Advance Your Surgical Career: Health Technician (Surgical) at Phoenix Indian Medical Center

Are you a skilled surgical technician looking to make a meaningful impact? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently seeking a highly motivated Health Technician (Surgical) to join the dedicated medical team at the Phoenix Indian Medical Center. This role offers the unique chance to blend your technical expertise with a commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will be the backbone of the surgical suite. Your duties will include:

Sterile Field Management: Setting up and maintaining a sterile environment for all procedures.
Surgical Support: Directly assisting surgeons with instrumentation, retractor holding, and suturing.
Equipment Safety: Ensuring all surgical tools and devices are prepared and that potentially hazardous situations in the operating room are corrected immediately.
Patient Care: Supporting patient positioning to ensure proper exposure and protection during procedures.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria:

Certification: You must hold a current CST (NBSTSA) or TS-C (NCCT) certification.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level or equivalent.
Education: Graduate education may be substituted for experience if specific credit hour requirements are met.
Suitability: Successful completion of federal background and financial history checks is required.

Salary and Benefits Comparison

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$52,783 - $68,620
Grade Level	GS-07
Benefits	Federal Health Insurance, Leave Accrual, Retirement Plans
Location	Phoenix, Arizona

Application Tips

Use the Resume Builder: This ensures you include all necessary information, such as hours per week and salary history.
Documentation is Key: Ensure your certification and transcripts are uploaded early to avoid last-minute technical delays.
Assessments Matter: Complete the USA Hire Assessment promptly if you receive the notification.

Join us in Phoenix and take the next step in your medical career. With a competitive salary and the opportunity to serve a vital community, this surgical technician role is an excellent way to grow professionally while contributing to a mission that matters.

Why This Health Technician (Surgical) Job Matters

Advance your surgical career with the Indian Health Service at the Phoenix Indian Medical Center—where your precision expertise directly improves health outcomes for Native American communities.

Health Technician (Surgical) Job Overview

The Phoenix Indian Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Health Technician (Surgical) to join our interdisciplinary healthcare team. In this role, you will provide critical support during a wide array of surgical procedures, ranging from routine operations to complex interventions. You will serve as an integral part of the operating room staff, ensuring sterile environments, managing instrumentation, and directly assisting surgeons to facilitate high-quality patient care. This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical surgical skills within a mission-driven organization that values compassion, problem-solving, and community-focused service.

Requirements for Health Technician (Surgical)

Must possess current certification as a Certified Surgical Technician (CST) by the NBSTSA or Certified Technician in Surgery (TS-C) by the NCCT.
Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level in the Federal service, or equivalent private-sector experience.
Completion of one year (18 semester hours) of directly related graduate education may be substituted for experience.
Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must be able to successfully complete a federal background investigation and financial suitability review.
Must be able to meet on-call or standby duty requirements.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must provide valid, REAL ID-compliant identification prior to appointment.

Preferred Qualifications for Health Technician (Surgical)

Proven experience maintaining aseptic techniques in high-pressure surgical environments.
Strong ability to anticipate surgical needs and maintain focus for extended periods.
Demonstrated proficiency in assisting with skin grafts, suturing, and the handling of specialized surgical retractors and equipment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package.
✓Accrual of annual and sick leave based on length of federal service.
✓Opportunity to receive credit for previous non-federal experience or military service for leave accrual purposes.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
✓Membership in a supportive, professional interdisciplinary healthcare team.

💡 How to Apply Health Technician (Surgical) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Health Technician (Surgical) Job

Review the full vacancy announcement details on USAJobs.
Prepare your resume, ensuring it details job-related qualifications, hours worked, and salary history.
Click the 'Apply Online' button to start your application in the USA Staffing system.
Complete the required questionnaire and attach all necessary documentation, including your CST or TS-C certification.
If prompted, complete the USA Hire Assessments within the designated testing window.
Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM (ET) deadline on September 30, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all mandatory information is captured correctly.
Do not wait until the last minute; complete the USA Hire Assessment immediately upon receiving the link.
Ensure all supporting documents, especially certifications, are clear and legible.
Keep your contact information updated to receive notifications regarding your application status.
Carefully review your questionnaire answers; the hiring manager will evaluate your qualifications based on your claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

What certification is required for this position?

You must hold either a Certified Surgical Technician (CST) credential from the NBSTSA or a Certified Technician in Surgery (TS-C) credential from the NCCT.

Can I submit unofficial transcripts?

Yes, unofficial transcripts are accepted during the application process. If selected, you will be required to provide official transcripts prior to receiving a formal job offer.

Is this position eligible for relocation incentives?

Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for this position, subject to a minimum one-year service agreement.

What is the closing date for this announcement?

*A: The position is open until September 30, 2026.*

Can I receive credit for previous government work?

*A: Yes, the agency may credit related previous non-federal or military service for leave accrual purposes.*

Job from Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is a dynamic organization of dedicated healthcare providers committed to meeting the individual health needs of our patient population. As a member of our team, you will be joining a supportive, interdisciplinary group focused on service, creativity, and professional development in an adventurous, community-oriented environment.