Launch Your Career as a Health Technician (Surgical) at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
Are you a skilled surgical professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently recruiting for a Health Technician (Surgical) at the renowned Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. This role offers the unique opportunity to work within a premier federal healthcare environment, supporting the surgical needs of the Joint Force, service members, and their families.
About the Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system dedicated to providing medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million uniformed personnel and their beneficiaries worldwide. Operating as a strategic partner across the Department of Defense, the DHA fosters an environment of excellence, readiness, and inspired professional care. Joining the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth means becoming part of an organization that values precision, integrity, and service.
Job Responsibilities
The Health Technician (Surgical) plays a critical role in the daily efficiency of the operating room. Key duties include:
- Pre-operative Support: Following established nursing care plans to prepare both the patient and the operating room for upcoming procedures.
- Instrument Management: Organizing and handing specialized instruments to the surgeon during complex procedures.
- Supply Chain Operations: Ensuring that the OR remains stocked with the necessary equipment and medical supplies before, during, and after surgery.
- Facility Maintenance: Performing deep cleaning and restocking of the operating room to maintain high clinical standards between procedures.
Requirements
To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level, candidates must meet specific professional criteria:
- Specialized Experience: You must possess at least one year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-06 level, specifically in surgical room preparation and instrument handling.
- Licensure: A current, job-related professional license or certification is mandatory.
- Citizenship: All applicants must be U.S. citizens.
- Resume Guidelines: Resumes must be strictly two pages or less and explicitly state the hours worked per week and full employment dates.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $51,210 - $66,574 (Per Year) |
| Hiring Path | Open to the Public |
| Security Clearance | Secret |
| Benefits | Federal Health/Retirement Plans |
Why Join the DHA?
Working for the federal government provides not only competitive pay but also unparalleled career stability and long-term financial benefits. Employees enjoy access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), comprehensive health and life insurance options, and a supportive work-life balance. For highly qualified candidates, the DHA may offer additional recruitment incentives, advanced leave accrual, or higher-step pay placements.
Application Tips
- Be Precise: When describing your experience, detail exactly how you assisted surgeons or managed OR inventory.
- Formatting Matters: If your resume exceeds two pages, it will be automatically removed from consideration. Stick to the limit.
- Check Documents: Always ensure your professional license/certification is included. Missing documentation is the most common reason for application rejection.
If you are a surgical professional looking for a role that combines your clinical expertise with a mission-driven environment, this Health Technician position in Portsmouth is an ideal fit. Apply today to contribute to the readiness of our military healthcare system and advance your federal career.
Why This Health Technician (Surgical) Job Matters
Elevate your surgical career with the Defense Health Agency at the premier Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Health Technician (Surgical) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Health Technician (Surgical) to join the surgical team at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. This role is vital to our mission of delivering world-class medical support to service members and their families. As a surgical support professional, you will ensure our operating suites are prepared, sterile, and fully stocked for critical procedures. This position is a Direct Hire opportunity open to the public, offering a stable federal career path for candidates who possess the clinical skills and precision required to thrive in a high-paced, military medical environment.
Requirements for Health Technician (Surgical)
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level.
- Experience must include preparing surgical rooms and patients, assisting surgeons with instruments, and managing medical supplies.
- Must possess and submit a valid, job-related professional license or certification.
- Must successfully complete a one-year probationary period.
- Must pass a pre-employment medical and suitability assessment, including drug testing.
- Must meet Selective Service registration requirements for male applicants born after 1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Health Technician (Surgical)
- Demonstrated expertise in operating room sterilization protocols.
- Proven ability to maintain inventory control in a clinical setting.
- Strong communication skills for effective coordination with surgical teams.
- Prior experience in a military or federal medical facility.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Generous paid time off and federal holidays.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style) with employer matching.
- ✓Potential for recruitment incentives for highly qualified candidates.
- ✓Possible advanced leave accrual and salary-in-hire adjustments.
- ✓Career development and professional training opportunities.
💡 How to Apply Health Technician (Surgical) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Health Technician (Surgical) Job
- Log in or create an account on USAJOBS.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, including specific hours worked per week and detailed job duties.
- Complete the required online questionnaire via the provided portal.
- Gather and upload all necessary supporting documents, including your license or certification.
- Review your application for completeness, ensuring all documents meet the specific formatting guidelines.
- Submit your final application package before the deadline of August 28, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes month and year for every position held to calculate experience accurately.
- Use plain, clear language and avoid obscure acronyms.
- Double-check that your license or certification is attached; missing this will result in immediate disqualification.
- Submit your application early to allow time for the automated document virus scan to complete.
- Verify your status regularly through your USAJOBS applicant dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No. This position requires one year of qualifying specialized experience; education cannot be used to meet this requirement.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized for this position.
Is this a remote or telework-eligible position?
No, due to the clinical nature of surgical support, this position requires physical presence on-site at the Naval Medical Center.
Is this position permanent?
*A: This is a direct hire solicitation within the federal government, subject to a one-year probationary period.
Is relocation assistance offered?
*A: No, the government has determined that PCS move costs are not in the public interest for this vacancy.