, generally through the GS-6 level.

Such training meets general or specialized experience requirements depending upon its applicability. Such training meets general or specialized experience requirements depending upon its applicability.

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 4 year above high school.

Preferred Experience: Current casting and splinting experience. Experience in Podiatry is helpful. Orthopedic Technician certification is preferable.

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:

Major duties include, but are not limited to: Applies, adjusts, and removes casts, assembles traction apparatus, and fits strappings and splints for orthopedic patients using protective materials such as stockinette bandages, gauze, or rubber pads, preparatory to cast application.

Assists Orthopedic Surgeons in reduction of fractures, trims plaster, removes whole and broken casts and alters position of cast to change setting of patients' limb or body part as directed.

Assembles wooden, metal, plastic, or plaster material to make orthopedic splints. Attaches traction supports to patient's limb and adjusts support to specified tension.

Adjusts crutches, canes, braces, and splints to fit patient.

Instructs patients in care of and assists patients in walking with casts, braces, crutches, and other Ortho apparatus and supplies as ordered.

Assists patients with scheduling coordination for cast and traction work, ordering and maintaining supplies and equipment. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Orthopedic Technician/PD09390A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.