Sterile Processing Technician

United Health Services

Sterile Processing Technician preparing and sterilizing surgical instruments for UHS hospitals in New York. Ensuring instrument quality, tracking, distribution, and infection-control compliance.

Posted 8/4/2026full-timeJohnson City • New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $18 - $25 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in sterile processing and distribution, including decontamination, sterilization methods, and quality inspections of surgical instruments. Proficient in using instrument tracking systems and maintaining accurate sterilization records while adhering to safety and operational standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Sterile Processing And Distribution Technician CertificationExperience In Sterile Processing Department (SPD)Operation Of Sterilizers And WashersChemical And Biological Sterilization TestingSurgical Inventory Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Decontamination ProceduresQuality InspectionsInstrument Tracking SystemsSterilization MethodsSurgical Instrument AssemblyOperating Room ExperienceChemical TestingBiological TestingInventory ManagementDocumentation Of Sterilization Records

Soft Skills

Attention To DetailAbility To Work In ShiftsTeam CollaborationAdaptability

Tools & Technologies

Mechanical WashersUltrasonic WashersInstrument DryersEthylene Oxide SterilizersHigh-Temperature SterilizersLow-Temperature Sterilizers

Certifications & Qualifications

Sterile Processing And Distribution Technician Certification

Industry Keywords

Surgical InstrumentsPatient EquipmentCross-Contamination PreventionManufacturer Instructions For UseFIFO ProceduresPerioperative SchedulesTrauma CartsCrash Carts

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Perform manual decontamination of used surgical instruments and patient equipment
Operate mechanical washers, ultrasonic washers, instrument dryers, high- and low-temperature sterilizers, and Ethylene Oxide sterilizers
Assemble and package procedural instrumentation, power equipment, surgical implants, and patient medical devices according to manufacturer IFUs and count sheets
Perform quality inspections and instrument-specific testing, including sharpness, cleanliness, corrosion, and functionality checks
Select sterilization methods and cycles, monitor sterilizer operation, conduct chemical and biological testing, and document results
Retrieve and receive used instruments and equipment from operating rooms, clinical departments, ancillary areas, and clinics while preventing cross-contamination
Document reusable medical devices and sterilization records in the electronic instrument tracking system
Distribute sterile instruments and reusable durable medical equipment to inpatient units, outpatient clinics, ancillary departments, and off-site clinical locations
Maintain inventory and storage of sterile items and equipment; respond to routine and STAT requests
Distribute and restock adult and pediatric crash carts and trauma carts
Learn instrument specialties across multiple surgical disciplines and follow manufacturer quality-testing requirements
Review daily perioperative schedules to anticipate instrument turnover needs
Train under SPD Technician Level 2 or higher until certification is obtained
Participate in continuing education, department huddles, meetings, and graded demonstrations
Distribute, unbox, store, and check ancillary supplies using FIFO and outdate procedures
Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

High School Diploma or equivalent
Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician certification required within 18 months of hire
400 hours of experience required to sit for the certification exam
Preferred: 1 year of previous SPD or Operating Room experience
Surgical inventory experience preferred
Ability to perform decontamination according to standard precautions
Ability to use instrument tracking systems and accurately maintain sterilization records
Ability to operate washers, sterilizers, instrument dryers, and other sterile processing equipment
Ability to perform chemical and biological sterilization testing and interpret results
Must maintain annual certification in the safe operation of Ethylene Oxide sterilizers
Must wear personnel environment badges according to policy and OSHA standards
Ability to follow manufacturer Instructions for Use and department count sheets/recipes
Ability to learn General, Orthopedic, Vascular, Plastic, Cardiothoracic, Neuro, Ophthalmic, ENT, GYN, Podiatry, Gastroenterology/Urology, Cystoscopy, Dental, and Dermatology instrumentation
Ability to work day, evening, or night shifts
Ability to perform duties with or without reasonable accommodation

Benefits

Comp & perks

Benefits eligibility for regular positions with at least 24 scheduled weekly hours
Up to $2,500 sign-on bonus for eligible candidates
Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting the first of the month after hire for employees working 24+ hours/week
Flexible plan options and coverage tiers
Discounted childcare through Bright Horizons
Voluntary pet insurance, legal services, and identity theft protection
PTO accrual from day one
403(b) retirement plan and company match
Flexible spending accounts
Access to financial advisors
Up to $400/year in wellness rewards
24/7 EAP counseling
Virtual mental health support
Food pantry
PTO donation program
Professional attire through the Classy Closet
100,000+ online courses
Leadership programs
Tuition reimbursement
Clinical ladders
Internal mobility
Compensation reviews for market competitiveness and internal equity
Team events, volunteer days, staff choir, and seasonal celebrations