Surgical Technician - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized

Full Job Description

The Surgical Technician is a member of the surgical team at the Northwest Health Care Center San Antonio and provides assistance to the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures.

The Surgical Technician participates with the surgical team members in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the surgical team.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 03/09/2026.

You may qualify based on your experience as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-5 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: assisting with the preparation and protection of sterile fields during surgery; monitoring and maintaining aseptic techniques throughout surgical procedures; handling medical instruments, supplies and equipment during surgical procedures; performing proper cleaning techniques, as well as the proper handling and rotation of sterile supplies; handling contaminated items, quality control, and personal hygiene, using knowledge of universal precautions and implementing infection control policies and procedures.

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; religions; 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 Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Preferred Experience: Certified Surgical Technician 2-3 Years of Experience as Surgical Technician in the Operating Room 1-2 Eye Surgery Experience Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Straight pulling (1 hours); Pushing (1-3 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (4 hours); Standing (2-7 hours); Kneeling (2 hours); Repeated bending (2 hours); Climbing, use of legs and arms; Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Specific visual requirement 20/40 DVA; corrected; Both eyes required; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Sitting (8 hours); Simple grasping (2-4 hours); Fine manipulation (including keyboarding 4-6 hours); Twisting (2 hours); Mental and emotional stability.

Major Duties:

A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual.

Major Duties: Functions as a primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures such as cataracts, vitrectomies, dental implants, odontectomies.

Sets up sterile field with all required items for each procedure such as, fiber optic equipment, laparoscopic equipment, microscopes, lasers, urologic equipment, recording devices, and other operating room supplies and equipment.

Prepares, organizes, and maintains highly complex sterile surgical setups for ophthalmic surgical procedures.

Utilizes standard precautions and follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment.

In conjunction with the circulating Registered Nurse (RN), performs sponge, sharps and instrument counts to verify accuracy per facility policy and procedures.

Assists the surgeon by performing such procedures as holding retractors, applying skin staples, and cutting sutures. Performs non-technical maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions.

Provides guidance and support to other Surgical Technicians.

Work Schedule: Monday -Friday, Rotating Shift (6:30am - 3:00pm / 7:00am - 3:30pm / 7:30am - 4:00pm / 8:00am to 4:30pm) Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Surgical Technician - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized/PD03978A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized