SPD Tech I

Palomar Health; Escondido (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Palomar Health in Escondido, CA is seeking a Central Services Technician to decontaminate, assemble and sterilize instruments and packs across the facility. You will follow aseptic technique and contribute as a team member to ensure resources for internal and external customers.

Minimum education is a high school diploma with 6 months sterile processing experience; vocational training is preferred. Proficiency with MS Windows and office tools is expected, and CRCST/CBST or CST/NCCT certification

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• 6 months experience in an acute care hospital, sterile processing, or surgery department and completion of a steril processing/central supply program.
• Knowledge of surgical instrumentation and sterile technique.
• Patient safety requires adherence to aseptic technique.
• Certification within 1 year of hire is required.

Responsibilities

• Decontaminate, assemble and sterilize instruments, sets and packs throughout the facility.
• Ensure patient safety by following aseptic technique.
• Collaborate with team to provide resources to internal/external customers.
• Read and speak English proficiently to perform essential functions.
• Operate standard office equipment and computer software (MS Windows, Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, email).
• Demonstrate proficiency with instrument tracking software.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Follow Palomar Health policies and mission.

Skills

Surgical instrumentation

Sterile technique

Interpersonal skills

General hospital supplies knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Specialized vocational training

CRCST / CBSPD or CST / NCCT certification within 1 year

Tools

MS Windows

Excel

Access

Word

PowerPoint

Internet

Email

Job description

Job Details

Department: Central Services Union: CHEU

Shift: 8-hour Shift - Variable (United States of America)

Hours Per Pay Period: 80

Job Description: Range: $23.00-$32.54

Posting Date: 9/2/2026

Internal Closing Date: 9/9/2026

Internal candidates must apply by midnight on the Closing Date in order to have bidding rights.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for decontamination, assembly and sterilization of all instruments, sets and packs throughout the facility.
• Assures patient safety by strictly adhering to aseptic technique.
• Participates as a team member to ensure appropriate resources to all internal/external customers.
• Speak and read English at a level that is sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Knowledge of standard office equipment (i.e., calculator, fax, photocopier) and personal computer and computer software skills (i.e., MS Windows, Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, internet, e-mail).
• Demonstrates proficiency with SPM instrument tracking software.
• Windows computer skills including proficient use of keyboarding, use of mouse or keys for functions such as selecting items, use of drop‑down menus, scroll bars, opening folders, copying and similar operations required upon employment or within the 1st two weeks of employment to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Follows Palomar Health rules, policies, procedures, applicable laws and standards.
• Carries out the mission, vision, and quality commitment of Palomar Health.

Job Requirements

• Minimum Education: High School Diploma or equivalent
• Preferred Education: Specialized vocational training
• Minimum Experience: 6 months experience in an acute care hospital, sterile processing, or surgery department and completion of a program for sterile processing/central supply technician.
• Thorough knowledge of surgical instrumentation, sterile technique, general hospital supplies and equipment.
• Great interpersonal skills.
• Preferred Experience: 1 year sterile processing experience in a surgical setting
• Required License: Not Applicable
• Preferred License: Not Applicable
• Required Certification: Certified Registered Central Service Tech (CRCST or CBSPD) or Certified Surgical Tech (CST or NCCT) within 1 year of hire
• Preferred Certification: Not Applicable

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against applicants or employees based on race, color, gender, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Palomar Health invites you to be part of our healthcare team, where we offer extraordinary opportunities for both clinical and non-clinical positions. As a leading healthcare system, we are committed to providing world-class care to our community. When you join our team, you'll have access to our exceptional training programs designed to help you excel in your role and grow your career.