Launch Your Career as a Surgical Health Technician with the DHA
Are you a skilled surgical professional looking to transition into a mission-driven career? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently hiring a Health Technician (Surgical) in Tacoma, Washington. This role is a cornerstone of the military healthcare system, providing essential support to the surgical teams that keep our service members and their families healthy.
Job Responsibilities
As a Health Technician (Surgical), your daily tasks include:
- Verifying patient identity and surgical readiness, including removing prosthetics or jewelry.
- Preparing specialized instruments and supplies tailored to individual surgeon preferences.
- Assisting the surgical team with instrument counts, dressing applications, and sterile techniques.
- Managing the cleaning, disinfection, and maintenance of the operating room environment.
- Sterilizing and cataloging instrument trays for future surgical procedures.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-07 level position, you must meet strict federal criteria:
- Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level.
- Certification: You must hold and submit a valid, job-related surgical license or certification.
- Documentation: A resume of two pages or less is required.
- Status: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Experience Level | Must demonstrate GS-06 level duties |
| Education | Substitution not permitted |
| Certification | Required at time of application |
| Resume Length | Maximum 2 pages |
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary range of $56,715 to $73,731 per year, commensurate with federal pay scales. In addition to salary, employees may be eligible for recruitment incentives and the extensive benefits package offered to federal employees, including comprehensive health coverage and retirement planning.
Application Tips
Success in federal hiring depends on detail. Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience with surgical instrument assembly and patient transport. Always verify that your attached license is clear and legible. Failure to provide this document will result in an automatic "ineligible" rating. Finally, submit your application well before the November 9, 2026 deadline to avoid potential technical issues during the upload process.
If you have the precision, dedication, and clinical expertise to support our military surgical teams, the DHA is the place for you. Apply today to begin a rewarding career in federal healthcare.
Why This Health Technician (Surgical) Job Matters
Support our nation's heroes by joining the Defense Health Agency in Tacoma as a Surgical Health Technician, where your precision and expertise make a direct impact on patient readiness and surgical outcomes.
Health Technician (Surgical) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Health Technician (Surgical) to join our team in Tacoma, Washington. In this vital role, you will be an integral member of the surgical team, ensuring that operating rooms are prepared for excellence and that patients receive the highest standard of care throughout their surgical journey. This position is essential to our mission of providing world-class healthcare to uniformed service members, retirees, and their families.
Requirements for Health Technician (Surgical)
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level (or equivalent) in surgical instrument assembly and operating room support.
- Must possess and submit a valid, job-related license or certification.
- Ability to maintain strict sterile technique at all times.
- Must be able to pass a drug test.
- Commitment to reporting for duty during contingency operations or emergency situations (Mission Essential).
- Resume must not exceed two pages; longer resumes will not be considered.
Preferred Qualifications for Health Technician (Surgical)
- Demonstrated experience in anticipating surgeon instrument needs.
- Proven history of effective patient screening and transport protocols.
- Expertise in maintaining, disinfecting, and sterilizing complex surgical instrumentation.
- Strong communication skills for patient reassurance and surgical team coordination.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary range.
- ✓Potential for salary negotiation for new federal employees.
- ✓Recruitment incentives may be authorized for qualified candidates.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
- ✓Generous paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
- ✓Access to a robust, integrated healthcare delivery system.
💡 How to Apply Health Technician (Surgical) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Health Technician (Surgical) Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, focusing on specialized surgical experience.
- Complete the online questionnaire as prompted by the application portal.
- Upload all required documentation, including your license or certification.
- Verify that your application package is complete and submitted before the deadline of November 9, 2026.
- Monitor your USAJOBS dashboard for status updates.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes clear start/end dates (month/year) and the average hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Do not use acronyms; write out professional terms to ensure clarity for HR reviewers.
- Proofread your application to avoid inflated qualifications, which can result in disqualification.
- Upload documents early to allow time for the automated virus scan process.
- Ensure your license or certification copy is attached, or you will be rated ineligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is education a substitute for the required experience?
No, this position requires specific hands-on experience alone. Education cannot be substituted for the specialized surgical experience requirement.
What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?
Per the announcement guidelines, resumes exceeding two pages will be automatically removed from consideration.
Is this a remote or telework-eligible position?
No, this position is onsite at a Medical Treatment Facility and is not eligible for telework or remote status.
Does this job require a security clearance?
No, this position is designated as non-sensitive.
Is relocation assistance offered?
No, the government has determined that a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move is not in the government's interest for this role.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system that delivers services across the Department of Defense. From combat support to routine dental and pharmacy programs, the DHA ensures readiness for over 9.5 million beneficiaries worldwide. Joining the DHA means becoming part of an elite team of professionals dedicated to the highest standards of medical excellence.