Instrument Reprocessing Technician

University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 51,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

University of British Columbia in Vancouver is seeking an Instrument Reprocessing Technician to sterilize and disinfect clinical instruments and equipment essential to the smooth operation of all dental programs.

You will handle handpiece and bur processing, cold disinfection, and the sterilization workflow, including autoclave testing and quality indicators, under veterinary clinic supervision. The role supports the Dental Clinic and Faculty of Dentistry in maintaining patient care standards.

Qualifications

• Must have strong communication skills (verbal and written).
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to prioritize and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Sterilize and disinfect clinical instruments and equipment for dental programs.
• Process handpieces, burs, and related instruments through cleaning, lubrication, sterilization, and storage.
• Perform cold disinfection, and oversee instrument sterilization testing and quality checks.
• Operate steam autoclaves, run biological/chemical indicators, and ensure proper workflow in the clinic.
• May assist in maintaining clinic, X-ray rooms and laboratory areas and perform related duties.

Skills

Communication

Equity & inclusion

Teamwork

Under pressure

Verbal & written communication

Education

High School graduation

Medical Device Reprocessing Technician Certificate Program

Job description

Job Title Instrument Reprocessing Technician Job Category CUPE 116 Job Profile CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant/Technician 2 Job Family Group Staff - Union Department Dental Clinic | Faculty of Dentistry

Compensation Range $4,559.00 - $4,990.00 CAD Monthly

Job End Date Ongoing

Posting End Date October 27, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary

This position works in the dispensary to sterilize and disinfect clinical instruments and equipment required to ensure the smooth functioning of all of the clinical programs

Organizational Status

This position would report to a Dental Assistant IV, who reports to the Clinic Director, who reports to the Dean.

Work Performed

• 1) HANDPIECE PROCESSING - Duties include all steps of handpiece processing. Wipe down each of the components of the used hand piece cassettes, then place each piece onto its corresponding lubricating & cleaning machine. Remove the components and put back into cassette, then place onto the steam trolley for sterilization. Load steam oven, start steam sterilization cycle, unload when done and place onto appropriate shelf.
• 2) BUR PROCESSING - Duties include all steps of bur processing. Place used bur blocks in metal washer baskets, place into the small instrument washer. Remove bur baskets and place on bur station table. Check to ensure bur blocks are complete. Remove burs with debris on them and replace any missing ones. Bag for sterilization and place onto steam trolley for sterilization. Start sterilizer and unload when done.
• 3) COLD DISINFECTION - Duties include all steps of the disinfection process. Load items into the cold disinfection bath, unload and rinse when done setting the timers on the different baths. Put all items into appropriate bins to dry off. Dry off any disinfected items on counter as required.
• 4) INSTRUMENT STERILIZATION PROCESSING - Duties include all steps of the sterilization process including testing autoclaves to ensure vacuum is functioning properly. Perform biological indicator testing. Perform chemical indicator testing. Move instruments and cassettes in and out of the washers, and steam sterilizers. This involves the use of trolleys and physical labour; including lifting, bending, standing, scrubbing, rinsing. Setting of timers on different sterilizers required.
• 5) May maintain clinic, X-ray rooms and laboratory areas and performs other related duties.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

If an error occurred, possible damage to hand-pieces, instruments and equipment. If incorrect decisions were made it would impact on the clinic functioning properly the next day. Proper sterilization and disinfection is vital to patient care and student curriculum requirements.

Supervision Received

Works under minimal supervision from a Dental Assistant III or IV.

Supervision Given

None

Minimum Qualifications

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• High School graduation.
• Successful completion of a recognized Medical Device Reprocessing Technician Certificate Program.
• Minimum of 2 years related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and respectful manner.

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world. Recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia and Canada, UBC supports inspired students, faculty and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential. New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work. Are you ready to embrace the future together?

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged.

We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at [e-mail].