Pharmacy Technician - Lead - CMC Pharmacy - Full Time - 8 Hour - Variable Shift

John Muir Health; Christiansted (United States Virgin Islands); On-site; USD 55,035 - 74,293; Full time

Job summary

John Muir Health is seeking a Lead Pharmacy Technician to provide frontline technical leadership in pharmacy operations. The role focuses on Pyxis/ADC replenishment, controlled substances workflows, and sterile compounding, with cross-training across standard duties.

The candidate will support quality and compliance, escalating clinical or regulatory issues to the pharmacist‑in‑charge or Pharmacy Technician Supervisor. Strong leadership and regulatory knowledge are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years as a pharmacy technician in a hospital or health-system setting.
• Experience in Pyxis/ADC replenishment or sterile compounding preferred.
• Lead, trainer, or preceptor experience required.
• Board of Pharmacy/DEA inspections experience preferred.
• Experience with automation/technology optimization projects.
• Sterile compounding certification per USP <797> current competency required for focus area.
• DEA compliance and background checks as required.
• National certification as a Pharmacy Technician required.
• Within 9 months of hire, meet regulatory and competency requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead pharmacy operations focus area with frontline technical leadership.
• Ensure accurate, safe medication distribution per laws and hospital policy.
• Escalate clinical or regulatory issues to pharmacist-in-charge.
• Support quality and compliance within the focus area.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Pharmacy IT systems

Automation technology

Training & mentorship

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Pharmacy Technician Program

California Pharmacy Technician Registration

National Certification: CPhT/ExCPT

Advanced tech certification (CSPT)

Job description

Role Overview

The Lead Pharmacy Technician provides frontline technical leadership within pharmacy operations, ensuring accurate, safe, and efficient medication distribution in accordance with state and federal law, USP compounding standards, and hospital policy. This role focuses on three core functional areas: automated dispensing cabinet (Pyxis) replenishment, controlled substances workflows, and sterile compounding. Each Lead Pharmacy Technician is assigned a primary focus area based on departmental need, competency, and certification while maintaining working proficiency across general pharmacy technician duties.

The Lead Technician supports quality and compliance within their focus area and escalates clinical or regulatory issues to the pharmacist‑in‑charge or Pharmacy Technician Supervisor.

Education

High School Graduate or Equivalent – Required
Completion of Pharmacy Technician Program – Required

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience as a pharmacy technician in a hospital or health‑system setting – Required
• Working proficiency in the specific focus area(s) (Pyxis/ADC replenishment, controlled substances handling, or sterile compounding) – Required
• Prior informal lead, trainer, or preceptor experience – Required
• Prior experience supporting Board of Pharmacy, DEA, or Joint Commission inspections – Preferred
• Experience with automation/technology optimization projects (ADC par‑level analytics, IV robotics, diversion‑monitoring software) – Preferred
• For sterile compounding focus area: current sterile compounding certification/competency per USP <797> and hospital policy – Required
• For controlled substances focus area: ability to meet hospital and DEA requirements, including background check clearance – Required
• Advanced pharmacy technician certification relevant to focus area (e.g., CSPT for sterile compounding) – Required
• Current registration as a Pharmacy Technician with the California State Board of Pharmacy – Required
• National certification as a Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) through PTCB or ExCPT – Required
• Within 9 months of hire: compliance with all applicable regulatory and competency requirements.

Knowledge & Skills

• Working knowledge of California pharmacy law, DEA regulations, and USP standards relevant to the assigned focus area.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in a high‑volume, high‑risk clinical environment.
• Ability to train, guide, and provide constructive feedback to peer‑level technician staff.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to collaborate with pharmacists, nursing, and interdisciplinary staff.
• Proficiency with pharmacy information systems and automation technology relevant to the focus area (e.g., ADC software, IV workflow systems, inventory management systems).
• Ability to identify and appropriately escalates compliance, safety, or workflow concerns.

Work Shift & Compensation

Work Shift: 08:00 – 16:30 (United States of America)
Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 hours per week
Pay Range: $39.95 – $53.93 per hour, based on demonstrated/relevant experience and/or licensure. Compensation may be adjusted to the local market if hired outside of the Bay Area. Positions listed as hourly for compensation purposes may be exempt at the Manager level.

EEO Statement

John Muir Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage and consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. All hospitals are accredited by The Joint Commission, a national surveyor of quality patient care.