Veterinary Sterilization Technician, GCVS

Ethos Veterinary Health; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a compassionate team dedicated to excellence in veterinary care as a Veterinary Sterilization Technician. In this vital role, you'll ensure the safety and sterility of surgical instruments, playing a crucial part in preventing infections. This position offers a dynamic environment where your attention to detail and organizational skills will shine. You'll work with state-of-the-art technology and collaborate closely with veterinary specialists to provide top-notch care. If you thrive in fast-paced settings and want to make a meaningful impact, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

401(k) with matching

Health, Dental, and Vision insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Employee Assistance Program

Professional development and tuition assistance

Uniform stipend

Qualifications

• Previous experience in sterile processing, preferably in veterinary or medical settings.
• Ability to learn and operate specialized sterilization equipment.

Responsibilities

• Collect and decontaminate surgical instruments and equipment.
• Inspect instruments for cleanliness and functionality.
• Assemble and package instruments for sterilization.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Proactive Thinking

Knowledge of Sterilization Principles

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Ultrasonic Cleaners

Instrument Washers

Steam Autoclaves

Ethylene Oxide Sterilizers

Job description

Veterinary Sterilization Technician

Are you eager to make a meaningful impact in veterinary care? Do you excel in dynamic, fast-paced settings where every day brings something new? If you're a highly organized, compassionate, and energetic team player with strong collaboration skills, Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists (GCVS) is looking for you to join our team as a Veterinary Sterilization Technician.

Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists is a leading provider of specialized care for companion animals. Dedicated to excellence, we work closely with the veterinary community to uphold the highest standards of treatment. Our advanced facility is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic technology, supported by a team of expert veterinary specialists and compassionate staff.

Position Overview:

The Surgery Sterilization Technician is a vital member of our hospital support team, responsible for the meticulous cleaning, inspection, assembly, packaging, and sterilization of all surgical instruments and related equipment. This role focuses exclusively on instrument processing and does not involve direct animal handling. The successful candidate will play a critical role in preventing surgical site infections and ensuring that our surgical, neurology, and internal medicine teams have properly prepared instruments for every procedure.

Compensation:

• Starting at $16+/hr, based on experience

Schedule:

• Full Time (days)
• Monday - Friday
• 10am-7pm (1 hour lunch break)
• Rotating Saturdays (1 per month)

Key Responsibilities:

• Collect, receive, and decontaminate used surgical instruments and equipment from various hospital departments, with a primary focus on Surgery, Neurology, and Internal Medicine.
• Manually clean and operate cleaning equipment (e.g., ultrasonic cleaners, instrument washers) to remove blood, tissue, and other contaminants.
• Inspect instruments for cleanliness, functionality, and damage, reporting any issues to the appropriate personnel.
• Assemble surgical instrument sets and individual packs accurately according to established count sheets and procedures.
• Properly package instruments and equipment for sterilization using appropriate wraps, pouches, and containers.
• Operate and maintain steam autoclaves and ethylene oxide (EO) sterilizers according to manufacturer guidelines and hospital protocols.
• Monitor sterilization cycles and interpret biological and chemical indicators to ensure effective sterilization.
• Handle and process specialized and expensive equipment, including laparoscopic cameras, various types of scopes, and power equipment, following specific care and handling instructions.
• Organize and maintain the sterile inventory, ensuring instruments and packs are readily available for scheduled and emergency procedures.
• Adhere strictly to all infection control policies and procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintain accurate records of sterilization cycles, equipment maintenance, and inventory.
• Assist in the training of new personnel on sterilization procedures as needed.
• Identify and recommend improvements to sterilization processes and protocols.

Attributes and Skills:

• Attention to Detail: Exceptional precision in cleaning, inspecting, assembling, and packaging instruments is paramount to ensure sterility and patient safety.
• Works Independently: Ability to manage workload, prioritize tasks, and complete responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Prioritization Skills: Efficiently organize and prioritize instrument processing to meet the demands of a busy surgical and specialty caseload.
• Proactive Thinker: Anticipate the needs of the surgical and specialty teams and proactively address potential issues related to instrument availability and sterilization.
• Knowledge of surgical instrumentation is beneficial.
• Understanding of sterilization principles and infection control practices.
• Ability to learn and operate specialized sterilization equipment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to stand for the majority of the shift.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous experience in a sterile processing role, preferably in a veterinary or medical setting, is highly desirable.
• Experience handling and processing surgical instruments, including specialized equipment, is a plus.
• Adapts positively to the ever-changing healthcare environment by supporting technology and process changes.
• Must possess excellent listening and interpersonal skills and problem-solving methods.
• Fluent English skills (speaking & reading) are required; fluency in multiple languages is a plus!

Why GCVS?

• Make a meaningful impact by being an advocate for pets and their families.
• Work alongside a compassionate and talented team dedicated to excellence in veterinary care.
• Enjoy a dynamic, fast-paced environment that keeps you engaged and challenged.
• Be part of a workplace that values your contributions and supports your growth.
• Ongoing opportunities for continued education such as lunch and learns hosted by various vendors and entities.

Benefits Include:

• 401(k) with matching
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life and Disability insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program and Discounts (including Pet Discount)
• Professional development and tuition assistance
• Uniform stipend
• Retirement plan

If you’re ready to take on a rewarding role that combines communication, organization, and compassion, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and become an essential part of a team where your efforts truly make a difference—one pet and one family at a time!

For more information about our hospital, please visit https://www.gcvs.com

Ethos Veterinary Health is at the forefront of innovation and world-class medicine. As the premier network of over 140 specialty and emergency hospitals across North America, Ethos brings together a dedicated community of more than 1,500 specialized doctors providing care for nearly 2 million pets annually. The integrated and collaborative network of veterinary professionals utilize state-of-the-art technology and a scientific, evidence-based approach to deliver compassionate, unparalleled care and rewarding careers. Committed to revolutionizing veterinary medicine, Ethos sets the standard in veterinary excellence. Discover more at EthosVet.com.

Ethos Veterinary Health offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, Ethos provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.

Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.