Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

About the opportunity

The San Diego VA Medical Center is seeking a Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) at the GS-06 full-performance level. Working within the Sterile Processing Service under the supervision of the Assistant Chief, the incumbent serves as a key team member responsible for providing sterilization, preparation, supply items, and reusable medical equipment (RME) decontamination and distribution support for the medical center. Responsibilities include receiving contaminated critical and semi-critical RME, determining correct cleaning methods using ultrasonic cleaners or mechanical washers, inspecting and assembling surgical trays, operating sterilizers such as steam and Sterrad, maintaining strict quality control and documentation, and promoting a culture of safety. The position requires adherence to standard operating procedures and manufacturer instructions to prevent cross-contamination and ensure patient safety.

Salary and benefits

• Competitive salary ranging from $74,091 to $96,317 per year with regular salary increases and potential above-minimum rate setting based on unique qualifications.
• 37 to 50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 13 to 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
• Credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service experience.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• Child care subsidy for full-time employees with a total family income below $144,000, covering up to 25% of eligible child care costs up to $416.66 monthly after 60 days of employment.
• Traditional federal pension with 5-year vesting and a federal 401(k) with up to 5% matching contributions by the VA.
• Comprehensive federal insurance programs including health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care that can be carried into retirement.

Who can apply?

• Must be a United States Citizen (non-citizens may only be appointed if qualified citizens are unavailable in accordance with VA policy).
• Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Must have at least six months of experience demonstrating the ability to perform the work, or one year of education above high school including at least 6 semester hours in healthcare-related courses (such as sterile processing, nursing assistant, hospital corpsman, operating room, and surgical technician courses), or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Must meet the GS-06 grade-level qualification requirements, including one year of experience equivalent to the GS-05 level demonstrating basic knowledge of surgical instruments, event-related packaging, sterilization equipment, and decontamination procedures.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Must successfully complete pre-employment requirements including a background/security investigation, drug screening, and participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Required documents

• A standard Clinical Resume Document downloaded via the provided VA template and uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document field.
• A full resume or CV uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document field.
• SF-50 / Notification of Personnel Action (required for current or former Federal employees).
• Transcripts or proof of education (required if using education to qualify; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency).
• Cover Letter (if applicable).

When to apply

• Applications open on September 4, 2026.
• This is an open continuous announcement (OCA) with applicant referrals occurring every Monday starting September 14, 2026, until all positions are filled or until the announcement closes.
• The final application closing deadline is October 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM (ET).

How to apply

• Create a USAJOBS account or log into an existing account at USAJOBS.gov.
• Download and complete the standard clinical resume document template provided by the VA careers website.
• Prepare your complete application package including your resume, transcripts, and SF-50 if applicable.
• Click 'Apply Online' on the official USAJOBS posting to launch the occupational questionnaire.
• Complete the online questionnaire, upload all required documents to their respective fields, and submit your answers before the deadline.

Additional information

• This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
• Selected applicants will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period.
• Work schedule is full-time with varying shifts (Monday-Friday 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, 3:30 PM – 12:00 AM, or 12:00 AM – 8:00 AM).
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program or approved medical/religious exemption is mandatory for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel.
• Recruitment, relocation incentives, and permanent change of station (PCS) expenses are not authorized for this vacancy.