Tech III, Surgical Cardiac - Surgery - Full Time 10 Hour Days (Non-Exempt) (Union)

Under general guidance of the Registered Nurse, the Surgical Cardiac Tech III applies, demonstrates, and possess advance/expert knowledge, competencies, and skills of surgical and aseptic techniques and practices; assists the surgical team and performs a variety of tasks in an operating room; prepares, sterilizes, and cleans up surgical equipment and instruments; and is responsible for the care and safety of patients who come under his/her care. The Surgical Tech III is generally assigned the more difficult surgical/operative procedures and exercises high-level critical thinking and independent judgement. May mentor or lead other surgical technicians

Essential Duties

• Performs similar responsibilities as the Surgical Tech II but distinguishes from the Tech II in that the Surgical Tech III is an advance to lead level position and is generally assigned the more difficult surgical/operative procedures (such as Cardiac and/or Transplant surgeries) which requires higher level knowledge, skills, and ability to adapt to the operative procedure.
• Adheres to all safety standards and policies (such as surgical, specimen collection, sterile processing, Title 22, JCAHO) as they relate while performing all responsibilities.
• Applies principles of aseptic technique and initiates prompt corrective action when breaks in aseptic technique occur.
• Remains attentive throughout the operative procedure, anticipating the needs of the surgical team, and responds appropriately during emergency intraoperative crises.
• Maintains ongoing communication with the circulating nurse and other members of the surgical team regarding changes in patient status or the progress of surgery.
• Arranges and inventories sterile set-up for operation.
• Facilitates the smooth flow of the surgical intervention (i.e., prepares for the procedure with updated preference cards, knowledge of instruments and equipment).
• Performs scrub role (such as anticipating surgical team’s needs, passing of instruments, cutting sutures, etc.) according to standards.
• Prepares, cleans, and maintains instruments, equipment, and all surgical related items in accordance to established guidelines.
• Transports patients, equipment, supplies, and specimens.
• Prepares operating room (OR) by setting up tables, instruments, and supplies in according to type of case/operative procedure.
• Performs the preceptor role in the training of students.
• Participates in decision-marking activities related to evaluating and acquiring surgical equipment, instruments, and supplies.
• Recommends, implements, and participates process improvement projects on an ongoing basis.
• May mentor and/or lead other surgical technicians
• May assist in performing circulating skills and task.
• Performs all duties as assigned.
  
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Req High School or equivalent
• Req Specialized/technical training Completion of a CAAHEP accredited Surgical Technician Program is required
• Req 3 years Three years Surgical Technician experience in an acute care setting with expertise in at least three Surgical Specialties, of which one must be Cardiac and/or Liver Transplant.
• Req Experience must have included surgical services process improvement project planning, implementing, or participation.
• Req Active practice as a Surgical Technician within the six (6) months prior to application
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Req Surgical Technologist - CST Valid Surgical Tech certification (CST) from accreditation organizations CAAHEP or ABHES
• Req Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider from American Heart Association
• Req Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) If no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date. (Required within LA City only)
  
  
  

The hourly rate range for this position is $36.50 – $62.05. Additionally, there is a $7/ hour cardiac differential. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Job ID REQ20174485 Posted Date 04/28/2026

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