Sterile Processing Technician I

Lakewood Health System; Staples (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K Match

Tuition assistance

Best-in-region HSA contributions

Employer paid premiums for individual

Job summary

Lakewood Health System on its Main Campus in Staples, MN is seeking a Sterile Processing Technician to join our surgical services team. This full-time, on-site role handles decontamination, sterilization, and preparation of instruments for operating rooms, with rotating shifts.

The position offers competitive hourly pay ranging from $20.09 to $28.91, 32–40 hours per week, and a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k) match and tuition assistance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certification or associate degree in sterile processing or related field preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions accurately.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for team collaboration.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and solve problems independently.
• Flexibility to work rotating shifts and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Perform decontamination, cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies using proper techniques and equipment.
• Inspect, assemble, package, and label sterile instruments and supplies following established protocols and standards.
• Operate and maintain sterilization equipment (e.g., autoclaves, sonic cleaners, chemical sterilizers), ensuring proper functioning and adherence to manufacturer guidelines.
• Monitor and record sterilization parameters to ensure safety and effectiveness.
• Collaborate with operating room staff to anticipate and fulfill instrument needs.
• Adhere to infection control policies and maintain a clean, organized work environment.
• Participate in ongoing training and education to stay updated on best practices, new technologies and regulatory requirements for sterile processing.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Prioritization

Communication

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma

Certification or associate degree in sterile processing

Job description

Job Location: Main Campus - Staples, MN 56479

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $20.09 - $28.91 Hourly

About Lakewood

Lakewood Health System is a comprehensive rural healthcare system in central Minnesota. Leading the way in providing quality, personalized healthcare for a lifetime, Lakewood prides itself on remaining fiercely independent to prioritize its patients, staff, and communities in all decisions. Voted as one of Star Tribune’s Top Workplaces for the sixth year in a row, we do rural healthcare differently at LHS by providing a solid foundation of family practice providers with access to best-in-class specialty services, all right here at Lakewood. Across the spectrum of life, Lakewood Health System provides compassionate, quality care for the Brainerd Lakes region and beyond.

About the Department

At Lakewood Health System, our board-certified surgeons and highly trained support teams use advanced, minimally invasive techniques and cutting-edge technology to provide exceptional surgical care, all in a convenient location close to home. Our state-of-the-art surgical facility prioritizes pain control, patient safety, and infection prevention, supported by the latest disinfecting and sterilizing equipment, ensuring a calm, healing environment for both inpatient and outpatient procedures.

Mission for Position

Provide an exceptional surgical experience for patients that align with Lakewood Health’s mission, vision, and values from admission, to discharge, and after care.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform decontamination, cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies using proper techniques and equipment.
• Inspect, assemble, package, and label sterile instruments and supplies following established protocols and standards.
• Operate and maintain sterilization equipment (e.g., autoclaves, sonic cleaners, chemical sterilizers), ensuring proper functioning and adherence to manufacturer guidelines.
• Monitor and record sterilization parameters to ensure safety and effectiveness.
• Collaborate with operating room staff to anticipate and fulfill instrument needs.
• Adhere to infection control policies and maintain a clean, organized work environment.
• Participate in ongoing training and education to stay updated on best practices, new technologies and regulatory requirements for sterile processing.

Position Type

32-40 hours per week (0.8-1.0FTE) with varying days off with rotating late shifts.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent.

Ideal Candidate

• Certification or associate degree in sterile processing or related field preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions accurately.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for team collaboration.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and solve problems independently.
• Flexibility to work rotating shifts and maintain confidentiality.

Benefits

Lakewood Health System is growing and looking for great people to join our mission of providing personalized, quality healthcare for a lifetime. At Lakewood, our people are our most valued asset!

• Generous Planned Time Off & Wellness Time Off
• 401K Match
• Annual tuition assistance of $2,000 per year
• Best-in-region employer HSA contributions
• Employer paid premiums for individual-only healthcare coverage!

With ample opportunities for growth within the system and support as you pursue your personal goals, it's safe to say that Lakewood Health System is a great place to launch or continue your career in healthcare!

A new team member’s starting wage reflects our compensation philosophy, taking into account experience, education, certifications, and internal equity. Hourly pay is just one part of the comprehensive and rewarding compensation package we’re proud to provide!

Please contact the Operating Room and Sterile Processing Manager at 218-894-8560 for more information.

Lakewood Health System provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.