Become a Medical Supply Technician: Serving Those Who Served
Are you looking for a career that combines technical skill with a deep sense of purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs is hiring a Medical Supply Technician at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia. This vital position ensures that the medical equipment used in surgeries and clinical procedures is perfectly sanitized and ready for use.
Job Responsibilities
As a Medical Supply Technician, your primary objective is to maintain the integrity of medical instruments. Your daily duties will include:
- Decontamination: Thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting reusable medical devices using specialized equipment.
- Sterilization: Operating steam, Sterrad, and other sterilizers to ensure instruments are ready for clinical use.
- Assembly: Assembling surgical trays and case carts according to specific surgeon and department requirements.
- Distribution: Transporting critical equipment across the Augusta healthcare system, including the Uptown and Downtown divisions.
- Documentation: Maintaining accurate records of equipment cycles, expiration dates, and efficiency testing.
Requirements
You must meet specific federal eligibility requirements to be considered for this role, including:
- Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required.
- Background Check: Successful clearance of a security investigation and a pre-employment physical.
- Drug Testing: As a testing-designated position, you will be required to undergo drug screening.
- Vaccinations: Participation in the annual seasonal influenza program is mandatory.
Grade Level Comparison
| Level | Experience/Education Focus | Key Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| GS-03 | Entry Level | Initial training and task observation |
| GS-04 | Developmental | Basic instrument assembly and decontamination |
| GS-05 | Developmental | Intermediate sterilization and case cart prep |
| GS-06 | Full Performance | Full decontamination, sterilization, and oversight |
Salary and Benefits
We offer a competitive compensation package designed to reward your hard work. The pay range for this position is $37,905 to $68,986 annually, depending on your experience and qualifications.
Why Choose the VA?
- Paid Leave: Enjoy generous annual and sick leave accrual plus 11 paid Federal holidays.
- Work-Life Balance: Access to paid parental leave and childcare subsidies for eligible families.
- Retirement: A robust federal retirement package including a pension and 401K-style savings plan.
Application Tips
To ensure your application stands out, follow these tips:
- Use the Clinical Resume: The VA requires a specific clinical resume format. Download the document from the agency link provided in the application section to ensure you meet the formatting criteria.
- Be Detailed: When writing your resume, do not just list titles. Describe the actual work you performed, the equipment you used, and the sterile processes you followed.
- Check Your Status: Log in to your USAJOBS account regularly to view your application status and check for any additional requests for information.
If you are a detail-oriented professional ready to contribute to a world-class healthcare team in Augusta, we encourage you to apply. Your work directly affects patient safety and the success of our surgical teams. Join the VHA and help us deliver the best possible care to America's Veterans.
Why This Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Job Matters
Join the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center team and play a critical role in patient safety by ensuring every medical instrument is sterile, safe, and ready for life-saving care.
Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Medical Supply Technician to join the Sterile Processing Service in Augusta, Georgia. In this role, you will be the backbone of clinical operations, responsible for the decontamination, inspection, and sterilization of reusable medical equipment (RME). You will work across various facility locations, including the Uptown and Downtown divisions and Community-Based Outpatient Clinics, ensuring that our Veterans receive the high-quality, compassionate care they deserve. Whether you are an entry-level candidate or an experienced professional, this position offers a path to grow your career within the federal healthcare system.
Requirements for Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Must pass a drug screening test.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Must be willing to undergo a background and security investigation.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be able to stand and walk for the entire workday.
- Ability to lift and bend with packages occasionally weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)
- Possession of a Sterile Processing Certification.
- Minimum of one year of professional experience in a sterile processing environment.
- Experience in an operating room or surgical technician setting.
- Demonstrated knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology.
- Experience operating large vehicles for equipment transport.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- ✓Traditional federal pension and 401K-style savings plan with employer matching
- ✓13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave annually
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays
- ✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months
- ✓Child care subsidy program eligibility
- ✓Regular salary step increases
💡 How to Apply Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload your resume, transcripts, and any applicable eligibility documents (e.g., SF-50, DD-214).
- Submit your full application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume; do not rely on the hiring team to make assumptions about your experience.
- Ensure your resume highlights both paid and relevant volunteer experience.
- Double-check that you have uploaded all required documentation, including the mandatory clinical resume format.
- Keep your contact information updated in your USAJOBS profile to receive status notifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Medical Supply Technician?
You are responsible for the decontamination, sterilization, assembly, and distribution of reusable medical equipment used throughout the VA health system.
Is a sterile processing certification required?
It is preferred but not strictly required for all grade levels. However, relevant experience or specific education in healthcare is mandatory.
Does the VA offer career growth?
Yes, this position serves as a ladder from GS-03 to GS-06, allowing for professional development and promotion potential within the agency.
Is relocation assistance offered for this role?
No, relocation assistance is not authorized for this position.
What is the work schedule for this position?
Shifts are generally scheduled between Monday and Friday, with specific hours including 3:30pm–12:00am or 7:30am–4:00pm.
How often is competency validated?
Competency validation for the reprocessing of reusable medical devices occurs at least annually.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) operates the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. We are dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our military, as well as their families and survivors. Joining our team means becoming part of a mission-driven organization that values compassion, integrity, and excellence.