Surgical Tech

Description

Surgical Technologist (Surgical Tech) – Star Valley Health

Location:  Afton, WY and Alpine, WY
Department: Surgery
Schedule: Full-Time with call requirements
Reports To: OR Manager

Pay Rate: Compensation is based on experience and certification. Minimum rate of $25.00/hr

Make a Meaningful Impact in the OR

At Star Valley Health, you’re more than a Surgical Tech, you are an essential part of a compassionate, high-performing surgical team. If you’re looking to grow your skills, work in a collaborative environment, and enjoy the quality of life that western Wyoming has to offer, this role is for you.

As a Surgical Technologist, you will support safe, efficient operating room procedures by preparing sterile fields, anticipating surgeon needs, maintaining aseptic technique, and ensuring high-quality patient care throughout every surgical case.

What You’ll Do

Preoperative Responsibilities

• Prepare the operating room and create/maintain a sterile field.
• Perform surgical scrub; assist with gowning and gloving.
• Gather, inspect, and open supplies, instruments, and equipment.
• Set up the sterile back table, Mayo stand, and required instruments.
• Complete initial instrument, sponge, and sharps counts.
• Assist with draping and patient verification protocols (time-outs).
• Organize and secure cords, tubing, and surgical accessories.

Intraoperative Responsibilities

• Maintain the highest standards of sterile technique.
• Anticipate surgeon needs and pass instruments and supplies.
• Prepare and manage additional equipment and instruments.
• Handle medications, irrigation, and hemostatic agents safely.
• Assist with retraction, suction, and operative exposure.
• Support endoscopic/robotic cases, including camera operation.
• Perform additional counts per protocol.
• Prepare, label, and pass off specimens.
• Clean and prepare instruments for sterilization.
• Assist with room turnover and next-case readiness.
• Participate in debriefings and quality improvement processes.

When Serving as Second Surgical Tech

• Assist surgeon or surgical assistant with retracting, suctioning, cutting sutures, and operating the scope.
• Monitor patient and OR conditions; retrieve needed supplies.
• Assist with patient transfers and provide reassurance.
• Support anesthesia provider and assist with tourniquet application and grounding pad placement.
• Complete patient skin prep.
• Perform instrument and sharps counts with first scrub.
• Care for specimens, secure dressings, and update surgeon preference cards.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and clean autologous cell-saver equipment.
• Perform sterile processing tasks including decontamination, assembly, and sterilization.
• Manage endoscope cleaning and sterilization workflows.
• Coordinate specialty supplies with vendors when needed.
• Assist with pulling cases for the next day.
• Support central supply with stocking and mindful resource use.
• Take call with the ability to respond and arrive within 15 minutes.

Requirements

Requirements

Skills & Abilities

• Strong integrity, reliability, and critical thinking.
• Excellent attention to detail and awareness of patient and team safety.
• Compassionate, team-focused mindset.
• Ability to stand for long periods and work under pressure.
• Ability to lift/move up to 55 lbs.
• Comfort with blood, body fluids, chemicals, radiation, and repetitive motions.
• Ability to work irregular hours, nights, weekends, and take call.
• Strong hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.

Education & Experience

• Required:
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Current BLS certification
  • Prior medical or clinical experience
  • Flexible availability for call
• Preferred:
  • CST certification (NBSTSA) or TS-C certification (NCCT)

Why Star Valley Health?

• Supportive team environment with small-hospital culture and personalized patient care
• Opportunities to learn, grow, and expand your surgical skill set
• Work-life balance in a scenic mountain community near the Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole, and abundant outdoor recreation
• Meaningful work where your role has a real impact every day

Note: Position descriptions are intended to serve as a guideline for typical duties and requirements of a position, but are not inclusive. Additional or different responsibilities within a reasonable scope of the position description may be added or deleted any anytime at the discretion of the Board.