Launch Your Healthcare Career as a Medical Supply Technician at the VA
If you are looking for a career that combines technical skill with a deep commitment to service, the Medical Supply Technician (MST) position at the VA St. Louis Health Care System may be your perfect next step. As a key member of the Sterile Processing Service (SPS), you will ensure that our healthcare providers have the sterile, high-quality instruments they need to save lives every single day.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will work between contaminated and sterile environments. Your primary tasks include:
- Decontamination: Removing biological contaminants from surgical tools using specialized cleaning agents and ultrasonic equipment.
- Sterilization: Operating steam and chemical sterilizers to ensure instruments are ready for surgical use.
- Assembly: Preparing custom instrument sets and case carts for operating rooms based on daily schedules.
- Quality Control: Inspecting equipment for wear, rust, or damage to ensure optimal performance.
Requirements
To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen and pass a federal background check. You must demonstrate proficiency in English and pass a pre-employment physical.
| Level | Experience/Education Required |
|---|---|
| GS-03 | Basic entry requirements met |
| GS-04 | 6 months experience or 2 years of related education |
| GS-05 | 1 year of experience or Bachelor's degree |
| GS-06 | 1 year of experience at the next lower grade |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $45,164 to $82,198 per year. Pay placement depends on individual experience and qualifications.
Benefits
- Generous leave (up to 50 days of total time off annually).
- Comprehensive Federal health and insurance plans.
- Federal pension and 401(k) matching.
- Parental leave and childcare subsidies.
Application Tips
- Be Detailed: Clearly outline your experience handling medical equipment.
- Don't Forget Volunteer Work: Include any relevant experience from volunteer programs or student training.
- Stay Current: Ensure all licenses and transcripts are up to date and uploaded to your application.
Serving our Veterans requires precision, care, and dedication. As a Medical Supply Technician, you will be the backbone of our surgical teams, ensuring that our patients receive the safest care possible. Apply today to join a rewarding, mission-driven team.
Why This Medical Supply Technician - Sps Job Matters
Join the VA St. Louis Health Care System and play a vital role in ensuring patient safety through expert sterile processing of medical equipment.
Medical Supply Technician - Sps Job Overview
The VA St. Louis Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Medical Supply Technician (MST) to join our Sterile Processing Service (SPS) at the John Cochran VA Hospital. In this role, you will be instrumental in the decontamination, sterilization, and preparation of reusable medical devices (RMD) that support our surgical and clinical services. This position is essential to maintaining the high standards of care our Veterans deserve, ensuring that every instrument used in our facilities is pristine, functional, and ready for patient care.
Requirements for Medical Supply Technician - Sps
- Must be a United States citizen (non-citizens may be appointed only if no qualified citizens are available).
- Must be proficient in both written and spoken English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and drug screening.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must successfully undergo a background and security investigation.
- Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Supply Technician - Sps
- Relevant experience in a clinical or surgical setting performing sterile processing.
- Educational background in sterile processing, nursing assistance, or related surgical technician coursework.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret complex medical terminology and manufacturer equipment instructions.
- Strong technical skills in operating specialized sterilization equipment such as steam and chemical sterilizers.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary with regular increases.
- ✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays annually.
- ✓Comprehensive Federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance programs.
- ✓Traditional Federal pension and 401(k) retirement plan with agency matching up to 5%.
- ✓Paid parental leave (following 12 months of service).
- ✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible full-time employees.
💡 How to Apply Medical Supply Technician - Sps Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Medical Supply Technician - Sps Job
- Create or log in to your account at the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a comprehensive resume detailing your paid and unpaid work history.
- Gather supporting documents such as transcripts, certifications, and SF-50s if applicable.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided application link.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of 11/06/2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific: Describe your duties clearly so hiring managers do not have to guess your level of expertise.
- Include volunteer experience: Qualifying experience includes unpaid community service, professional organizations, and student placements.
- Double-check your documents: Ensure your resume is in the long-form format and all required certifications are attached.
- Monitor your status: Use your USAJOBS account to track the progress of your application after submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Medical Supply Technician do at the VA?
The MST is responsible for the critical task of cleaning, disinfecting, assembling, and sterilizing medical instruments used in surgeries and clinical procedures to prevent infection and ensure patient safety.
Can I qualify for this job with just education?
Yes, depending on the grade level, you may qualify through a combination of education (specifically health-related courses) and professional experience.
Is this position eligible for telework?
No, this is a hands-on, on-site position located at the John Cochran VA Hospital.
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 nation’s military and for their families.” The VA St. Louis Health Care System is a premier, two-division facility that serves as a hub for medical, surgical, and psychiatric excellence in Missouri and Illinois.