Sterile Processing Assistant

About the Department Established in 1983, the NC State Veterinary Hospital (VH) is one of the nation’s highest-rated academic medical centers, serving North Carolina and the surrounding region. The VH treats nearly 35,000 patients annually across more than 20 clinical services, utilizing a team-based approach that leverages the expertise of nationally and internationally renowned board‑certified specialists. Clinical Excellence: Providing compassionate, state-of-the‑art specialty healthcare at the cutting edge of veterinary medicine. Education: Delivering expert clinical instruction to fourth‑year veterinary students from the College of Veterinary Medicine. Innovation: Advancing the field through the ongoing investigation of innovative techniques and medical procedures. Wolfpack Perks and Benefits As a Pack member, you belong here and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well‑being. Attain work‑life balance with childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. Position Overview The primary purpose of this position is to support the NC State Veterinary Hospitals by providing sterile processing services for surgical instrumentation and equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and uninterrupted patient care. This position is responsible for the decontamination, inspection, assembly, sterilization, inventory management, and distribution of surgical instruments and supplies while maintaining compliance with hospital policies and regulatory guidelines. The role also serves as a key support resource for clinical teams by delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring the operational readiness of surgical services throughout the Veterinary Hospital. Sterile Processing & Instrument Reprocessing Provide sterile processing support for the hospitals through the decontamination, inspection, assembly, sterilization, and distribution of surgical instrumentation and equipment in accordance with hospital and regulatory guidelines. Customer Service & Clinical Support Deliver exceptional customer service to clinical teams by responding to questions regarding surgical packs, instrumentation availability, equipment operation, and procedural supply needs. Operating Room Coordination Collaborate closely with Operating Room staff to support surgical scheduling, room turnover, and rapid instrument turnaround to ensure equipment and instrumentation needs are consistently met for procedures. Inventory & Systems Management Maintain and manage surgical instrumentation, implant inventory, and component lists within ISIP Surgical to ensure accuracy, availability, and operational efficiency. Department Operations & Purchasing Support departmental operations through coordination of equipment and instrumentation rentals, billing activities, and purchasing of implants and sterile processing supplies to maintain uninterrupted workflow and high-quality service. Professional Standards & Operations Safety & Compliance: Maintain a clean, safe, and functional workspace in accordance with OSHA, EHS, radiation safety, hospital infectious disease policies, and sterile processing standards. Team Collaboration & Communication: Participate actively in problem‑solving and team advancement while working independently with sound judgment and seeking assistance when appropriate. Operational Agility & Physical Demands Demonstrate the ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations, work safely around potential hazards including zoonotic diseases, chemicals, and gases, and extend work hours as needed to support patient care and hospital operations. Other Responsibilities Other duties as assigned. Qualifications Completion of an accredited training program in the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Some positions may require additional training, certifications, or licensure. Preferred Qualifications Advanced Clinical Experience Previous experience as an operating room or sterile processing assistant in a veterinary or human healthcare clinical setting; preferably at a teaching hospital. Instructional Background Proven experience in teaching, coaching, or mentoring veterinary students and junior staff members within a clinical environment. Specialized Technical Proficiency Competency in sterile processing operations, including advanced handling of complex surgical instrumentation, sterilization technologies, infection control practices, and support of high-volume or specialty surgical services. Critical Thinking & Operational Judgment Strong ability to apply critical thinking to sterile processing workflows, including prioritizing instrument turnaround, resolving equipment or sterilization issues, and exercising sound judgment in fast‑paced, high-demand surgical environments. Communication & Professional Resilience Demonstrated ability to provide high-quality customer service to clinical teams, communicate clearly regarding instrumentation and supply needs, and maintain professionalism and composure in high-volume or high-pressure hospital settings. Required License or Certification N/A Driver's License Requirement Valid NC Driver's License required. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact View phone number on click.appcast.io to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. #J-18808-Ljbffr NC State University