Experienced Sterile Processing Tech - 40 Hours Weekly - Mid Shift

Essentia Health; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 37,773 - 56,659; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

HSA/FSA benefits

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

PTO and holidays

Job summary

Essentia Health is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician for our Fargo hospital, working with surgical instruments and patient care equipment to ensure sterile, safe supplies for procedures. The role requires careful decontamination, inspection, assembly, and distribution of instruments, with collaboration across surgical teams to meet case cart needs.

Offers a day shift, 40 hours per week, with a $3000 sign‑on incentive and benefits including health coverage and tuition reimbursement.

Qualifications

• No formal education required.
• Basic knowledge of sterile processing practices or willingness to learn.
• Ability to read and interpret instructions and tray lists.
• Experience in sterile processing or healthcare preferred.

Responsibilities

• Decontaminate surgical instruments and equipment according to protocols.
• Inspect, test, and assemble instrument trays following sheets and IFUs.
• Operate steam and low‑temperature sterilization equipment.
• Monitor sterilization cycles using indicators.
• Maintain instrument tracking records and storage of sterile supplies.
• Collaborate with surgical teams to meet case cart needs.
• Identify and remove damaged instruments and follow infection control guidelines.

Skills

Sterile processing basics

Attention to detail

Time management

Team communication

Reading tray lists

Education

No educational requirements

Job description

Job Description

Essentia Health is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician to serve at our 32nd Avenue Fargo Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota. This employee works 40 hours weekly, Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 6:30 pm, with rotating holidays. There are no weekend or on‑call obligations. A $3000 sign‑on incentive is available, minus applicable taxes, paying $1500 after 30 days of employment with a 2‑year commitment, and a second $1500 payment after 2 years of employment without an additional commitment. Only candidates with sterile processing experience will be considered for this role.

Education Qualifications

• No educational requirements.

What You'll Do

Responsible for the reprocessing of reusable surgical instruments and patient care equipment for use in surgery and throughout various nursing units. Plays a vital role in ensuring clean, safe, sterile instruments and equipment are available to hospital staff for use in patient care.

In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring all surgical instruments and medical equipment are properly decontaminated, inspected, assembled, sterilized, and distributed in a safe and timely manner. Your work is critical to supporting patient safety and high‑quality surgical care. Key responsibilities include:

• Perform decontamination of surgical instruments and equipment according to established protocols
• Inspect, test, and assemble instrument trays accurately following count sheets and manufacturer instructions (IFUs)
• Operate sterilization equipment including steam and low‑temperature systems
• Monitor and document sterilization cycles using biological, chemical, and mechanical indicators
• Maintain accurate records and instrument tracking documentation
• Ensure proper storage and distribution of sterile supplies
• Identify and remove damaged or malfunctioning instruments
• Follow all infection control, safety, and PPE guidelines
• Collaborate with surgical teams to meet case cart and instrument needs

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of sterile processing practices or willingness to learn
• Ability to read and interpret instructions and tray lists
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment
• Previous experience in sterile processing or healthcare is preferred

Skills & Competencies

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong time management and prioritization skills
• Team‑oriented with effective communication skills
• Knowledge of infection prevention practices

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Hospital setting
• Exposure to biohazard materials and cleaning chemicals
• Prolonged standing, walking, bending, and lifting (up to 50 lbs)
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks requiring manual dexterity

Wage Range

• Tech I (non‑certified): $18.16‑$27.24 based on experience.
• Tech II (certified): $19.28‑$28.92 based on experience.

Employees scheduled 20+ hours weekly enjoy these benefits:

• Health Insurance and HSA or FSA accounts
• Dental and Vision insurances
• Supplemental insurances – critical illness, accident, & hospital indemnity
• Paid short‑term disability, long‑term disability, and basic life insurance
• Supplemental Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• PTO accrual and 7 paid holidays per year
• Paid parental leave after one year (24+ hours weekly required)
• Adoption assistance after one year (24+ hours weekly required)
• Bereavement & Jury Duty (all regularly scheduled employees)

All employees, including casual, enjoy these benefits:

• Take Charge (employee wellness program)
• Guidance Resources (free confidential counseling)
• Employee discount program
• 401(k) retirement account (traditional & Roth)
• 401(k) matching & discretionary contributions (subject to service requirements)

Licensure/Certification Qualifications

• Tech I: Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) from the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) within 2 years of hire.
• Tech II: Current certification as a CRCST with the HSPA or as a CSPDT with the CPSPD.
• Sterile processing experience required.

Employee Benefits at Essentia Health

At Essentia Health, we’re committed to supporting your well‑being, growth, and work‑life balance. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with supplemental options to fit your needs. We offer a 401(k) plan with employer contributions to help you plan for the future, and we invest in your professional development through training, tuition reimbursement, and educational programs. To help you thrive both at work and at home, we provide flexible scheduling, generous time off, and wellness resources focused on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Please note that benefit eligibility may vary. For full details, refer to your benefit summary or contact our HR Service Center at (218) 576‑0000.

Job Location

32nd Avenue Building

Shift Rotation

Day Rotation (United States of America)

Shift Start/End

10:00 am / 6:30 pm

Hours Per Pay Period

80

Compensation Range

$18.16 - $27.24 / hour

FTE

1

Weekends

No

Sign On Bonus

$3000 sign‑on incentive – $1500 after 30 days, $1500 after 2 years

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is our policy to afford EEO to all individuals, regardless of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, military service or veteran status, culture, socio‑economic status, status with regard to public assistance, and other factors not related to qualifications, including employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other category as defined by law.