Launch Your Healthcare Career: Health Technician (Surgical) in Tacoma
Are you a skilled surgical professional looking to transition your career into the federal sector? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking talented individuals to serve as Health Technicians (Surgical) at our medical facility in Tacoma, Washington. This role is a cornerstone of the operating room team, ensuring that patients receive safe, high-quality care during surgical procedures. If you have the drive to support our nation’s service members and their families, this may be the perfect opportunity for you.
Job Responsibilities
As a Health Technician, your daily tasks will involve more than just technical support. You will be responsible for:
- Patient Transit: Moving patients safely from hospital units to the operating room.
- Screening: Ensuring patients are prepped according to surgical protocols (e.g., verifying medication, checking for prosthetic devices).
- Surgical Setup: Organizing instruments and equipment based on specific procedure requirements and surgeon preference cards.
- Sterilization: Managing the decontamination, cleaning, and sterilization of equipment post-surgery.
- Mentorship: Providing guidance and training to students and newer team members.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement Type | Detail |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | United States Citizen |
| Experience | 1 Year of specialized experience (GS-06 level or equivalent) |
| Suitability | Must pass drug testing and fitness checks |
| Education | No substitution allowed |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $56,715 to $73,731. The salary includes applicable locality pay for the Tacoma region. Furthermore, the agency may authorize advanced-in-hire pay for qualified candidates new to the federal service.
Benefits
Federal employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health insurance plans.
- Generous federal retirement contributions via FERS and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Ample paid time off, including federal holidays.
- Career stability within the Department of Defense.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of selection, follow these steps:
- Keep your resume concise; strictly adhere to the two-page limit.
- Use clear, descriptive language for your professional experience.
- Verify all supporting documents are clearly labeled and meet the requirements of the announcement.
Serving as a Health Technician (Surgical) with the Defense Health Agency offers both professional growth and the satisfaction of supporting the Joint Force. With competitive pay and a commitment to healthcare excellence, this position represents a significant opportunity for the right candidate. Submit your application by June 30, 2026, to be considered.
Why This Health Technician (Surgical) Job Matters
Advance your career in surgical care with the Defense Health Agency in Tacoma—a critical role supporting those who serve our nation.
Health Technician (Surgical) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking two dedicated Health Technicians (Surgical) to join our team at a military medical facility in Tacoma, Washington. This role is vital to the operating room environment, providing essential support to surgeons, nurses, and anesthetists. You will play a key role in patient preparation, surgical instrumentation, and maintaining the highest standards of sterile facility operations. This is a dynamic opportunity for experienced surgical technicians to contribute to the healthcare readiness of our military community.
Requirements for Health Technician (Surgical)
- Must be a United States Citizen.
- Must possess at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level or equivalent.
- Experience must include patient screening, surgical preparation, and handling surgical instruments/supplies in an operating room setting.
- Must pass a drug screening test as required by the position.
- Must submit a resume of two pages or less to be considered.
- Must undergo mandatory immunization screening for healthcare facility operations.
Preferred Qualifications for Health Technician (Surgical)
- Experience in training students or newly assigned personnel in sterile techniques.
- Demonstrated ability to follow complex operative worksheets and physician preference cards.
- Proficiency in advanced sterilization and aseptic procedural protocols.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
- ✓Paid federal holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
- ✓Advanced-in-hire eligibility and salary negotiation for new federal employees.
💡 How to Apply Health Technician (Surgical) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Health Technician (Surgical) Job
- Ensure your resume is formatted to be two pages or less.
- Log in or create an account on the official federal job application portal.
- Complete the online questionnaire in its entirety.
- Upload all required supporting documentation and confirm they pass the virus scan.
- Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM EST deadline on June 30, 2026.
- Monitor your status via the online dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Use clear, plain language in your resume and avoid industry acronyms that may be unfamiliar to HR staff.
- Explicitly detail your work hours per week, job titles, and dates (month/year) for every position listed.
- Triple-check that your resume is under the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this length will be automatically disqualified.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to account for potential technical issues or document upload delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No, this position strictly requires specialized experience. Education cannot be substituted for the professional experience needed for this role.
What happens if I don't submit my immunization records?
Employees in medical treatment facilities are subject to mandatory immunization screening. Failure to undergo this screening, or refusing to do so, will result in the withdrawal of a job offer.
Is a security clearance required?
No, this position is designated as non-sensitive/low risk, though it is subject to suitability and fitness checks.
Are relocation expenses covered?
While PCS costs are not authorized, recruitment or relocation incentives may be available for highly qualified candidates.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an in-facility role requiring your physical presence in the Tacoma medical facility.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system dedicated to providing world-class medical services to more than 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. As a strategic partner in the Department of Defense, the DHA enables medical readiness through a robust network of hospitals and clinics, ensuring our forces remain healthy and prepared, anywhere in the world.