Advanced Medical Supply Technician: A Vital Role in Veteran Care
The health and safety of our nation's Veterans depend on the precision, hygiene, and efficiency of our medical facilities. As an Advanced Medical Supply Technician (MST) at the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System, you serve as the backbone of surgical excellence. This role is not just about cleaning instruments; it is about ensuring that every tool used in complex life-saving procedures is sterile, functional, and ready when needed most.
Job Responsibilities
The Advanced MST performs high-level tasks essential to hospital operations, including:
- Decontamination: Properly cleaning, disassembling, and decontaminating critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment (RME).
- Sterilization: Utilizing specialized equipment (steam, Sterrad, VPro) to achieve full sterilization.
- Assembly: Preparing complex surgical sets for major procedures like open-heart and orthopedic surgeries.
- Troubleshooting: Analyzing mechanical failures in cleaning equipment and interpreting alarm systems to maintain production flow.
- Mentorship: Assisting in the training of new staff and maintaining quality assurance documentation.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet several federal criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Education/Experience: A combination of experience or health-related education is required.
- Physical Standards: Must be capable of standing for long periods and lifting objects up to 50 pounds.
- Clearance: Must pass security and background investigations.
Quick Qualification Comparison
| Qualification Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Education | 1 year post-high school with 6+ healthcare semester hours |
| Experience | 6 months of relevant specialized work experience |
| License | Must hold a valid California Driver's License |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $80,608 to $104,793 per year, commensurate with your experience and the duties of the GS-7 grade level.
Benefits
Employees of the VA receive a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive medical and dental insurance plans.
- Accrued annual leave starting from your first pay period.
- Retirement and pension options.
- Ongoing access to professional development and certification training.
Application Tips
- Be Precise: Don't leave your resume to interpretation. Explicitly list your experience with specific machines and surgical sets.
- Documentation: Ensure your SF-50 and transcripts are current and attached to your profile.
- Stay Timely: Applications must be submitted by the deadline of October 30, 2026.
If you are a detail-oriented professional looking to apply your sterile processing expertise in a setting where your work directly supports the health of our Veterans, we encourage you to apply. Join the VA team today and contribute to a legacy of exceptional care.
Why This Advanced Medical Supply Technician Job Matters
Join a dedicated team at the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System and play a vital role in patient safety by managing high-complexity medical instrumentation.
Advanced Medical Supply Technician Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a highly skilled Advanced Medical Supply Technician to join the Sterile Processing Service at the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital in Loma Linda, California. In this critical role, you will ensure the precision sterilization, preparation, and distribution of reusable medical equipment (RME), supporting complex surgical procedures including open-heart, orthopedic, and cardiovascular surgeries. This position is ideal for an experienced technician who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to delivering life-saving support to our nation's Veterans.
Requirements for Advanced Medical Supply Technician
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Minimum 6 months of specialized experience or 1 year of post-high school education including 6+ semester hours in healthcare-related courses.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Ability to pass a background security investigation.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.
- Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting up to 50 pounds.
- Willingness to work a 10:00 PM to 6:30 AM schedule with weekend on-call duties.
- Must maintain a valid California Driver's License.
Preferred Qualifications for Advanced Medical Supply Technician
- Advanced knowledge of sterilization equipment such as Sterrad, Steris, and high-level disinfection reprocessors.
- Experience in assembling complex instrument sets for surgical procedures.
- Strong mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting and adjusting processing equipment.
- Proven ability to mentor and train junior staff members.
- Expertise in performing and documenting quality assurance checks.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary package.
- ✓Comprehensive health and wellness coverage.
- ✓Federal leave accrual based on years of service.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Access to the VA Whole Health System of care.
- ✓Stable federal employment environment.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Advanced Medical Supply Technician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Advanced Medical Supply Technician Job
- Create or log into your account on the USAJobs portal.
- Prepare a detailed, long-form resume highlighting your sterile processing experience.
- Gather necessary documentation, including SF-50 forms (if applicable) and academic transcripts.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of October 30, 2026.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be specific in your resume—detail your experience with specific equipment and surgical sets.
- Ensure your resume accounts for volunteer work if it relates to your technical experience.
- Double-check that all required documents are uploaded to avoid disqualification.
- Monitor your email for notifications regarding your application status.
- Review the VA's qualification standards on their official portal prior to applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of environment will I be working in?
You will alternate between a highly controlled clean environment and a decontamination area. The role is physically demanding, involving constant walking, standing, and lifting of heavy equipment.
Is telework an option for this position?
No, this role requires on-site presence due to the hands-on nature of sterile processing, equipment maintenance, and surgical support.
What is the work schedule?
This position operates on a night shift (10:00 PM – 6:30 AM) with on-call requirements.
Can I use foreign education?
Yes, provided it is evaluated by an accredited private organization for equivalence to U.S. standards.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) operates the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. At the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital, we pride ourselves on a "Whole Health" approach—empowering Veterans to take charge of their well-being. By joining our team, you become a critical part of a mission-driven organization committed to honoring the sacrifices of those who served.
