Become a Surgical Technician with the VA in New Orleans
Are you a dedicated surgical professional with a passion for high-stakes, patient-centered care? The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System is seeking a highly qualified Surgical Technician to join their surgical team in New Orleans. This position offers a unique opportunity to apply your technical expertise to support the men and women who have served in our nation’s military.
Job Responsibilities
As a Surgical Technician, you will function as a vital link in the operating room. Your daily duties will include:
- Maintaining the integrity of the sterile field throughout surgical procedures.
- Preparing endoscopic towers and complex surgical instrumentation.
- Scrubbing in on a variety of procedures, including robotic, open-heart, and neurosurgical cases.
- Assisting with patient positioning and the use of life-saving equipment.
- Communicating effectively with all members of the surgical and nursing staff.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet specific Federal requirements:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Hold a minimum of one year of specialized experience at the GS-6 level.
- Complete a pre-employment physical evaluation.
- Successfully undergo a background investigation.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Surgical Technician |
| Location | New Orleans, LA |
| Salary | $50,460 - $65,599 |
| Grade Level | GS-7 |
| Closing Date | 10/26/2026 |
Salary Overview
This position is classified at the GS-7 grade level, offering a salary range of $50,460 to $65,599 per year. The VA provides a stable pay structure with opportunities for growth and benefits that are among the most competitive in the healthcare industry.
Benefits
Employees of the VA enjoy a robust suite of benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, life insurance, retirement planning (including a pension and 401k-style TSP), and generous paid time off.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of success, prioritize your most recent and relevant surgical experience. Ensure your resume adheres to the new two-page limit and clearly demonstrates your proficiency in surgical techniques.
Serving as a Surgical Technician with the VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to quality care for our nation's Veterans. If you possess the required skills and are ready to advance your career in a dynamic hospital environment, submit your application today.
Why This Surgical Technician Job Matters
Join a dedicated team of professionals providing life-saving surgical support to our nation’s heroes in the heart of New Orleans.
Surgical Technician Job Overview
The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System is seeking a highly skilled Surgical Technician (GS-7) to join our dynamic surgical team at our state-of-the-art medical center. This critical role involves working closely with medical officers, nurses, and specialists to ensure the highest standards of sterile technique and patient care. You will be an integral part of a facility committed to excellence in serving Veterans across 23 parishes, performing duties in a fast-paced, high-stakes surgical environment.
Requirements for Surgical Technician
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Completion of a mandatory online assessment.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment urinalysis for illegal drug use.
- Must be able to successfully complete a background and security investigation.
- Mandatory completion of a one-year probationary period.
- Willingness to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Registration with the Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959).
- Must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-6 grade level.
Preferred Qualifications for Surgical Technician
- Extensive experience scrubbing on complex, robotic, and open-heart surgical procedures.
- Comprehensive knowledge of surgical sub-specialties including Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Urology, and Plastics.
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and calibrate a wide range of specialized surgical instrumentation.
- Proficiency in sterile field maintenance and draping techniques for diverse surgical interventions.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Federal Health Insurance programs
- ✓Comprehensive life insurance coverage
- ✓Generous paid annual leave and sick leave accrual
- ✓Federal Retirement System eligibility
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
💡 How to Apply Surgical Technician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Surgical Technician Job
- Create or log into your account at the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a resume that specifically highlights your surgical experience, duties, and hours worked per week.
- Complete the online application and the mandatory questionnaire.
- Upload all required documentation, including licenses, transcripts, or military service records.
- Submit your application package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date of 10/26/2026.
- Monitor your email for a notification regarding the required USA Hire Assessments.
- Complete the assessment within the requested timeframe.
💡 General Tips
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your resume meets the strict two-page limit requirement.
- Be explicit in your resume about your experience level; do not leave the agency to make assumptions about your qualifications.
- Ensure your resume includes month/year of start and end dates and average hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and document length compliance.
- Double-check your application for errors before submitting, as omissions may impact your rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of the Surgical Technician?
The technician serves as a key member of the surgical team, handling sterile instrumentation, maintaining a sterile field, and providing direct assistance to surgeons during complex operations.
Is relocation assistance available?
No, relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.
Are there physical requirements for this job?
Yes. This position requires long hours of standing, lifting, bending, and the ability to maneuver heavy equipment and transport anesthetized patients.
What if I need reasonable accommodation?
You may request reasonable accommodation for the online assessment through the application portal before the assessment begins.
Is this a virtual position?
No, this role is on-site at the New Orleans medical facility.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling the promise made by President Lincoln: to care for those who have served in our military and their families. The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System represents the gold standard of care, serving Veterans across 23 parishes with a network of community clinics and a state-of-the-art medical center in New Orleans.