Operating Room Surgical Technologist
Berkeley, California
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Ashby Campus

Job Opportunity: Certified OR Tech / Surgical Tech (CST)

Location: Berkeley, California
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: 4x10 hour shifts (Day shifts: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM or 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM)
Hours per Week: 40 hours

Job Summary

• Participate as a member of the perioperative team under RN supervision.
• Perform direct and indirect perioperative tasks for surgical and endoscopic procedures.
• Primary role as scrub person in the operating room.
• Work with patients across adolescence to late adulthood.
• Flexible schedule including weekend shifts on a rotating basis.
• On-call shifts required.

Required Experience & Skills

• Minimum 2 years recent acute care hospital experience as a Certified Surgical Technologist.
• Certified Surgical Technologist experience within the last year required.
• Must be proficient and experienced in Ophthalmology (including Cataract and Vitrectomy), Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, and Robotics.
• Ophthalmic Technician experience required.
• Prior travel experience required.
• Ability to scrub major procedures competently in at least three surgical specialties preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, demanding environment.
• Excellent communication skills.

Required Certifications & Licenses

• Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) required.
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification required.
• NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting) certification required.

Key Job Duties

Preoperative

• Assist in selecting supplies and equipment for procedures.
• Prepare the OR using physician preference lists.
• Set up operating room bed and specialty tables.
• Secure instruments, supplies, and equipment needed for surgery.
• Open sterile packages using sterile technique.

Intraoperative

• Provide scrub services for minor and major surgical procedures.
• Assist surgeon with casts, splints, camera holding, electrocautery, sutures, staple skin closure, and dressing application.
• Assist circulating nurse during major procedures.
• Set up specialized surgical equipment under RN supervision.
• Handle specimens and communicate accurately for documentation.

Postoperative

• Assist in transferring patients to postoperative beds/gurneys.
• Perform OR sanitation tasks and clean anesthesia machines.
• Operate ultrasonic washer, autoclave, and sterilization units as needed.

Technical Subject Matter Expert

• Serve as SME for at least one surgical service.
• Maintain physician preference lists and specialty instruments/supplies.
• Precept personnel rotating through specialty services.

Miscellaneous

• Report defective or unsafe equipment/materials.
• Maintain clear corridors and restock supplies.
• Assist with medication handling on sterile field under RN supervision (non-discretionary).
• Perform other OR duties as requested.

Professional Expectations

• Participate in continuing education and mandatory training.
• Adhere to hospital policies, customer service standards, and code of conduct.
• Protect confidential information.
• Promote patient and staff safety.
• Identify opportunities to improve work processes and quality of care.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent education or experience required.
• Diploma from an accredited surgical technology program or documented on-the-job training preferred.
• Equivalent experience accepted in lieu of formal education.

Background & Compliance Requirements

• 7-year background check required within 6 months of start, including SSN trace, county searches, sex offender, and education verification.
• Annual updates required for EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG, and FACIS Level 3 screenings.
• Drug screening: Negative 9-panel drug screen within 6 months of start (excluding marijuana due to CA law).
• Physical exam required within 1 year of start.
• TB screening (negative QGold or TSPOT within 90 days or 2 PPDs) with annual renewal.
• Immunizations required or proof of immunity for:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (within 10 years)
  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
  • Hepatitis B (series or declination)
  • Varicella
  • Seasonal Flu vaccination during flu season (Nov-April) or signed declination.
• Fit mask test required within 1 year of start, renewed annually.
• Completion of facility-specific documents and orientation prior to start.

Additional Requirements

• Must provide full 7 years of work history with no gaps.
• Two professional references required (Aya requirement only).
• Must complete unit-specific skills checklist annually.

This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity for experienced Surgical Technologists with a strong background in multiple surgical specialties and prior travel experience. The role requires flexibility, technical expertise, and commitment to high standards of patient care and safety.