Launch Your Career as a Surgical Technician at the Hines VA

Are you a skilled surgical professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently hiring a dedicated Surgical Technician to join the expert team at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in Hines, Illinois. This is an incredible opportunity to provide life-saving support to those who have served our country.

Job Responsibilities

As a Surgical Technician, you are the backbone of the operating room. Your daily duties will include:

Setting up sterile fields with complex equipment like fiber optics, laparoscopic tools, and microscopes.
Serving as the primary scrub person for various procedures including Urology, Podiatry, and General Surgery.
Assisting surgeons with retractors, sutures, and preparing surgical devices.
Maintaining meticulous instrument counts and ensuring infection control protocols are followed.
Training new staff and students on surgical protocols.

Requirements

To be considered for this vital role, applicants must meet specific federal criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent.
Education: Graduate-level education in surgical technology or related fields may be substituted for experience.
Physicality: Must be capable of lifting and positioning patients and standing for extended periods.

Salary and Comparison Table

Compensation for this role is set according to the General Schedule. Below is a breakdown of the position details.

Feature	Details
Position Title	Surgical Technician
Location	Hines, Illinois
Salary Range	$56,409 - $73,333 per year
Job Category	Health Aid And Technician
Appointment Type	Permanent

Benefits

Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package that includes:

Competitive health and life insurance.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Accrual of annual and sick leave.
Access to professional training and career advancement programs.

Application Tips

Keep it Concise: Your resume must be two pages or less.
Be Specific: Explicitly state the number of hours worked per week for every job listed on your resume.
Use PDF: Always upload your documents in PDF format to maintain professional formatting.
Monitor Assessments: If you receive an assessment link, complete it within the designated timeframe to remain eligible.

This role offers a unique blend of technical challenge and humanitarian reward. If you are ready to serve our Veterans while advancing your surgical career, we encourage you to submit your application by the November 5, 2026 deadline.

Why This Surgical Technician Job Matters

Elevate your surgical career by supporting our nation's heroes at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital.

Surgical Technician Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Surgical Technician to join our perioperative team in Hines, Illinois. This role is pivotal in ensuring the success of complex surgical procedures, directly impacting the quality of care for Veterans. You will work within a high-complexity Level 1A facility, collaborating with surgeons and nursing staff to maintain sterile fields, manage advanced equipment, and provide vital intraoperative support.

Requirements for Surgical Technician

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Must be registered with the Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959).
Must serve a one-year probationary period.
Possess at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent.
Ability to provide manual assistance with lifting and positioning patients.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Current federal employees must demonstrate one-year time-in-grade eligibility.

Preferred Qualifications for Surgical Technician

Three years of professional experience as a Surgical Technician.
Proven track record of maintaining sterile fields in high-complexity surgical environments.
Demonstrated ability to anticipate surgical needs and maintain focus during long procedures.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Retirement savings plans including FERS and TSP.
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Stable, mission-driven work environment.

💡 How to Apply Surgical Technician Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Surgical Technician Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that specifically details your relevant experience, duties, and hours worked per week.
Submit your online application and complete the initial questionnaire via the USAJOBS portal.
If required, complete the USA Hire Assessments within the provided deadline.
Upload all necessary supporting documents including transcripts and SF-50 forms if applicable.
Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is no longer than two pages to comply with federal requirements.
Quantify your experience by listing hours worked per week for each position.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure all required information is included in the correct format.
Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Check your email frequently for notifications regarding assessment links and status updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is telework authorized for this position?

No, this is an on-site position at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital and does not allow for telework.

What is the work schedule?

The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, with a requirement to be on-call for weekends and holidays.

Are veterans' preference rules applied?

Because this position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority, traditional veterans' preference rules do not apply; however, qualified veterans will receive full consideration.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served our nation's military and their families. Working at a Level 1A complexity facility like the Hines VA Hospital means you will be part of a high-performance team committed to excellence in whole health care.