Sterile Processing Technician III - Sterile Processing - Full Time 10 Hour Days (Non-Exempt) (Union)

University of Southern California; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Southern California Keck Hospital seeks a Sterile Processing Technician III to decontaminate, assemble, sterilize and distribute reusable surgical instrumentation. You will operate autoclaves, washers and scanners, ensuring quality and traceability per IFU and SPD SOPs.

You will train peers, troubleshoot complex issues, and coordinate with OR and ancillary departments to keep case carts flowing smoothly. Prior USC Keck/Norris SPD experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Req High school or equivalent.
• Req Specialized/technical training Completion of a Sterile Processing Program or an accredited Surgical Technician program.
• Pref Associate's degree Degree in related field.
• If no completion of program, must have an additional three years of experience as a Sterile Processing Tech.
• Req 4 years Sterile Processing experience within Keck Hospital of USC or USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.
• Req Proven leadership abilities.
• Req Detailed knowledge of department policies and procedures and outside regulatory requirements.
• Req Basic knowledge of computer systems including Windows OS, keyboard and mouse operation.
• Req Ability to operate complex machinery including washers, ultrasonic cleaners, and sterilizers.
• Req Demonstrated ability to competently perform multiple, complex tasks

Responsibilities

• Assemble and package instrument sets per IFU.
• Disassemble instruments, decontaminate and wash per IFU.
• Operate sterilization equipment and maintain documentation.
• Dispense sterile instrumentation and maintain inventory.
• Train other Sterile Processing Technicians and assist with issues.
• Troubleshoot equipment and communicate with OR and outside vendors.
• Prepare loads and maintain SPD SOP compliance.
• Log information in Censitrac system.

Skills

Sterile Processing

Leadership

Troubleshooting

Multi-tasking

Computer basics (Windows)

Education

Sterile Processing Program or accredited Surgical Technician program

Associate's degree in related field

BRCST or CSPDT certification

CHL or CSPM certification

Job description

Under general supervision of the Sterile Processing Supervisor or Sterile Processing Educator, the Sterile Processing Technician (SPT)III serve with basic knowledge of Sterile Processing techniques/skills and is responsible for decontaminating, operationally checking, assembling, sterilizing, and distributing reusable surgical/clinical instrumentation and implants throughout the organization. Operate Steam (autoclave) and H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) sterilizers, sonic equipment, automated washers and heat sealers. Store, date, rotate and distribute reusable surgical/clinical instrumentation. All in accordance with department and manufacturer IFU guidelines. The SPT III is also responsible for troubleshooting and resolving complex equipment, instrument, and customer issues.

Essential Duties

• Assemble and package surgical/clinic procedure instrument sets following protocols established by electronic count sheets and manufacturer IFU. Operationally check instrumentation for functionality and cleanliness
• Disassemble instruments/equipment, remove gross contamination, manually wash instruments, decontaminate and load automated washers according to manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU).
• Operate and maintain sterilization and disinfection equipment according to established protocols and professional standards. Maintain sterilization documentation related to items processed, quality assurance, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Dispense sterile instrumentation to appropriate locations in the Sterile Storage and OR. Maintain sterile inventory through par level maintenance, stock rotation, and quality assurance. Proper distribution of sterile clinic instrumentation.
• Maintain timely and efficient process flows through communication with outside departments and sterile processing technicians in other assignments. Train and assist other Sterile Processing Technicians in the duties listed above.
• Troubleshoot and address routine equipment, instrument, and customer issues. Interface with OR, ancillary departments, and other customers to resolve issues. Receive loaner trays via Casechek and communicate with outside companies to help resolve instrument issues.
• Prepares loads, operates equipment involved in sterilization processes.
• Must be knowledgeable of and adhere to all SPD policies/procedures/SOPs in performance of duties.
• Prepares OR case carts and places any missing items on the OR shortage list. Inspects packages for indications of proper sterilization.
• Obtain knowledge of documentation and logging of information and use of the Censitrac tracking system
• May train or provide guidance or work direction to the Sterile Processing Technician I as needed.
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Req High school or equivalent
• Req Specialized/technical training Completion of a Sterile Processing Program or an accredited Surgical Technician program.
• Pref Associate's degree Degree in related field.

• If no completion of program, must have an additional three years of experience as a Sterile Processing Tech.

• Req 4 years Sterile Processing experience within Keck Hospital of USC or USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.

• Req Proven leadership abilities.
• Req Detailed knowledge of department policies and procedures and outside regulatory requirements.
• Req Basic knowledge of computer systems including Windows OS, keyboard and mouse operation.
• Req Ability to operate complex machinery including washers, ultrasonic cleaners, and sterilizers.
• Req Demonstrated ability to competently perform multiple, complex tasks

• Req Sterile Processing Certification Current certification as a BRCST "Certified Registered Central Services Technician" or CSPDT "Certified Sterile Processing Department Technician" through an accredited organization (CBSPD).
• Req Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) If no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date. (Required within LA City only)
• Req Certification - Job Relevant Current certification as CHL "Certified Healthcare Leadership" or a CSPM "Certified Sterile Processing Management" through an accredited organization (HSPA,CBSPD). Current staff that are Technician III transferred or hired into the role prior to 2/1/2023 and do not have CHL or CSPM will be grandfathered into the role with the previous requirement.

Keck Hospital of USC, a 343-bed acute care hospital, provides exceptional and innovative care for complex medical and surgical conditions across a wide range of specialties. The hospital's world-renowned physicians deliver compassionate, customized, patient-centered care and treat the most acutely ill patients with highly innovative techniques and treatment plans. As a leading academic medical center, hundreds of clinical trials are currently taking place at Keck Hospital and its affiliated research institutions, giving patients access to novel and promising therapies that are generally not available elsewhere. Every day at Keck Hospital, physicians, nurses and staff go beyond the science of exceptional medicine to bring patients breakthroughs in the art of caring. Join this world-class team providing highly specialized care, up-to-the-minute research, and innovative clinical trials.

The hourly rate range for this position is $29.12 - $49.66. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Job ID

REQ20182212

Posted Date

10/30/2026