Veterans Health Administration Logo
Position Title
Surgical Technician
Agency
Veterans Health Administration
Announcement Number
CBTA-12746720-25-RS Opens in new window
Open Period
Thursday, June 12, 2025 to Monday, June 30, 2025
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
Preferences
1. Which of the following items describes your current or recent (within the last five years) political appointee service?

If you responded yes to any of the items below, you will need to include a SF-50 specifying your prior service.
(limit characters)
Your resume must be submitted in English and include the following information for each job listed:
  • Job title Duties (be as detailed as possible)
  • Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
  • Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
  • Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held
  • Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.
Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages or encrypted, and digitally signed documents linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications.
(limit characters)
By submitting your application, you are certifying, to the best of your knowledge and belief, all the information submitted by you with your application for employment is true, complete, and made in good faith, and that you have truthfully and accurately represented your work experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and education (degrees, accomplishments, etc.). The information you provide as part of your application may be investigated. You are also certifying, and acknowledging, that misrepresenting your experience or education, or providing false or fraudulent information in, or with your application, may affect your eligibility for appointment and/or continued employment. False or fraudulent statements may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (18 U.S.C. 1001). (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Select the appropriate answer to each of the following questions based on your current level of experience and/or education or training that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of this position. When answering the questionnaire, remember that your experience and education are subject to verification by investigation. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation of experience or education as proof to support your answers, or you may be required to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed ability to perform a task. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). (limit characters)
English Language Proficiency (limit characters)
1. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Are you proficient in basic written and spoken English?
(limit characters)
Minimum Qualification Requirements: Select the ONE statement below that best describes your experience and/or education to meet the minimum requirements for this position. Please refer to the Qualifications and Duties sections of this announcement for detailed information. (limit characters)
2. For this Surgical Technician, GS-07 position, I have:
(limit characters)
For each task in the following groups, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. (limit characters)
The following statements pertain to Patient Care: Knowledge of direct patient care techniques, including activities of daily living (ADLs), ambulating patients, infection control, and emergency response; uses appropriate safety precautions. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
3. Assists the surgical team with patient positioning, prepping, and setting up the operative field.
(limit characters)
4. Provides transportation of patients to and from the surgical/operating room.
(limit characters)
5. Recognizes changes in patient condition and takes appropriate actions in response to the situation.
(limit characters)
6. Provides guidance and support to staff regarding infection control and patient safety protocol.
(limit characters)
7. Provides emotional support to patients before, during and after surgery.
(limit characters)
The following statements pertain to Medical Information: Knowledge of medical information and/or terminology related to the diagnoses, treatment, and prevention of human injuries and diseases. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions and preventive health care measures. Understands and uses medical, surgical and/or dental terminology. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
8. Plans and discusses each procedure with surgical professionals to determine proper positioning and assurances of all supplies/equipment are available.
(limit characters)
9. Assists the surgeon by performing such procedures as preparing skin grafts, suctioning, holding retractors, applying skin staples, and cutting sutures.
(limit characters)
10. Prepares prosthesis and/or surgical devices during procedures.
(limit characters)
11. Assists in training staff in the operation of equipment, sterile technique, handling of instruments, and operating room/surgical procedures.
(limit characters)
12. Utilizes medical terminology when interpreting requests and provide proper documentation for surgical procedures.
(limit characters)
The following statements pertain to Infection Control: Promotes infection prevention and control. Demonstrates application of the principles of infection control in all activities (i.e. proper hand washing procedures, etc.). Understands and utilizes standard precautions and uses proper protective equipment. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
13. Prepares, organizes, and maintains highly complex sterile surgical setups.
(limit characters)
14. Utilizes universal precautions to protect patients and staff from exposure to any infectious materials.
(limit characters)
15. Follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment.
(limit characters)
16. Monitors and maintains sterile practices throughout surgical procedures.
(limit characters)
17. Cleans and sterilizes surgical equipment using appropriate methods, germicides and sterilizers.
(limit characters)
The following statements pertain to Technical Competence: Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
18. Handles instruments, supplies and equipment during a variety of surgical procedures.
(limit characters)
19. Sets up sterile field with all required items (equipment, instruments, supplies and/or devices) for each procedure.
(limit characters)
20. Anticipates the needs of the surgeon by maintaining a high level of concentration for extended periods of time.
(limit characters)
21. Understands and follows protocols for handling various specimens.
(limit characters)
The following statements pertain to your Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
22. Performs sharps, sponge, and instrument counts of surgical items before and after surgical procedures.
(limit characters)
23. Assists surgical team members to identify and implement performance improvement measures.
(limit characters)
24. Monitors proper functioning of instruments and equipment at the surgical field.
(limit characters)
25. Determines the effectiveness of sterilization, packing, storage, and shelf life.
(limit characters)
26. Observes and responds promptly to each stage of the surgical procedure.
(limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
27. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement, commit deception, or fraud in this application and its surrounding materials, or any document, or interview associated with the examination process, my eligibilities may be cancelled; I may be denied an appointment or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated and that responding "No", or providing no response to this item, will result in my not being considered for this position. (limit characters)
Resume Reminder- Your resume must include the following information each job listed: Job title; Duties (be as detailed as possible); Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008); Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week); Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held. Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail. Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications. (limit characters)
Transcript Reminder - If you are basing your qualifications on education (or a combination of education and experience) or if the position requires a college education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application. (limit characters)
Veteran's Preference Documentation Reminder - In order to receive appropriate preference consideration, you should submit proper documentation if you are claiming eligibility for veteran's preference, which includes a copy of your DD-214 (member copy 4 or earlier version that shows character of service). Applicant's claiming 10-Point preference should also submit an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference along with the required documentation listed on the SF-15 form (such as verification of service-connected disability percentage). (limit characters)