Central Sterile Supply (CSS)/Surgery Technician

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT); Blacksburg, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech is seeking a Central Sterile Technician to support surgical services for veterinary patients. Responsibilities include sterilizing and prepping instruments, assisting in the OR, and coordinating daily surgical operations to ensure smooth case flow.

The role requires knowledge of animal anatomy, experience in sterile supply, strong communication skills, and a CRCST certification within one year of hire.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of basic companion and large animal anatomy and physiology.
• Experience in veterinary care of large and small animals.
• Experience in hospital central sterile supply and operating rooms.
• Strong communication skills.
• Rabies prophylaxis required (provided by employer).

Responsibilities

• Support surgical services across operating room assistance, patient preparation, and instrumentation management.
• Clean, sterilize, assemble, and maintain surgical instruments to ensure they are procedure-ready.
• Prepare surgical suites and provide intraoperative support to veterinary surgeons and clinical teams.
• Prepare patients including clipping and aseptic site prep with sterile protocols.
• Collaborate with specialists to ensure seamless surgical workflow.
• Coordinate daily surgical operations, ensuring OR readiness and proper case flow.
• Maintain accurate tracking and organization of instruments and supplies.

Skills

Anatomy & physiology

Veterinary care

Sterile supply/OR

Communication skills

Rabies prophylaxis

Job description

Job Description

Our Central Sterile Supply (CSS) Team is essential to delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality surgical care for both large and small animal patients. This role is perfect for detail-oriented professionals who thrive behind the scenes and take pride in supporting life-saving procedures.

What You’ll Do

• Support surgical services across three key areas: operating room assistance, patient preparation, and instrumentation management
• Clean, sterilize, assemble, and maintain surgical instruments to ensure they are procedure-ready at all times
• Prepare surgical suites and provide intraoperative support to veterinary surgeons and clinical teams
• Perform patient preparation, including clipping and aseptic surgical site preparation, while maintaining strict sterile protocols
• Collaborate with specialists in areas such as neurology, orthopedics, and oncology to ensure seamless surgical workflow
• Help coordinate daily surgical operations, ensuring OR readiness, proper case flow, and team alignment for both scheduled and emergency procedures
• Maintain accurate tracking and organization of surgical instruments and supplies

Schedule & Availability

• Participation in a rotating on-call schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Must be able to report to the facility within 30 minutes when on call
• Designated as essential personnel, requiring availability during inclement weather and authorized closings (with additional compensation or leave provided)

Certification Requirement

• Must obtain Certified Registered Central Sterile Technician (CRCST) certification within one year of hire

Required Qualifications

• Working knowledge of basic companion and large animal anatomy and physiology
• Experience in veterinary care of large and small animals
• Experience in hospital central sterile supply and operating rooms
• Strong communication skills
• Rabies prophylaxis required (provided by employer)

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of surgical suite
• Knowledge of CSS instrumentation and sterile technique
• Experience multitasking important duties that are all necessary
• International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM) certified
• Certified Registered Central Sterile Technician (CRCST)

Pay Band

3; Salary

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

starting at $36,501.00, commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40+

Review Date

10/05/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

Disability Accommodation

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Valerie Vaught at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.