About the opportunity
The Bureau of Prisons is seeking a Medical Instrument Technician (Surgical Technician) for the Health Services Department at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, North Carolina. As part of the patient care team, the incumbent sets up operating room suites, maintains sterile aseptic conditions, assists surgeons and nurses during surgical procedures, and manages complex surgical instrumentation. In addition to surgical duties, the incumbent maintains institution security, with correctional responsibilities preceding all other duties on a regular and recurring basis.
Salary and benefits
- Annual salary ranging from $59,719 to $75,528 (GL pay plan) with a representative rate of $64,989 per annum ($31.14 per hour).
- Paid mandatory three-week training course in 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' at Glynco, Georgia.
Who can apply?
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must meet maximum entry age requirement of 36 years old for original appointment to a Bureau of Prisons institution (in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3307).
- Must possess specialized experience operating, supervising, or instructing equipment related to the surgical technician specialization, OR possess 1 year (27 quarter hours) of related graduate education, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Must successfully complete a drug test (urinalysis), physical examination, background investigation, NCIC, and credit checks.
- Must complete a qualification inquiry regarding convictions of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence to be authorized to carry a firearm.
- Primary residence at the time of application must match the address on the USAJOBS account and resume.
Required documents
- Resume limited to 2 pages, including contact details, start/end dates (MM/YYYY format), and hours worked per week.
- Legible college transcripts showing School Name, Student Name, Degree, and Date Awarded (required if qualifying based on education).
- Latest unredacted SF-50 Form for current or former Federal employees (verifying competitive service appointment, tenure group, grade, and salary).
- Latest yearly performance appraisal/evaluation.
- Professional certification or license.
- Proof of CTAP eligibility (agency separation notice/RIF letter, recent performance appraisal, SF-50) if applicable.
When to apply
- Complete application package and all supporting documents must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on September 15, 2026.
How to apply
- Review the vacancy announcement and click 'Apply Online' on USAJOBS.
- Complete the application questionnaire and attach all required documentation.
- Include the last four digits of your Social Security Number and vacancy announcement number (BUX-26-13052589) on your application packet.
- Submit the application prior to 11:59 PM ET on September 15, 2026.
- If notified after submission, complete the required online USA Hire Assessments within the designated access deadline (set aside approximately 2 hours).
Additional information
- Selection priority is given to CTAP eligible candidates and eligible veterans' preference candidates under DOJ Category Rating procedures.
- Selected candidates must complete the three-week 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' training course at Glynco, Georgia.
- Official college transcripts will be required prior to the first day on duty if selected based on education.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Surgical technicians with specialized experience in operating or instructing on surgical equipment.
- U.S. citizens who meet the maximum entry age requirement of 36 years old.
- Individuals comfortable working in a correctional environment where security duties are prioritized.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role requires mandatory, recurring correctional duties that take precedence over surgical tasks.
- Candidates must pass rigorous background checks, including credit, drug, and physical examinations.
- Relocation to Butner, North Carolina, may be necessary if not already local, and the role requires on-site attendance.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role provides a stable, full-time federal career path for medical professionals interested in public service within the Bureau of Prisons. It is a strong fit for those looking to combine clinical surgical skills with institutional security responsibilities in a structured, government-regulated environment.
Our take
A solid opportunity for surgical technicians seeking federal benefits and stability; unsuitable for those uncomfortable with the security-first culture of a correctional facility.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
