Become an Orthopedic Technician at the VA Northern California Health Care System
Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our nation? The VA Northern California Health Care System is currently hiring an Orthopedic Technician to join the Department of Surgery in Mather AFB, California. This is an exceptional opportunity to serve our Veterans while advancing your career within a prestigious federal health system.
Job Responsibilities
As an Orthopedic Technician, your primary role is to ensure that patients receive high-quality care during orthopedic procedures. Your daily duties will include:
- Applying and removing specialized casts, splints, and traction devices.
- Assisting physicians with orthopedic procedures in the operating room and outpatient clinics.
- Maintaining a sterile environment for minor surgical tasks.
- Cleaning and maintaining orthopedic equipment according to safety standards.
- Monitoring patient progress and reporting abnormalities to medical staff.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-6 level.
- Physical Standards: Ability to perform tasks involving prolonged standing and steady physical exertion.
- Compliance: Participation in federal vaccination programs is mandatory.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | $55,934 - $72,716 per year |
| Location | Mather AFB, California |
| Schedule | Full-Time (Mon-Fri, 8 AM - 4:30 PM) |
| Grade | GS-7 |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range starting at $55,934 and reaching $72,716 per year. In addition to salary, employees enjoy comprehensive federal benefits, including robust health insurance, retirement planning through FERS, and generous leave policies.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limit: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less.
- Documentation Matters: Double-check that your SF-50 forms clearly demonstrate your time-in-grade.
- Be Specific: Detail your experience with specific cast types and medical equipment to stand out.
Serving as an Orthopedic Technician at the VA Northern California Health Care System is a rewarding way to use your technical skills to improve Veterans' quality of life. Apply today to start your journey in federal service.
Why This Orthopedic Technician Job Matters
Join a dedicated team at the VA Northern California Health Care System and play a pivotal role in the recovery and mobility of our nation's heroes as an Orthopedic Technician.
Orthopedic Technician Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a skilled Orthopedic Technician to join the surgical division at the Sacramento VA Medical Center. In this journeyman role, you will provide essential patient care by applying and maintaining specialized casts, splints, and traction devices. You will work across various settings including outpatient clinics, the operating room, and inpatient units, ensuring our Veterans receive high-quality, compassionate orthopedic support.
Requirements for Orthopedic Technician
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must possess one year of specialized experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent.
- Current federal employees must meet 52-week time-in-grade requirements.
- Must be able to hold a patient's extremity steady for up to one hour.
- Ability to perform prolonged standing and physical tasks in a surgical environment.
- Must complete a mandatory background and security investigation.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Requirement to participate in annual seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccination programs.
Preferred Qualifications for Orthopedic Technician
- Demonstrated expertise in applying specialized casts (body casts, spicas, etc.).
- Proficiency in sterile field setup for minor orthopedic procedures like injections and aspirations.
- Technical knowledge of CPRS Electronic Medical Records and Windows-based systems.
- Strong understanding of OSHA safety standards and infection control protocols.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain a calm demeanor under pressure.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package.
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Generous paid time off and federal holidays.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Opportunity to work within a mission-driven, integrated health care system.
💡 How to Apply Orthopedic Technician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Orthopedic Technician Job
- Create or log into your account on the official USAJOBS portal.
- Review the job announcement and ensure your resume is strictly limited to two pages.
- Prepare your supporting documentation, including SF-50 forms and relevant certifications.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required documents as PDF files for best formatting results.
- Submit your final application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Prioritize recent and relevant experience in your two-page resume.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet all formatting constraints.
- Clearly label your SF-50 forms to prove time-in-grade eligibility.
- Be specific about your duties—the agency cannot make assumptions about your skills.
- Save and upload your documents as PDFs to maintain document integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the resume length requirement?
Per the Merit Hiring Plan, all resumes submitted for this position must be no longer than two pages.
Is telework available for this position?
No, this is an onsite role that requires direct patient interaction in the clinic and surgical settings.
Are there vaccination requirements?
Yes, all VHA health care personnel are required to participate in both the seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccination programs as a condition of employment.
Is there an educational substitution?
*A: No, there is no educational substitution for this grade level; specialized experience is required.*
Can I apply if I am not a veteran?
*A: Yes, this position is open to the public.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is committed to fulfilling the promise of providing compassionate, whole-health care to our nation's heroes. The VA Northern California Health Care System is an integrated network providing comprehensive medical and surgical services. Working here means joining a community that values excellence, teamwork, and integrity.