Advance Your Career as a Health Technician (Orthopedic) at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton
Are you looking to transition your clinical skills into a rewarding federal career? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently hiring Health Technicians (Orthopedic) for the Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton, California. This position offers a unique chance to work within an elite military treatment facility while directly impacting the quality of life for our active-duty service members, retirees, and their families.
Job Responsibilities
The Health Technician (Orthopedic) serves a multifaceted role in the Surgical Services department. Key responsibilities include:
- Patient Care: Applying, modifying, and removing various types of orthopedic casts using plaster and synthetic materials.
- Surgical Support: Serving as a first assistant to orthopedic surgeons during major operations and coordinating surgical requests with operating room staff.
- Clinical Operations: Maintaining and sterilizing medical instruments, managing inventory, and restocking supplies.
- Instruction: Providing on-the-job training to junior medical personnel, including medics and health technicians.
Comparison: Qualification Pathways
| Pathway | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Experience | 1 year of specialized orthopedic/surgical technician experience |
| Education | 9 semester hours of graduate-level health/kinesiology studies |
| Combination | A percentage-based mix of experience and relevant education |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the federal standards for the GS-6 grade level. You must demonstrate proficiency in the specialized tasks listed above through either professional experience or graduate-level academic study. Please note that this is a non-critical sensitive position; all applicants must be prepared to pass a security clearance background check and a pre-employment drug screening.
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this position ranges from $51,871 to $67,432 annually, which includes locality pay adjustments. Beyond salary, federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans (including the Thrift Savings Plan), and generous paid leave.
How to Apply
Applying for a federal position requires attention to detail. Ensure your resume does not exceed two pages and clearly lists your hours worked, job titles, and specific duties. Complete the online questionnaire through the USAJOBS portal before the closing date of November 14, 2026.
Can I negotiate my salary?
Salary negotiation may be available for candidates who are new to the federal service.
Will moving expenses be covered?
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Joining the team at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton is an excellent move for any medical professional looking to grow their career in a mission-driven environment. With clear advancement opportunities and the ability to serve our nation's heroes, this role provides significant professional and personal rewards. Ensure your application is accurate and submitted on time to be considered for this vital role.
Why This Health Technician (Orthopedic) Job Matters
Join the Defense Health Agency at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton and make a direct impact on the readiness and recovery of our military heroes.
Health Technician (Orthopedic) Job Overview
The Department of Defense is seeking dedicated Health Technicians (Orthopedic) to join the surgical services team at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. This critical role involves direct patient care, including casting, surgical assistance, and sterile processing. If you are a skilled medical professional ready to support our nation's uniformed service members and their families in a fast-paced clinical environment, this is an exceptional opportunity to advance your federal career.
Requirements for Health Technician (Orthopedic)
- Must be a United States Citizen.
- Possess one year of specialized experience in fabricating and applying casts, obtaining vital signs, and assisting with minor surgical procedures.
- Alternatively, completion of 9 semester hours of graduate-level education in kinesiology, health science, or a related field.
- Must be able to provide transcripts if qualifying based on education.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Completion of a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Health Technician (Orthopedic)
- Experience in a military or high-volume hospital orthopedic clinic.
- Demonstrated ability to train other medical staff on equipment and protocols.
- Expertise in maintaining sterile inventory and surgical supplies.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Locality Pay Adjustments
- ✓Comprehensive Health and Life Insurance
- ✓Federal Retirement Programs
- ✓Paid Time Off and Federal Holidays
- ✓Potential for Recruitment or Relocation Incentives
💡 How to Apply Health Technician (Orthopedic) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Health Technician (Orthopedic) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages and highlights specific orthopedic experience.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, including transcripts and performance appraisals if applicable.
- Submit your application package by the closing date of November 14, 2026.
- Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages; longer resumes will be excluded.
- Be precise with work hours per week, employer names, and specific start/end dates for every job entry.
- Avoid using acronyms—ensure your duties are described in plain language for HR reviewers.
- Double-check your application for completeness before hitting submit; missing documents result in disqualification.
- Submit your documents well in advance of the deadline to account for the internal virus scan process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, this position requires a Secret level security clearance and is subject to a background check.
Can I use volunteer experience to qualify?
Yes, relevant volunteer experience or unpaid work in medical settings can be credited toward the one-year experience requirement.
Is this a remote position?
No, this position requires on-site work at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton and is not eligible for telework.
What if my education is from a foreign institution?
Foreign education must be evaluated by a recognized private organization to ensure it is equivalent to an accredited U.S. program.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is an integrated combat support agency that enables the military medical services to provide a medically ready force and a ready medical force. By serving at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, you become part of a team dedicated to worldwide delivery of high-quality healthcare to over 9.5 million beneficiaries. This is more than just a clinical job; it is a commitment to the health and readiness of the United States Armed Forces.