Advanced Medical Instrument Technician (Gastroenterology)

Quick Facts

• Role: Advanced Medical Instrument Technician (Gastroenterology)
• Team: Gastroenterology Procedure Team (GI/GPT)
• Schedule: M–F, 8:00am–4:30pm
• Call: After-hours procedures on call
• Telework: Not authorized

Description

The Advanced Medical Instrument Technician is part of the Gastroenterology Procedure Team and assists physicians, nurses, and the nurse manager during diagnostic and treatment procedures. Working under general supervision, the technician supports complex GI procedures by preparing equipment and supplies, maintaining instrument competence, reprocessing reusable instruments, and handling specimens. The role also includes monitoring support, safety compliance, staff training, and after-hours call coverage.

Responsibilities

• Primary responsibility for knowledge and handling of instruments, supplies, and equipment used in GI procedures (e.g., argon plasma cautery, colonoscopy, cytology, digestive tract biopsies, esophageal banding, esophageal biopsy, esophageal dilation, EGD, PEG, polypectomies, sigmoidoscopy, BARRX/RFA, EMR).
• Prepare procedure rooms: set up and test video imaging systems, computers and monitors, cautery units, pill cameras, data collectors, and the appropriate endoscope/accessories.
• Turn over rooms between procedures; maintain competency in pre-cleaning and reprocessing reusable medical equipment.
• Follow SOPs and manufacturer instructions for equipment use and reprocessing.
• Plan and discuss each procedure with the GPT team to ensure required supplies and equipment are available.
• Maintain complex GI set-ups and anticipate physician/RN needs during lengthy procedures.
• Use universal precautions and comply with infection control policies when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment.
• Recognize hazardous situations (e.g., frayed cords, water on floor) and take corrective action.
• Assist with patient care tasks such as positioning and obtaining supplies; apply monitoring equipment (BP/O2 sat/ECG) as required.
• Ensure instrument/equipment accountability during the procedure.
• Assist with instrumentation for required treatments (biopsies, brushings, polypectomies, balloon dilation inflation, injections of contrast solutions/agents).
• Prepare, orient, and label biopsy specimens to meet pathology laboratory specifications; perform final biopsy checks with the endoscopist post-procedure.
• Ensure specialized, patient-specific GI accessories are available through Logistics, including coordination for correct sizing with the gastroenterologist as needed.
• Comply with safety and fire prevention rules; report accidents and unsafe conditions; know emergency plans and participate in scheduled safety training.
• Train technicians and other staff; support charge nurse/RNs with assigned duties; provide on-call coverage for after-hours procedures.
• Restock rooms, rotate stock to use before outdated items, and maintain ongoing readiness.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with regular salary increases
• Paid Time Off: 37–50 days annual paid time off per year (13–26 annual leave, 13 sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays)
• Parental leave: up to 12 weeks paid after 12 months of employment
• Child care subsidy eligibility after 60 days for full-time employees meeting income criteria (up to 25% of eligible costs, with a monthly maximum)
• Retirement: traditional federal pension and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in contributions
• Insurance: federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many programs can carry into retirement)
• Comprehensive federal benefits package (eligibility depends on position type)