Principal Surgical Technician - CSC

Surgical technologists are allied health professionals who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients in a variety of settings. The surgical technologist works under medical supervision to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. This individual works under the supervision of a surgeon to ensure that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions appropriately, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. A surgical technologist possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

The Principal Surgical Technician is an advanced Subject Matter Expert across multiple service lines and the specific instruments, equipment, lasers, hardware and disposables used in complex surgical procedures. This employee is recognized within the department as "a person to ask" when difficult questions arise within the surgical technologist scope of practice.

The PST must function at the "advanced level" in a large variety of urgent and emergent procedures and must be able to make complex decisions, often with little time and incomplete information. The Principal Technician has an integrated knowledge of anatomy and physiology, surgical procedures, and physician practices and advances in technology relating to surgery. The technician must demonstrate an understanding of the steps needed to provide the necessary optimal intervention for each patient and assists to provide the necessary resources in a manner that minimizes and/or eliminates delays.

The experienced PST in this advanced position understands the steps taken to provide the necessary intervention for each patient staying ahead of the needs of the surgeon and providing necessary resources in a manner that minimizes and/or eliminates errors and delays. As an expert across all parts of the Surgical Technician scope of responsibility, the Principal Surgical Technician acts as an educator across specialties and professions in their area of expertise, including training less advanced technicians and Nurses.

This position is responsible for assisting with patient care in close working relationships with the surgical team. The role primarily provides technical support for patients undergoing urgent and emergent surgical interventions in the Children's Surgery Center but may also be assigned to other Operating Room locations within the Perioperative Division.

Apply By Date: April 11th, 2026 by 11:59pm.

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Two (2) years of scrub tech work experience working with pediatric patients in a Level 1 or Level 2 Trauma Main Operating Room
• Certification in Surgical Technologist (CST) by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or Certification as a Tech in Surgery (TS-C) by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
• CPR certification must be obtained within 30 days of date of hire
• Successful completion of surgical technology training from an accredited program
• Laser Safety Certification must be obtained within 1 year of hire
• High School Diploma or equivalent work experience and/or training
• Demonstrates all competencies required for the Level II surgical technologists.
• Demonstrates superior knowledge and practice of patient care techniques.
• Demonstrates superior knowledge of aseptic and surgical technique.
• Demonstrates superior knowledge and practice in the role of the first scrub.
• Demonstrates superior knowledge related to OR emergency situations.
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge in three or more pediatric surgical specialty areas and is regarded widely by staff to be a subject matter expert in these areas.
• Demonstrates a professional attitude.
• Demonstrates leadership abilities.
• Expert knowledge and understanding of medical and surgical terminology.
• Expert knowledge, skills and experience in assigned surgical specialty area and shift.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of AORN standards and recommended practices (Association of Operating Room Nurses).
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of CORT guidelines (Certified Operating Room Technician).
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of principles of and practices of asepsis/sterile techniques, instrumentation, supplies, and equipment usage and processing in assigned specialty.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of common major surgical procedures for major surgical services.
• Advanced knowledge of emergent and routinely used equipment.
• Advanced knowledge of handling delicate equipment and instruments.
• Knowledge and understanding of Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) recommended practices.
• Knowledge and understanding of department and hospital policy and procedures.
• Knowledge of conducting Quality Assurance monitors pertinent to assigned area and practice.
• Knowledge of handling infectious waste and hazardous substances (chemicals used for cleaning, sanitation, disinfection and sterilization).
• Ability to prioritize assigned duties.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal communication and relationships with coworkers.
• Ability to cope during stressful situations and working in a highly paced environment including dealing with surgical emergencies.
• Ability to set priorities, organize work independently and for others.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal communication and relationships with coworkers.
• Ability to cope during stressful situations and working in a highly paced environment including dealing with surgical emergencies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in related field

Key Responsibilities

• 50% - Scrub Duties
• 15% - Cost Containment
• 15% - Circulating Support
• 10% - Leadership
• 5% - Personal/Professional Growth
• 5% - Communication

Department Overview

Perioperative Services at UC Davis Health encompasses multiple Operating Rooms, Preoperative and Post-Anesthesia Units, and Sterile Processing Departments, across the UC Davis Health Campus. Surgical care is provided across the entire life spectrum, includes a wide range of inpatient and ambulatory surgical specialties, including (but not limited to: ACS Level 1 Trauma, Bariatric, Burn, Cardiac, Colorectal, Endocrine, ENT, Gynecology, comprehensive Neurosurgery, Oncologic, Ophthalmology, Orthopedic Trauma, comprehensive Orthopedic (Spine, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Hand Trauma), Otolaryngology, Pain, Plastics, Robotics, Thoracic, Transplant, Vascular, Urology, and Uro-Gyn. Additionally, our Children's Surgery Center provides comprehensive surgical care in the full-range of surgical specialties in an age-appropriate setting.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $90577.44 - $112501.44
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 125
• UC Job Title: SURGICAL TCHN PRN
• UC Job Code: 008793
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): variable
• Location: Main Hospital (HSP001)
• Union Representation: EX-Patient Care Technical
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Twisting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Works overtime as defined by the collective bargaining agreements; floats to other areas; and works weekends, holidays and call as required. May be assigned to work at any Perioperative location to meet operational needs.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks