Surgery Buyer / Surgical Technologist

Application Deadline: 11/08/2026

Located in Altoona, WI, the River Prairie Surgery Center is an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) proudly owned by OakLeaf Surgical Hospital, offering a variety of outpatient procedures including, but not limited to, ophthalmology and GI, to our growing community. This role will contribute to the facility's success and support our commitment to delivering excellent patient care. Come join a team that thrives on collaboration, compassion, and clinical excellence within a supportive, family-life environment.

Job Summary:

The Surgery Buyer / Surgical Technologist is responsible for purchasing and managing surgical supplies, instruments, implants, and equipment while supporting the safe and effective conduct of surgical procedures. This role ensures supply availability, cost-effectiveness, and case readiness while maintaining a safe operating room environment, preparing instrumentation and equipment, and assisting the surgical team under the supervision of the surgeon. Collaborates with perioperative staff, vendors, and supply chain personnel to support quality patient care, patient safety, and compliance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.

Hours:

• .80 FTE - 32 hours per week
• .6 FTE Surgery Buyer
• .2 FTE Surgical Technologist

Essential Job Functions:

• Source, order, and replenish surgical supplies, instruments, and implants based on case schedules, physician preferences, and usage patterns
• Ensure timely delivery of all items required for scheduled and emergent surgical procedures
• Liaise with vendors to obtain quotes, confirm product availability, and manage back-orders or substitutions
• Utilize group purchasing contracts and organizational agreements to ensure cost-effective procurement
• Monitor and manage inventory levels of implants and surgical supplies in designated storage areas and case carts, ensuring stock rotation and minimizing expired items
• Maintain accurate inventory data using the organization’s ERP or inventory management system
• Work closely with OR schedulers and surgical staff to confirm equipment and item availability for upcoming procedures
• Proactively resolve supply issues that could impact surgery schedules or patient care
• Maintain detailed records of purchase orders, receipts, usage, and returns in compliance with the organization’s policies and audit standards
• Assist with tracking high-cost items, consignment inventory, and usage for coding, billing and reimbursement purposes
• Serve as a liaison between physicians and vendor representatives to ensure the availability of appropriate materials and services for upcoming surgical cases
• Ensure purchased items meet all regulatory, infection control, and quality standards
• Comply with HIPAA, The Joint Commission, and internal protocols related to surgical inventory
• Advocate for patients’ rights, preferences, and needs while providing safe, compassionate, patient-centered care and maintaining confidentiality and professional conduct
• Verify the availability and functionality of supplies, instruments, and equipment; prepare the operating room, sterile field, instruments, medications, and equipment for surgical procedures
• Assist the surgeon during procedures by maintaining sterile technique, passing instruments, handling surgical equipment, anticipating procedural needs, and performing tasks as directed within the scope of practice
• Initiate the pre-procedural time-out in accordance with the Universal Protocol; perform required surgical counts, properly handle and label specimens, and maintain accurate procedural documentation in collaboration with the circulator
• Operate specialized equipment, including the retinal laser, as directed by the physician, maintaining required safety standards and annual competency
• Follow infection prevention and safety protocols; prepare instruments for terminal sterilization and assist with operating room cleaning, turnover, and preparation for subsequent procedures
• Promptly report and document unusual events, safety concerns, and incidents in accordance with organizational policies and procedures
• Use the organization's secure messaging platform in accordance with departmental protocols, including timely receipt and responses to communications
• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Medical Terminology
• Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems
• Quality assurance and accreditation standards
• Understanding of HIPAA regulations, patient confidentiality laws and patient rights
• Effective English communication in verbal and written format
• Quality work including attention to detail and accuracy
• Advanced computer proficiency
• General receiving and inventory process knowledge
• Carry out customer service standards
• Capacity to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Prioritize tasks effectively through managing workload based on urgency and importance
• Continuously learn and improve through staying up to date on job specific trends, policies, and new technologies
• Successfully demonstrate organization-wide performance review competencies

Qualifications:

• Demonstrates eligibility for employment in the U.S.
• Degree from an accredited Surgical Technologist program required
• Surgical Technologist certification preferred
• BLS certification is required upon hire
• Pallet jack certification within one (1) month of hire
• Previous experience in supply chain in a hospital or healthcare environment or as a surgical technologist required
• Previous inventory purchasing experience preferred
• Must possess a cell phone that interfaces with the organization’s secure messaging system

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account with an employer contribution
• Company paid life insurance
• Free scrubs with laundry service
• PTO
• 401(k) retirement plan with 4% company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Wellness reimbursement

Equal Employment Opportunity & Work Force Diversity

Our organization is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, creed, sex, religion, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, parental status, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic testing results or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws. This practice relates to all personnel matters such as compensation, benefits, training, promotions, transfers, layoffs, etc. Furthermore, our organization is committed to going beyond the legal requirements of equal employment opportunity to take positive actions which ensure diversity in the workplace and result in a multi-cultural organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.