The position is in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6), VA Medical Center, in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS), Salisbury, VA including Charlotte and Kernersville Health Care Centers. Performs segments of work pertaining to the decontamination, sterilization, and inspection of reusable medical equipment (RME).
Duties for the Medical Supply Technician - Sterile Processing position includes but are not limited to: Responsible for sterile preparation which is accomplished through inspection, assembly, packaging, and terminal sterilization of all trays, sets, and packs for use throughout the facility.
Assemblies range from simple sets of four or five instruments to very complex sets of up to ninety instruments such as Total joint sets, femoral vascular, radical nephrectomy, abdominal vascular, chest sets, thoracic, orthopedic implant sets, carotid vascular, general surgery sets, etc. Assembles delicate micro-surgical sets such as micro-surgical ear set. ENT plastic set for procedures requiring plastic surgery, microsurgical eye instruments, and other surgical specialties.
These sets contain stainless steel instruments, titanium staples, screws, plates, and other prostheses which require expert care and careful attention. The incumbent assembles and selects the correct sterilizing method for a variety of costly and delicate equipment such as flexible resectoscopes and other flexible and rigid endoscopes. Tests instruments for functionality and assembles instruments in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines.
Selects appropriate methods for sterilizing, balancing time constraints with possible detrimental effects of quicker methods. Arranging instruments in the tray in the correct manner, i.e., hinged instruments in open position, ring-handled instruments on a spreader, heavy instruments on the bottom, delicate items pre-wrapped to prevent damage, blades and points properly covered.
Strives for a compact, logically arranged package that will permit effective penetration of the required sterilizing medium. Places devices in the tray, selects correct wrapping and labels appropriately. Independently prepares the full range of trays and sets necessary to be used in the wards, clinic areas, dental clinic, and surgery. Updates trays and count sheets as needed.
Considers surgery schedules and Clinic schedules along with considering time factors for processing order to determine how many items to stock based on the turnaround time for processing, preparation, and frequency of use. Effectively processes and sterilizes a wide variety of implant devices in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and ensure that they are held for the required time post sterilization per regulations.
Responsible for the quarantine of implantable devices for 48 hours or upon signature for early release by the Chief of Staff, not less than 4 hours after cooling phase of sterilization. In an emergent situation, proper written authorization is required for implant release. Responsible for the collection and receipt of all used soiled supplies, instruments, or equipment.
Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments, body fluids, and other contaminants by wiping, soaking, rinsing, scrubbing and use of ultrasonic equipment. Decontamination processing requires the knowledge to determine what specific means are utilized to accomplish cleaning, disinfecting, or pre-sterilization of complex diagnostic equipment where the internal parts may become contaminated, and requires skill, careful positioning of parts and the complete elimination of particles.
Testing the operation of the equipment and obtaining any needed repair requires knowledge of equipment functions. Uses approved/recommended germicidal detergent to clean items that cannot be submerged. Assumes leadership responsibilities to perform peer training as well as provide user training and instruction pertaining to correct operating and preventative maintenance procedures of medical equipment.
Regularly tests operations and cleaning of equipment for effectiveness of sterilization. The incumbent monitors performance of sterilizers for quality control by conducting bacteriological tests (bacillus stearothermophitus spores for evaluation of steam and STERRAD sterilizers and bacillus subtillis for evaluation of gas sterilizers). Conducts daily biological monitoring on numerous different sterilizers throughout SPS.
Updates the documentation tracking system with results of biological tests. Utilize knowledge (of governing policies and regulating bodies) and experience to react to requests for emergent and/or urgent RME supply needs ensuring positive outcomes. Utilize knowledge of equipment, its use, and specific procedures to respond to inquiries about the equipment and potential equipment substitutions. Utilize computers to perform record keeping, tracking operations.
Processes emergent requests, prepares tray lists, and updates files as required. Conducts inventory of all sterilized trays checking package integrity and expiration dates. Work Schedule: 1600 - 2400; Monday-Friday (On-call for Weekends & Holidays) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $55223 – $71789/yr.
Applications close on 2026-09-16.
This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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