The Principal Surgical Technician (PST) is an advanced allied health professional and integral member of the perioperative team, providing expert technical support to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care across a variety of surgical specialties. Working under the direction of the surgeon and the general supervision of the registered nurse, the PST helps ensure that operative procedures are conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety and optimize surgical outcomes.
The PST possesses advanced expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combines extensive knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, surgical procedures, instrumentation, implants, and emerging surgical technologies to facilitate the successful performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. This role requires exceptional technical proficiency, professionalism, and the ability to anticipate the needs of the surgical team.
As a Subject Matter Expert (SME) within an assigned surgical specialty, the PST serves as the primary technical resource for instrumentation, equipment, implants, and supplies. The PST maintains comprehensive knowledge of specialty-specific procedures, surgical workflows, and technological advancements, ensuring the appropriate resources are available and functioning to support complex surgical interventions.
In addition to providing expert support, the PST functions as a leader, mentor, and preceptor within the perioperative environment. The incumbent serves as a content expert across specialties and disciplines within their area of expertise, providing guidance, training, and competency development for Surgical Technicians, Surgical Technician trainees, Registered Nurses, and other members of the interdisciplinary surgical team. The PST actively contributes to the development and standardization of surgical practices, instrumentation, and specialty workflows while promoting evidence-based practice and continuous quality improvement.
As an advanced practitioner, the Principal Surgical Technician is expected to exercise a high degree of autonomy, initiative, and sound judgment in applying established perioperative principles to complex or unusual clinical situations. Independent decision-making is expected within the scope of practice, with consultation from the Registered Nurse or Perioperative leadership available when appropriate. The PST demonstrates leadership through collaboration, problem-solving, operational expertise, and a commitment to excellence in patient care, supporting the mission and strategic goals of Perioperative Services.
Apply By Date: August 27th, 2026 at 11:59pm PST.
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Certification as a Tech in Surgery (TS-C)
- American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS), or UC Davis Health CPR.
- Graduation or proof of completion of an accredited school of surgical technology or proof of completion of a US military surgical technology program
- Three (3) years experience as a surgical technologist / technician at a Level 1 or 2 Trauma Center
- Three (3) years experience surgical technologist / technician in at least one major surgical service line
- Ability to utilize medical terminology appropriately.
- Knowledge of current trends in surgical technology.
- Ability to cope during stressful situations and working in a highly paced environment including dealing with surgical emergencies.
- Knowledge and understanding of principles of and practices of asepsis/sterile techniques.
- Knowledge of instrumentation, supplies, and equipment usage and processing.
- Working knowledge and understanding of common major surgical procedures for major surgical services.
- Ability and dexterity to effectively work with micro sutures and micro instrumentation.
- Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
- Commitment to excellence in patient care.
- Effective interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrates accountability and professionalism at all times serving as a role model.
- Adapts to change in a positive, professional and productive manner.
- Basic computer skills.
- Sound assessment and decision making skills to respond quickly to changing patient care and staff needs.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate’s degree in health sciences or related field
- Five (5) years experience as a surgical technologist at Level 1 or 2 Trauma Center
- Three (3) years experience as a surgical technologist in two or more major surgical service lines
Key Responsibilities
- 60% - Principal Surgical Technician Duties
- 20% - Collaboration
- 10% - Cost Containment
- 10% - Leadership
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: $46.01 – $57.14
- 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: 90%
- Shift (Work Schedule): 0630 - 1900
- Location: 48X (4868XST)
- 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 by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.
- High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
- UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
- Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
- Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
- Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
- Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
- Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives
- On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
- Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
- Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees
Physical Demands
- Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 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 - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Environmental Demands
- Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Marked changes in humidity or temperature - 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 - Continuous 6 to 8+ 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. References reflect an overall meets or exceeds. May be assigned to work at any Perioperative Services location across the UC Davis Health campus 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 is a position with direct access to or responsibility for controlled substances, high risk hazardous chemicals, biological or radioactive/nuclear materials
- 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
