Lead Sterile Processing Technician - Outpatient Surgery Center

Lead Sterile Processing Technician – Outpatient Surgery Center

Precision, leadership, and accountability converge in this pivotal role supporting surgical excellence at UVA Health. As a Lead Sterile Processing Technician, you are instrumental in ensuring every surgical procedure begins with confidence, safety, and readiness by delivering flawlessly processed instruments and equipment.

This role offers an opportunity to step into a leadership capacity within a highly collaborative outpatient surgical environment, where your expertise directly supports clinical teams and patient outcomes. You will bring advanced technical skill, mentorship, and operational awareness to a department that is essential to the success of every procedure performed.

The Role

In this fast-paced outpatient surgery center, you will serve as both a technical expert and team leader, guiding sterile processing operations while ensuring the highest standards of quality and compliance are consistently met. Your day blends hands-on responsibilities with mentorship and coordination, all focused on maintaining seamless surgical support.

On an average day, you will:

• Lead the decontamination, cleaning, inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, storage, and distribution of surgical instruments and equipment

• Prepare and assemble surgical trays according to precise tray listings, ensuring readiness for scheduled procedures

• Monitor and document sterilization parameters across systems such as Steam, Steris, Sterrad, and ETO , ensuring strict adherence to protocol

• Operate and oversee both manual and automated cleaning technologies including ultrasonic cleaners, washer sterilizers, scope washers, and cart washers

• Support operating room efficiency by ensuring instruments and supplies are processed accurately and available without delay

• Utilize tracking systems such as SPM and ORMIS to maintain inventory integrity and instrument traceability

• Serve as a mentor and preceptor , training team members across all sterile processing functions and reinforcing best practices

• Maintain competency in advanced operational areas while contributing to quality improvement initiatives and departmental coordination

• Model professionalism, accountability, and teamwork in a highly collaborative clinical environment

Why UVA Health

UVA Health is recognized nationally for delivering exceptional patient care, innovation, and clinical excellence , making it a destination for healthcare professionals who want to grow their careers within academic medicine. In this role, you will contribute directly to a system known for its commitment to safety, precision, and continuous improvement.

• Magnet Recognized health system , reflecting a culture of excellence, collaboration, and professional advancement

• Part of an academic medical center that includes a Level I Trauma Center and nationally ranked specialty programs

• A strong focus on innovation and process improvement , where sterile processing plays a critical role in surgical success

• Opportunities for career growth, specialty training, and certification support to expand your expertise

• A team-oriented environment that values leadership, mentorship, and continuous learning

• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement savings, paid time off, and education support

• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient safety and surgical outcomes every day

Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

Why People Love Living in Charlottesville:

Charlottesville offers a unique blend of vibrant culture and natural beauty, making it an ideal place for healthcare professionals seeking both career fulfillment and quality of life. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area provides endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, while a thriving arts scene, award-winning wineries, and a dynamic culinary landscape create a welcoming and engaging community. With a strong sense of connection, excellent schools, and an approachable cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas, Charlottesville supports a balanced lifestyle for individuals and families alike.

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 ( .