Sterilisation Technician

Southern NSW Local Health District; Armidale; On-site; AUD 67,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Hunter New England Local Health District in Armidale is seeking a Sterilisation Technician to support safe, high‑quality patient care. The role reprocesses surgical instruments and reusable devices for use across theatres, wards and outpatient services.

This permanent full‑time position at Armidale Hospital requires adherence to infection prevention standards and AS 5369:2023, with a Certificate III in Sterilisation or commitment to obtain within 12 months.

Qualifications

• Currently undertaking Certificate III in Sterilisation or willingness to obtain within 12 months.
• Previous experience in sterilising services, theatres, healthcare or similar high-standard processing environments is desirable.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail to maintain infection prevention standards.

Responsibilities

• Expertly cleaning, decontaminating and preparing surgical instruments and reusable devices.
• Inspecting, assembling, packaging and sterilising reusable medical devices.
• Ensuring compliance with AS 5369:2023 and hospital policies to maintain patient safety.
• Operating sterilisation equipment such as washer‑disinfectors and sterilisers.
• Maintaining sterile stock levels and supporting inventory management.
• Recording instruments using electronic traceability systems and collaborating with perioperative teams.

Education

Certificate III in Sterilisation

Job description

Hunter New England Local Health District

REQ690360 Requisition #

Sterilise with purpose and support safer patient care as a Sterilisation Technician at Armidale Rural Referral Hospital.

Remuneration:

$66,939.37 – $71,338.54 per annum + superannuation + salary packaging

Location:

Armidale Hospital

Employment Type:

PermanentFull Time

Position Classification:

Sterilisation Tech Grade 1

Requisition ID:

REQ690360

Applications Close:

Monday 14th September 2026

About the Role:

An exciting opportunity is available for a Sterilisation Technician to join the dedicated Sterilising Services Department at Armidale Rural Referral Hospital. As a Sterilisation Technician, you will play a critical role in supporting the delivery of safe, high-quality healthcare by ensuring surgical instruments, reusable medical devices and specialised equipment are expertly reprocessed, sterilised and readily available for clinical use. Your work will directly support Operating Theatres, the Day Procedure Centre, inpatient wards, outpatient services and a range of other clinical areas, helping clinicians provide exceptional care when it matters most. As a valued member of the Sterilising Services Department, responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Expertly cleaning, decontaminating and preparing surgical instruments and reusable medical devices in accordance with infection prevention and control standards.


• Inspecting, assembling, packaging, sterilising, storing and distributing reusable medical devices using validated and best-practice reprocessing methods.


• Ensuring compliance with AS 5369:2023, manufacturer instructions, hospital policies and departmental procedures to maintain the highest standards of quality and patient safety.


• Operating specialised sterilisation and reprocessing equipment, including washer-disinfectors, sterilisers and drying cabinets, safely and efficiently.


• Maintaining sterile stock levels, supporting inventory management and contributing to streamlined departmental operations.


• Accurately recording and tracking instruments using electronic traceability systems to support quality assurance and regulatory compliance.


• Collaborating closely with perioperative, clinical and support teams to ensure the seamless delivery of sterile services across the hospital.

Where you’ll be working:

Set in the heart of the picturesque Armidale, Armidale Hospital offers a unique blend of professional opportunity and lifestyle appeal. As a key healthcare facility within the New England region, the hospital is known for its commitment to high-quality patient care, modern clinical services, and a strong sense of community. Surrounded by cool-climate landscapes, heritage architecture, and a vibrant local culture, Armidale provides an enviable balance between career progression and quality of life. With access to excellent schools, a renowned university, and a welcoming regional atmosphere, working at Armidale Hospital is not just a job - it’s an opportunity to build a rewarding career while enjoying the charm and tranquillity of one of regional New South Wales’ most sought-after locations.

• Previous experience in sterilising services, theatres, healthcare, infection prevention or another high-standard processing environment is desirable.


• Sound understanding of infection prevention, WHS, quality systems and AS 5369:2023 requirements, or willingness to develop this knowledge with support.


• High attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, accurate documentation and commitment to patient safety.


• Ability to work independently while also contributing positively to a respectful, high-performing team.


• Good interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.


• Reliable, flexible and able to prioritise workload in a busy perioperative environment.


• Knowledge of waste management, stock rotation and safe handling principles is desirable.

Requirements:

• Currently undertaking Certificate III in Sterilisation or willingness to obtain within 12 months.

What we can offer you:

At Hunter New England Health , enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. You'll contribute to the team enriching health in millions of ways every day. On top of this we also offer:

• Supportive and collaborative team environment


• Ongoing professional development opportunities across the administrative network


• Career progression opportunities within NSW Health


• Annual leave and paid parental leave for eligible employees


• Salary packaging options to increase take-home pay


• Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support wellbeing

Relocating? We've Got You Covered

Making a move can feel overwhelming, but support is available.

The Welcome Experience is a free service designed to help health workers and their families settle into regional communities. From connecting you with local schools, childcare providers, sporting clubs, housing information, and community networks, the program helps make your transition smoother so you can feel at home sooner and start enjoying everything your new community has to offer. Learn More: www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience

Additional information:

• An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.


• At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact [e-mail] for confidential support.


• To be eligible for employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport, or hold an appropriate visa that allows you to live and work in Australia. Employment of a temporary visa holder will only be offered in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.


• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.

Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below).

For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2

Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp

This is a Category A position

Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.

NSW Health acknowledges the people of the many traditional countries and language groups of New South Wales. It acknowledges the wisdom of Elders past and present, and pays respect to all Aboriginal communities of today.