Launch Your Healthcare Career: Medical Supply Technician at the VA
Are you looking to make a direct impact on the quality of patient care? The Salt Lake City Veterans Affairs (VA) health system is currently seeking a motivated and detail-oriented professional to join our team as a Medical Supply Technician (MST). This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to contribute to the mission of providing world-class care to our nation's Veterans while building a stable, rewarding career in the federal government.
Job Responsibilities
As an MST within our Sterile Processing Service, you will act as the frontline defense against infection. Your daily duties will include:
- Decontamination: Cleaning and disinfecting reusable medical equipment (RME) using specialized machinery and chemical agents.
- Assembly: Inspecting instruments for functionality and assembling precise surgical sets according to established guidelines.
- Sterilization: Operating high-tech sterilizers, including steam and chemical processes, to ensure equipment is safe for reuse.
- Documentation: Maintaining accurate records for quality assurance and equipment tracking.
Comparison of Grade Levels
| Grade Level | Focus | Experience/Education Required |
|---|---|---|
| GS-03 | Entry Level | Basic requirements met |
| GS-04 | Developmental | 6 months specialized exp. or 2 years college |
| GS-05 | Developmental | 1 year at lower grade or Bachelor's degree |
| GS-06 | Full Performance | 1 year at GS-05 level |
Requirements
To be considered, candidates must be U.S. citizens and demonstrate proficiency in both written and spoken English. You will be subject to a thorough background check and must pass a drug screen prior to onboarding. Additionally, adherence to safety protocols, including the annual influenza vaccination mandate, is required for all staff.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $43,017 to $78,289 per year. Your starting salary will depend on your specific experience and qualifications. The VA is committed to fair pay and offers regular step increases based on performance and tenure.
Benefits
Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Health Insurance: A variety of plans to cover you and your family.
- Retirement: A secure pension plan and a 401(k) retirement savings plan with agency contributions.
- Leave: A generous amount of annual and sick leave, plus 11 paid federal holidays.
- Work-Life Support: Options for parental leave and potential childcare subsidies.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Use your resume to specifically address the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) mentioned in the announcement.
- Check Your Docs: Ensure all your transcripts, SF-50s (if a current federal employee), and certifications are uploaded before the closing date.
- Be Specific: Do not let the hiring team guess your experience. Describe your duties in detail.
Joining the Salt Lake City VA team means embarking on a career where your work saves lives every day. If you possess the required skills and a passion for supporting our Veterans, we encourage you to apply. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to our team.
Why This Medical Supply Technician - Sterile Processing Job Matters
Join the mission-driven team at the Salt Lake City VA and ensure the highest standards of safety for our nation's heroes as a Medical Supply Technician.
Medical Supply Technician - Sterile Processing Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Medical Supply Technician to join the Sterile Processing Service at the George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. In this role, you will be a vital part of the healthcare team, ensuring that reusable medical devices are properly cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized to support safe patient care. This position offers a rewarding career path with opportunities for advancement from entry-level to full performance levels within the GS-03 to GS-06 range.
Requirements for Medical Supply Technician - Sterile Processing
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Must undergo a background and security investigation.
- Must be registered with the Selective Service (if male and born after 12/31/1959).
- Must fulfill the annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirement.
- Must complete a 1- or 2-year trial period.
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Supply Technician - Sterile Processing
- One year of prior sterile processing experience.
- Possession of VA Sterile Processing certification (Level 2), HSPA (formerly IAHCSMM), or CBSPD certification.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance programs.
- ✓Federal retirement pension (5-year vesting).
- ✓401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% agency matching.
- ✓Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- ✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
- ✓Potential for childcare subsidies for eligible employees.
💡 How to Apply Medical Supply Technician - Sterile Processing Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Medical Supply Technician - Sterile Processing Job
- Create a USAJOBS account if you do not have one.
- Prepare a detailed, long-form resume and gather necessary supporting documents.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application and documentation package through the portal before the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and thorough in your resume to avoid assumptions about your experience.
- Include both paid and relevant volunteer work to demonstrate your skills.
- Ensure all educational documents are from U.S. Department of Education-accredited institutions.
- Double-check that all required documents, such as SF-50s or transcripts, are attached before submitting.
- Use the 'Application Status' feature in your account to stay updated throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary responsibility of this role?
The Medical Supply Technician is responsible for the decontamination, inspection, assembly, packaging, and sterilization of critical and semi-critical reusable medical devices used throughout the hospital.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, recruitment, relocation, and permanent change of station (PCS) incentives are not authorized for this position.
Is there a vaccination requirement?
Yes, participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment for all VA healthcare personnel.
Is there a requirement for prior certification?
While certification is preferred, it is not strictly required to apply. We look for candidates who meet the basic experience or education requirements.
What is the work schedule?
The position is standard Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM.
Can I apply if I am not currently a federal employee?
Yes, this position is open to various hiring paths including those within the competitive service.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. The George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City is at the heart of our efforts in the Intermountain West. Our facility is not only a hub for patient care but also a leader in research and education, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains. When you work with us, you join a community that values service, excellence, and a healthy work-life balance.