Lead Sterile Processing Technician - Outpatient Surgery Center

Join the Team Behind Exceptional Surgical Care at UVA Health

At UVA Health, every successful surgery starts long before a patient enters the operating room. Our Sterile Processing team plays a critical role in delivering safe, high-quality patient care by ensuring surgical instruments and equipment are expertly cleaned, sterilized, assembled, and ready when needed most.

As part of one of Virginia's leading academic medical centers, you'll work alongside dedicated healthcare professionals in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment where precision, collaboration, and excellence matter every day. UVA Health is nationally recognized for innovation, patient care, education, and research, including designation as a Magnet Recognized health system and home to a Level I Trauma Center and nationally ranked specialty programs

What You'll Do

• Perform decontamination, cleaning, inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, storage, and distribution of reusable surgical instrumentation and equipment.
• Prepare and assemble surgical trays according to established tray listings for sterilization and surgical case readiness.
• Monitor, interpret, and document sterilization parameters for multiple sterilization systems, including Steam, Steris, Sterrad, and ETO equipment.
• Clean and disinfect reusable instruments and equipment using both manual and automated processes, including ultrasonic cleaners, washer sterilizers, scope washers, and cart washers.
• Support operating room efficiency by ensuring instruments and supplies are accurately processed and available when needed.
• Utilize tracking and barcode systems such as SPM and ORMIS to maintain inventory accuracy and instrument traceability.
• Serve as a resource and mentor for team members while modeling professionalism, accountability, and teamwork.
• Precept and train staff across all Sterile Processing areas, including decontamination, assembly, sterilization, and distribution.
• Maintain competency in at least two advanced or specialty operational areas.
• Participate in departmental coordination, quality initiatives, and process improvement efforts.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Why Join UVA Health?

• Work for a nationally recognized academic health system known for excellence in patient care and innovation.
• Opportunities for career growth, specialty training, and certification support.
• Collaborative team culture focused on patient safety and continuous improvement.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement savings, paid time off, and education support.
• Be part of a healthcare system making a difference across Charlottesville and communities throughout Virginia.

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Sterile Processing experience required
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and ability to work in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Commitment to teamwork, patient safety, and service excellence.

Located in beautiful Charlottesville, UVA Health offers the opportunity to build a meaningful healthcare career while supporting life-saving surgical and procedural care every day.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: High School Graduate or Equivalent.

Experience: 2 years of relevant experience preferred.

Licensure:

This position requires:

Certification as CRCST (Certified Registered Central Sterile Technician) through HSPA

OR

CSPDT (Central Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician) through CBSPD

AND

(1) additional following certification: CIS (Certified Instrument Specialist), CER (Certified Endoscope Reprocess), or CHL (Certified Healthcare Leader)

• Within 6 months of hire into this role*

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Job requires sitting/standing for prolonged periods, frequently bending/stooping/traveling and reaching (overhead, extensive, repetitive). Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills; Attention to detail and ability to write legibly; Ability to lift/push/pull 25-50lbs. Working in environment with fumes, chemicals, vibrations, heat, noise, blood/body fluids and infectious disease.

The starting base rate for this role is $20.28 hourly. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate"s qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Paid Time Off, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Retirement Savings

• Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts

• Certification and education support

• Generous Paid Time Off

UVA Health is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report "Best Hospitals" guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as "High Performing" in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children's is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children"s hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .