Surgical Services Environmental Technician

Down East Community Hospital; Maine; On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare facility in Maine is seeking a Surgical Services Environmental Technician to support the perioperative team. This role involves cleaning and preparing operating rooms, ensuring adherence to infection prevention standards, and assisting with supply coordination. Candidates should have a high school diploma and preferably experience in a healthcare environment. The position requires attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. This is a critical role contributing to quality patient care.

Qualifications

• Prior healthcare or surgical services experience preferred.
• Experience with infection control practices preferred.
• Basic understanding of medical terminology preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform thorough cleaning of operating rooms and procedure rooms.
• Assist with room turnover for surgical procedures.
• Transport specimens to the laboratory safely.
• Maintain cleanliness of surgical support areas.
• Report equipment malfunctions or safety concerns.
• Assist with waste removal following OSHA guidelines.
• Maintain cleanliness of sub-sterile rooms and storage areas.
• Respond to urgent cleaning needs during and after procedures.
• Report equipment malfunctions or supply shortages to supervisors.
• Participate in training and department meetings.

Skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Teamwork skills

Ability to follow instructions

Biohazard handling

Medical terminology

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Description

Job Title: Surgical Services Environmental Technician

Department: Surgical Services

Reports To: Director of Surgical Services (or Designee)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Surgical Services Support Technician is responsible for providing essential support to the perioperative team by ensuring operating and procedure rooms are cleaned, prepared, and maintained in accordance with infection prevention and safety standards. This role assists with room turnover, equipment handling, supply coordination, and specimen transport to promote efficient surgical operations and high-quality patient care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs thorough cleaning and sanitization of operating rooms, procedure rooms, and related areas between cases and at the end of the day in accordance with hospital infection control policies.
• Assists with room turnover to ensure timely preparation for scheduled surgical procedures.
• Transports specimens to the laboratory promptly and in compliance with chain-of-custody and safety protocols.
• Assists with stocking and organizing surgical supplies and linens.
• Moves equipment, stretchers, and case carts as directed.
• Assists with waste removal, including regulated medical waste, following OSHA and hospital guidelines.
• Maintains cleanliness of surgical support areas including sub-sterile rooms, storage areas, and corridors.
• Responds to urgent cleaning needs during and after surgical procedures.
• Reports equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, or supply shortages to appropriate personnel.
• Assists with terminal cleaning of operating rooms as assigned.
• Participates in department meetings, in-services, and required training.
• Maintains patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to support Surgical Services operations.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience

• Prior hospital, surgical services, or healthcare experience preferred.
• Experience with infection control practices preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic infection prevention and sanitation practices.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to handle biohazard materials safely.
• Basic understanding of medical terminology preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting (up to 50 pounds).
• Ability to push/pull equipment and carts.
• Exposure to cleaning agents and biohazard materials.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced surgical environment.

Work Environment

Work is performed in operating rooms and surgical support areas where exposure to bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, and infectious materials may occur. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided and must be worn as required.