STERILE PROCESSING TCHN 2 - 141545

University of California - San Diego Medical Centers; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 78,000; Part time

Job summary

University of California - San Diego Medical Centers is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician to handle decontamination, inspection, assembly, sterilization, storage, and distribution of surgical instruments in a fast-paced healthcare setting.

This weekend position serves as a key resource for Sterile Processing and Operating Room staff, ensuring supplies are available, properly processed, and ready for urgent cases, with documentation and inventory support.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of recent sterile processing experience in an acute care hospital.
• BART or BLS at time of hire; must obtain BART within six months.
• Proficient with surgical instrumentation, equipment, and sterilization processes.
• SPD course completion required for Tech III level.

Responsibilities

• Decontaminate, inspect, assemble, sterilize, store, and distribute surgical instruments and equipment.
• Support instrument processing, troubleshooting, and urgent case preparation.
• Maintain required documentation and assist with inventory management and procurement.
• Collaborate with Sterile Processing and Operating Room staff to ensure instruments and supplies are available.

Skills

Sterile processing

Customer service

Communication

Prioritize workload

Education

SPD course

Tools

Instrumentation tracking systems

Sterilization equipment

Job description

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).