Medical Supply Tech (Sterile Processing)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The VA Southern Arizona Healthcare Network is recruiting Medical Supply Technicians for the Sterile Processing Service (SPS). The technician will sterilize, prepare, and decontaminate reusable medical equipment and supply items for the medical center.

Position requires completing SPS Level 1 training within 90 days of hire and ongoing education; duties include following SOPs, PPE, and lifting up to 25 lb.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen; VA eligibility rules apply.
• Six months of relevant experience or equivalent education.
• Healthcare-related coursework as described for entry level.

Responsibilities

• Complete SPS Level 1 training within 90 days of hire.
• Handle decontamination, cleaning, sterilization and packaging of RME.
• Receive contaminated items and determine cleaning method per SOPs.
• Maintain records and ensure PPE compliance and safety.
• Lift average 25 lb packages and handle instrument trays up to 18 in.

Skills

SPS Level 1 knowledge

Physical stamina

Attention to detail

Education

One year above high school in healthcare-related courses

Job description

Summary

The VA Southern Arizona Healthcare Network is recruiting for Medical Supply Technicians assigned to the Sterile Processing Service (SPS). The Medical Supply Technician will provide sterilization, preparation, supply items and decontamination support for the medical center.

• Monday – Friday, 7:00 am–3:30 pm
• Monday – Friday, 10:00 am–6:30 pm
• Monday – Friday, 3:00 pm–11:30 pm

Responsibilities

• Complete Sterile Processing Service (SPS) Level 1 training within 90 days of hire.
• Participate in continuing education to maintain SPS Level 1 certification.
• Maintain knowledge of the department's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for cleaning, decontamination, preparation, high‑level disinfection, sterilization, and storage of reusable medical equipment (RME).
• Receive contaminated critical and semi‑critical RME in the decontamination area and may receive non‑critical equipment as well.
• Disassemble RME and determine correct cleaning method (e.g., ultrasonic cleaners, mechanical washers/disinfectors, cart washers, chemical cleaning agents) per manufacturer instructions.
• Inspect, assemble, and determine correct method and packaging for sterilization (e.g., steam, Sterrad, Steris, high‑level disinfecting scope reprocessors).
• Perform and document daily operational checks and records for all processes and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with attire and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements for protection against biohazards and hot surfaces.
• Support a safe work environment during physical tasks such as standing, walking, bending, lifting an average of 25 lb sterile packages, and lifting instrument trays up to 18 in. high.
• Collaborate with selected personnel regarding local SOPs, adequate training, and competency validation.

Qualifications

• Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States; non‑citizens may be appointed under VA Handbook 5005 limitations.
• Experience: Minimum six months of relevant experience demonstrating the ability to perform the work; or education equivalent as described below.
• Education: One year above high school that included at least six semester hours in healthcare‑related courses such as sterile processing, nursing assistant, hospital corpsman, or operating room technical courses, or one combination of education and experience qualifying for entry level.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Basic knowledge of surgical instruments, event‑related packaging, sterilization and cleaning equipment, universal precautions, medical terminology, and sterility principles.
• Physical Requirements: Must tolerate standing, walking, bending, lifting, and work in controlled and contaminated environments; must comply with PPE and safety step usage.
• Preferred Experience: Prior experience as a Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) is preferred.
• All current employees appointed under the Grandfathering Provision are considered to have met qualifications as outlined by the VA Qualification Standard.

Physical Requirements

Standing and walking during the entire workday with frequent bending and lifting of sterile packages and containers averaging 25 lb; dexterity and visual acuity for disassembly and reassembly of instrumentation; lifting of instrument trays up to 18 in. high; use of safety step stool or ladder; tolerance of higher ambient temperatures, noise, and chemical odors; alternation between clean and contaminated environments; compliance with attire and PPE requirements.