Job Summary: Surgical Technician II

Providence Kodiak Alaska Medical Center is seeking a Surgical Technician II to join our mission-driven community in Kodiak, AK. This role is essential to the perioperative team, primarily responsible for maintaining a sterile field and anticipating the technical needs of surgeons during complex procedures. Beyond the operating room, the Surgical Technician II manages the decontamination and sterilization of critical surgical instrumentation. This is a Full-Time, Day Shift position (40 hours weekly) that offers the opportunity to practice high-level clinical care in one of Alaska’s most unique island environments.

Key Responsibilities

Surgical Support: Function as the primary scrub person, anticipating the movements and instrument requirements of the surgeon to ensure a seamless operative flow.
Sterile Processing: Oversee the decontamination, assembly, and sterilization of surgical equipment and specialized instrument sets.
Aseptic Technique: Maintain and monitor the sterile field at all times, identifying and correcting any breaks in technique to prevent surgical site infections.
Patient Care Integration: Assist in the positioning and draping of patients while ensuring all necessary supplies and implants are verified and ready for use.
Professionalism: Maintain a calm, professional image during high-pressure situations, serving as a resource for patients, families, and the multidisciplinary surgical team.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Education: Graduation from an accredited Surgical Technology Program (CAAHEP or Liaison Council) or completion of a Surgical Technician Military Training program.
Certification:
- National Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) through NBSTSA OR National Tech in Surgery (NCCT) required upon hire.
- National Provider BLS (American Heart Association) required within 30 days of hire.
Experience:
- Direct Operating Room experience is required for graduates of accredited programs.
- Candidates with on-the-job training must have a minimum of one year of experience scrubbing in an active OR.

About the Company: Providence Alaska

Providence is the largest private employer in Alaska, with a legacy of care dating back to the 1902 Gold Rush. As a not-for-profit Catholic healthcare network, Providence is committed to serving the “poor and vulnerable.” The Kodiak Island Medical Center is a critical access hub, providing leading-edge diagnostics and surgical treatment to a remote island population. Providence is a “Green-focused” organization, with a public commitment to becoming carbon negative by 2030.

Market & Industry Context: Rural Surgical Services

Surgical Technicians in rural Alaska play a significantly more diverse role than their counterparts in large urban centers. Due to the remote nature of Kodiak, surgical teams must be proficient in a wide “Generalist” array of procedures, including Orthopedics, OB/GYN, and Emergency Trauma.

Workforce Statistics: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024) indicates that while the national median for Surgical Technologists is approximately $60,000, specialized roles in Alaska often command higher base rates and significant incentives due to the state’s unique cost of living and recruitment challenges.
Representation: In the healthcare support sector, diversity is a core driver of patient outcomes. Nationally, approximately 13.5% of Surgical Technologists identify as Black or African American, and 17.2% identify as Hispanic or Latino. Providence actively recruits to ensure the caregiver community reflects the diverse populations of the Kodiak Archipelago.

Career Growth & Progression Path

Providence is known for “walking alongside” its caregivers through their career journeys:

Lead Surgical Technician: Taking on administrative duties, such as scheduling and specialized equipment procurement.
Surgical First Assistant (CSFA): With additional training, moving into a role with expanded intraoperative responsibilities, such as suturing and hemostasis.
Clinical Educator: Leveraging field expertise to train new hires and students within the Providence network.

Interview Preparation Insights

Providence utilizes the Modern Hire system; qualified applicants should expect an automated text for initial screening. During the formal interview, be prepared to discuss your experience with Sterile Processing (SPD)—in smaller facilities like Kodiak, the “dual role” of scrub and processor is common. Emphasize your ability to remain adaptable; being the only hospital on the island means the surgical team must be ready for anything at a moment’s notice.

Compensation & Total Rewards

Pay Range: $26.62 – $39.93 per hour (Base pay).
Hiring Incentives: Up to $15,000 Hiring Bonus and Relocation Assistance for eligible external hires.
Schedule: Full-Time, Day Shift (40 hours/week).
Additional Pay: Eligibility for shift differentials, standby/on-call pay, and overtime.
Benefits: Best-in-class medical, dental, and vision; 401(k) with employer match; and professional development programs.

Work Environment & Location Insights

Kodiak Island: Known as the “Emerald Isle,” Kodiak offers a lifestyle defined by world-class fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Climate: Expect a maritime climate—cool summers and wet, relatively mild winters compared to interior Alaska.
Professional Culture: Working at Providence Kodiak is described as joining a “community of caregivers.” The environment is patient-focused and built on mutual respect and “whole-person care.”

Compliance & Equal Opportunity Note

Providence is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status. Providence is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with qualified physical or mental disabilities in accordance with the law.

Category	Details & Specifications
Employer	Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center
Location	Kodiak, AK, United States
Base Pay Range	$26.62 – $39.93 / hour
Incentives	Up to $15,000 Hiring Bonus + Relocation Assistance
Schedule	Full-Time (40 Hours/Week), Day Shift

Clinical Responsibilities & Sterile Processing

The Surgical Tech II is a critical member of the perioperative team, responsible for maintaining the “sterile field” and ensuring the surgeon has the necessary tools for successful outcomes.

Functional Area	Actionable Tasks
Intraoperative Support	Anticipating surgeon needs; passing instruments; maintaining a sterile environment.
Sterile Processing	Performing decontamination of equipment and instruments; completing sterilization.
Patient Care	Assisting in the care and treatment of patients during the surgical process.
Professionalism	Interacting with families and physicians; acting as a representative of the Mission.

Mandatory Qualifications & Certifications

Education: Graduation from an accredited Surgical Technology Program (CAAHEP or Liaison Council) OR completion of a Military Surgical Technician program.
National Certification (Required Upon Hire):
- CST: National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting; OR
- NCCT: National Center for Competency Testing (Tech in Surgery – Certified).
Life Support: National Provider BLS (American Heart Association) within 30 days of hire.
Experience: * Required for those from accredited programs.
- Candidates with on-the-job training (min. 6 months) must have at least 1 year of OR experience scrubbing on procedures.

Total Rewards & Providence Culture

Compensation Extras: Base pay is supplemented by shift differentials, standby/on-call pay, and overtime opportunities.
Mission-Driven: Focus on serving the poor and vulnerable; part of a 120,000-caregiver network.
Environmental Goal: Providence aims to be carbon negative by 2030.
Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision; retirement security; and professional growth tracks.

Comparison: Alaska Surgical & Technical Roles

Metric	Providence Surg Tech	ACE A&P Mechanic	AMHS Steward
Hiring Bonus	$15,000	$10,000	$5,000
Hourly Pay	$26.62 – $39.93	Competitive	$25.54 (Resident)
Location	Kodiak (Island)	Anchorage (Hub)	Ketchikan (Coastal)
Required Cert	CST / NCCT	FAA A&P License	MMC / TWIC
Shift Style	5x8s (Day Shift)	3x12s	2 Weeks On / 2 Off

Living in Kodiak

Kodiak offers a unique “island life” experience within Alaska. It is known for its lush landscapes (the “Emerald Isle”), world-class fishing, and a close-knit community. Working at the Medical Center provides the opportunity to deliver care in a remote setting while backed by the resources of the state’s largest private employer.

To apply for this job please visit providence.jobs.