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Medical Instrument Technician (Surgical Technologist) - GS-0649-08

Defense Health Agency
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 25 Mar 2026

About the role

Overview

About This Position: This position is located at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center,Director for Surgery Dept. of Preoperative Nursing Main Operating Room, Bethesda, MD. 

 

This position provides direct surgical support of a highly specialized nature to patients undergoing surgery including the newest and most complex, state-of-the-art procedures in multi-specialties..

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), formerly known as the National Naval Medical Center and colloquially referred to as Bethesda Naval Hospital, Walter Reed, or Navy Med, is a United States military medical center located in Bethesda, Maryland. It is one of the largest and most prominent military medical centers in the nation and has provided medical care for several U.S. presidents since its opening in 1940.

In 2011, the Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC), named after yellow fever researcher Walter Reed, was combined with the National Naval Medical Center to form the tri-service Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

 

Working for the Department of Defense comes with an abundance of benefits and perks to include competitive compensation packages, paid time off, medical benefits, student loan repayments, and retirement package with Thrift Savings Plan to include matching employer contributions. For more information, please visit the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/benefits/  

 

Who May Apply: US Citizen

 

This is a Direct Hire Solicitation

 

Responsibilities

As a Medical Instrument Technician (Surgical Technologist) you will:

 

  • Check patient's chart, surgical consent, and identification band for completeness.
  • Assist in positioning of patients for procedures, ensuring the patient has been correctly prepared for surgery.
  • Perform sponge, needle and sharps count during various periods of all surgical procedures.
  • Obtain sterile supplies, equipment, positioning devices, instrumentation, sutures, sponges, dressing, linens, etc., for specific procedures.
  • Ensure the availability of equipment, instruments, and supplies for surgical procedures.
  • Pass instruments and equipment to the surgeon during surgical procedures by anticipating the surgeon's needs.
  • Have a working knowledge of the surgical scheduling system (S3) to be able to schedule surgeries and pull reports when needed.
  • Prepare a patient for surgery; arrange Operating Room (OR) equipment, instruments, and supplies accord to the preference of the surgeons and nurses.
  • Select, assemble, and organize required supplies (setup, connect, test, operate drills, saws, etc.) and instruments for surgical procedure.
  • Work as an integral part of the healthcare team alongside surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and other personnel before, during and after surgery.
  • Provide direct surgical support of a highly specialized nature to patients undergoing surgery including the newest and most complex, state-of-the-art procedures in multi-specialties.
  • After the operation, apply dressings and prepare the OR for the next case.
  • Performs Other Duties as Assigned

 

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizen

 

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes assisting surgical providers in a variety of procedures; and maintaining various surgical equipment or instruments before, during, or after the operation. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07). OR Education: One and a half years of graduate level education in a field directly related to the work of the position, such as Biomedical Technology, Surgical Technology, or Cardiovascular Technology. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%.

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Company

Defense Health Agency

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