Elevate Your Healthcare Career: Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) at Salem VA Medical Center

Are you an experienced sterile processing professional seeking a rewarding career serving America's Veterans? The Department of Veterans Affairs has opened a vacancy for a full-time Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) at the Salem VA Medical Center in Salem, Virginia. Positioned at the GS-06 pay grade, this opportunity allows dedicated healthcare professionals to contribute directly to surgical safety and clinical excellence while enjoying robust federal employee compensation and benefits.

Sterile processing is the backbone of safe patient care. As a Medical Supply Technician within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), you will oversee the critical decontamination, inspection, packaging, sterilization, and distribution of Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) and surgical instrumentation. If you possess a keen eye for detail, an understanding of infection control standards, and a passion for serving those who served, this role provides an ideal platform for your professional growth.

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About the Agency: Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare network in the United States, providing comprehensive care to millions of Veterans every year. Grounded in President Lincoln's pledge "To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan," the VA is committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality, whole-health care.

The Salem VA Medical Center is situated adjacent to Roanoke, Virginia, nestled within the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains. The Salem and Roanoke metropolitan area offers residents an extraordinary quality of life marked by a low cost of living, top-ranked public schools, vibrant cultural venues, and immediate access to scenic outdoor activities along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Appalachian Trail, and Smith Mountain Lake. Joining the team at Salem VA means working alongside clinical experts who value collaboration, safety, and unwavering dedication to Veteran well-being.

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Daily Job Responsibilities and Operational Duties

As a GS-06 Medical Supply Technician, you will execute full-performance sterile processing duties across both decontamination and clean processing zones. Working the Monday through Friday afternoon shift (1:00 PM to 9:45 PM), your work ensures that surgical suites and outpatient clinics always have access to safe, sterile instruments.

Key responsibilities include:

• Decontamination & Cleaning: Receiving soiled critical and semi-critical reusable medical equipment (RME) in the decontamination zone. Disassembling complex instruments and performing manual scrubbing, flushing, soaking, and mechanical washing using ultrasonic cleaners, automated washers, and specialized chemical decontamination agents.
• Inspection & Assembly: Thoroughly inspecting instruments for cleanliness, alignment, and function. Assembling specialized surgical tray sets according to preference cards and department procedures for operating rooms and specialized outpatient clinics.
• Sterilization Methods: Selecting and executing appropriate sterilization methods, including steam autoclaves, low-temperature gas systems (Sterrad, Steris, ETO), and high-level disinfection scope reprocessors.
• Quality Assurance & Auditing: Conducting mandatory operational test checks on equipment daily. Monitoring and documenting sterilizer loads using biological spore tests, chemical indicators, and lot control tracking numbers.
• Case Cart Preparation: Reviewing surgical schedules to build precise surgical case carts. Transporting clean and soiled case carts safely between clinical suites and the Sterile Processing Department.
• Inventory & Storage Management: Restocking sterile storage rooms, verifying package integrity, and maintaining defined PAR levels across clinical areas.

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Mandatory Qualifications and Requirements

To be considered eligible for this federal appointment, candidates must satisfy both general healthcare requirements and specific specialized technical qualifications:

General Qualifications

1. U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must hold U.S. citizenship. (Non-citizens may only be considered if no qualified citizen candidates are available).
2. English Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate fluent written and spoken English.
3. Health & Background Checks: Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation, urinalysis drug screening, and a federal background investigation.
4. Immunization: Mandatory participation in the annual VA seasonal influenza vaccination program.
5. Identification: Must provide valid identification compliant with REAL ID standards starting May 7, 2025.

GS-06 Grade Specialized Requirements

Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in federal service. This specialized background must demonstrate competency in:

• Removing organic debris, fluid, and soil through manual and automated decontamination methods.
• Operating sterilizing machinery (steam, ETO, low-temp plasma) and scope reprocessors.
• Inspecting and packaging basic and complex surgical tray sets for operating rooms.
• Utilizing knowledge of infection control, universal precautions, medical terminology, and surgical instrumentation.

Alternatively, entry-level qualification may be satisfied through a combination of high school education plus healthcare coursework (including sterile processing, surgical technology, or nursing assistant studies) or equivalent work experience.

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Salary Overview and Grade Level Comparison

Positioned at the GS-06 full-performance level, the salary range for this position is $56,646 to $73,640 annually. Step placement within the GS-06 scale is determined upon hire and may take into account candidate qualifications or specialized background through higher step-rate considerations.

Below is a comparison highlighting how entry-level healthcare supply foundation compares with the full-performance GS-06 Sterile Processing Technician role:

Feature / Metric	Entry-Level Baseline (GS-05 Equivalent)	Full-Performance Level (GS-06 Position)
Annual Pay Range	$45,000 – $55,000 (approximate)	$56,646 – $73,640
Work Complexity	Routine supply sorting, basic decontamination	Complex surgical tray assembly, multi-method sterilization
Supervision Level	Direct, frequent supervision	Works independently following established SOPs
Technical Skills	Basic cleaning & manual washing	Biological testing, high-level disinfection, case cart prep
Shift Hours	Varies by facility schedule	Mon-Fri, 1:00 PM – 9:45 PM

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Exceptional Federal Employee Benefits

Employment with the Department of Veterans Affairs offers a total reward package that extends far beyond your base compensation package:

• Extensive Paid Time Off: Receive 13 to 26 days of accrued annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays every year.
• Paid Parental Leave: Eligible for up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave following the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child after 12 months of service.
• Robust Pension & Retirement: Enrollment in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) defined benefit pension plan (5-year vesting standard), supplemented by the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to top-tier health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance plans that can be carried into retirement.
• Childcare Assistance: Full-time employees earning under $144,000 family income may qualify for up to $416.66 monthly in childcare subsidies after 60 days of service.

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Step-by-Step Guidance for Applicants

Navigating the federal hiring system requires precision and attention to detail. Follow these strategic steps to maximize your chances of referral:

1. Tailor Your Federal Resume: Do not use a short private-sector resume. Include detailed descriptions of past employment, listing specific hours worked per week, equipment operated (e.g., Sterrad, scope washers), and specific surgical specialties supported.
2. Highlight Key Knowledge Areas: Ensure your resume clearly reflects your working knowledge of universal precautions, cross-contamination prevention, human anatomy, medical terminology, and sterility principles.
3. Gather Required Supporting Documents: Collect your long-form resume, transcripts (if applying based on education), professional certifications (e.g., CRCST, CBSPD), DD-214 (if claiming Veterans' Preference), and SF-50 documentation (if current/former federal employee).
4. Complete the Assessment Questionnaire: Review the preview questions on USAJobs and answer every rating question accurately to reflect your highest level of demonstrated competence.
5. Submit Before the Deadline: Complete your submission well ahead of the official closing time on November 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the physical demands of working in Sterile Processing?

Sterile Processing Technicians alternate between hot, humid decontamination rooms and cool clean assembly environments. The role involves continuous standing, moving heavy instrument carts, wearing warm personal protective gear, and handling soiled surgical tools that carry strong odors or sharp edges.

Is this position eligible for telework or remote work arrangements?

No. Because this role requires direct physical contact with surgical tools, washers, and autoclaves, telework is not available for this position.

How will my application be evaluated?

Human Resources verifies your application against the qualification standards. Qualified candidates are referred to hiring managers who may conduct structured interviews and perform mandatory professional reference checks prior to tentative selection.

Are relocation expenses covered for this opening?

No recruitment incentives, relocation bonuses, or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) expenses are authorized for this job announcement.

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A career as a Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) with the Salem VA Medical Center offers a rare combination of competitive compensation, world-class benefits, and high-purpose work. By joining the team in Salem, Virginia, you will play a mission-critical role in making surgical care safe for America's military Veterans. Take the next step in your professional healthcare journey by preparing your application package and submitting it on USAJobs today!