(SPD) Sterile Processing Tech - La Jolla - 141545

UC San Diego Health; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 78,000; Part time

Job summary

UC San Diego Health is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician to manage decontamination, inspection, assembly, sterilization, storage, and distribution of instrumentation. This weekend role supports Surgical Services and OR staff, ensuring instruments are ready for urgent cases and routine procedures.

Responsibilities include documentation, inventory support, and aiding in procurement and organization of instrumentation and equipment.

Qualifications

• Two years' sterile processing experience in acute care; three years for Tech III.
• Proficiency with surgical instrumentation, equipment, and sterilization.
• SPD course completion required for Tech III.

Responsibilities

• Decontaminate, inspect, assemble, sterilize, store and distribute instruments.
• Maintain documentation and support inventory management and procurement.
• Assist with urgent case prep and support OR staff.

Skills

Sterile processing

Surgical instrumentation

Documentation

Regulatory compliance

Education

SPD course

Tools

Inventory tracking systems

Decontamination equipment

Job description

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 9-29-2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, the Sterile Processing Technician is responsible for all activities related to the decontamination, inspection, assembly, sterilization, storage, and distribution of surgical instrumentation and medical equipment. This position ensures instrumentation and equipment are processed in accordance with regulatory standards, manufacturer instructions, and UC San Diego Health policies to support safe and effective patient care.

This weekend position serves as a key resource for both Sterile Processing and Operating Room staff, providing expertise in instrument processing, equipment troubleshooting, urgent case preparation, and locating critical instrumentation to support uninterrupted patient care. The incumbent plays an essential role in maintaining efficient surgical operations by ensuring instrumentation and supplies are available, properly processed, and ready when needed.

Additional responsibilities include maintaining required documentation, supporting inventory management activities, and assisting with the procurement and organization of instrumentation and equipment.

Selected applicants may be hired at the Sterile Processing Technician II or III level based on qualifications and experience.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BART or BLS at time of hire with commitment to get BART within six (6) months of hire date.
• Minimum two (2) years of recent sterile processing experience in an acute care hospital or similar healthcare setting; three (3) years required for appointment at the Sterile Processing Technician III level.
• Demonstrated proficiency with surgical instrumentation, equipment, and sterilization processes.
• Knowledge of decontamination, disinfection, sterilization, storage, and distribution practices for surgical instruments and medical equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload and support time-sensitive surgical and procedural needs.
• Strong communication and customer service skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with Sterile Processing, Operating Room, and procedural staff.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and comply with regulatory and hospital requirements.
• Completion of an SPD course (required for Tech III).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Sterile Processing certification (CRCST or CPSPD) preferred for Tech II; required for Tech III.
• Experience supporting high-volume surgical services and emergency procedures.
• Experience serving as a resource for instrument identification, equipment troubleshooting, and urgent case preparation.
• Knowledge of inventory management and instrumentation tracking systems.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $62,598 - $77,799 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $29.98 - $37.26

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).