Lead Surgical Technologist

Lead Surgical Technologist

Location: East Setauket, NY
Department: Operating Room (OR)
Reports To: OR Charge Nurse
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

The Lead Surgical Technologist is a Certified Surgical Technologist who serves as a clinical resource and team leader for Surgical Technologists while maintaining an active, hands-on role in the operating room. This position regularly scrubs into surgical cases and performs the full scope of scrub responsibilities before, during, and after procedures.

The Lead Surgical Technologist works collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesia personnel, Registered Nurses, the OR Charge Nurse, Materials Manager, and other clinical staff to support safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care. This role also assists with staff scheduling, workflow coordination, inventory management, staff development, and maintaining regulatory compliance.

This is a working leadership position and not an office-based management role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

• Function as a working Surgical Technologist by scrubbing into assigned surgical cases.
• Maintain current clinical competencies and technical skills across the center's surgical specialties and case mix.
• Demonstrate expert knowledge of surgical procedures, sterile technique, instrumentation, and equipment.
• Perform all scrub duties before, during, and after surgical procedures.
• Report observed or suspected breaks in sterile technique and take appropriate action according to policy.
• Follow exposure control plans and bloodborne/airborne pathogen policies.
• Attend all required safety and compliance training programs.

Leadership & Staff Development

• Serve as a lead resource and mentor for Surgical Technologists.
• Coordinate Surgical Technologist schedules in collaboration with the OR Charge Nurse.
• Assist with staffing adjustments and communicate coverage concerns and recommendations.
• Support onboarding, orientation, training, competency development, and performance monitoring.
• Document and communicate operational and performance concerns to the OR Charge Nurse.
• Participate in staff development and performance improvement initiatives.
• Foster teamwork and positive working relationships among staff.

Inventory & Materials Management

• Collaborate with the OR Charge Nurse and Materials Manager to ensure all equipment, instrumentation, implants, and supplies are available for scheduled procedures.
• Monitor and maintain operating room inventory levels.
• Establish and monitor par levels and communicate replenishment needs.
• Participate in inventory reconciliation and maintain accurate inventory records.
• Coordinate with vendors, physicians, nursing leadership, and materials management regarding supply and equipment needs.
• Monitor supply utilization and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

Operational Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance and updates of instrument tray lists and surgeon preference cards.
• Assist with oversight of Central Sterile operations to ensure appropriate instrumentation and equipment availability.
• Serve as a liaison between Surgical Technologists, Central Sterile staff, Materials Management, nursing leadership, and other departments.
• Participate in quality improvement activities, process improvement initiatives, and operational audits.
• Assist with preparation for accreditation surveys, inspections, and compliance audits.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of industry standards, including:
• AORN
• AAMI
• SGNA
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Certification

• Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology program.
• Current Surgical Technologist certification or qualification as required by applicable state law.
• Must maintain all required certifications and continuing education requirements.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of orthopedic surgical technology experience required .
• Demonstrated experience in:
• Orthopedic surgical procedures
• Surgical instrumentation and equipment
• Inventory management
• Staff leadership and training
• Operating room workflow coordination

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of sterile technique and surgical procedures.
• Leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency with:
• Microsoft Office
• Email systems
• Scheduling software
• Electronic Medical Records (if applicable)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to assist patients and move heavy medical equipment.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and use hands for extended periods.
• Ability to maintain close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus.
• Must be able to work variable hours and maintain flexibility to meet surgical scheduling needs.

Work Environment

• Exposure to moving mechanical parts, airborne particles, chemicals, electrical equipment, and surgical environments.
• Category 1 exposure risk to infectious diseases.
• Subject to interruptions, noise, odors, and fast-paced operating room conditions.
• Requires adherence to infection prevention practices and Universal Precautions.
• Noise level is typically moderate.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Provides day-to-day leadership, scheduling support, training, and operational guidance for Surgical Technologists in collaboration with the OR Charge Nurse. This position does not have independent hiring, termination, or disciplinary authority but may provide input regarding employee performance, scheduling, training, and staff development.

Why Join Us?

Join a collaborative surgical team dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care while supporting professional growth, operational excellence, and continuous improvement in a high-performing ambulatory surgery environment.