Lead Sterile Processing Technician and Surgical Technologist

At Snoqualmie Valley Health, we’re not just in the business of healthcare; we’re in the business of empowering our community to live boldly and live well. Located at the base of the Cascades, this independent public hospital district serves a vibrant, adventure‑loving community.

Pay

Pay Range: $34.05 – $52.56 per hour. This position is eligible for an additional Lead premium of $2.00 per hour.

Position Summary

The Lead Sterile Processing Technician / Surgical Technologist provides technical leadership and operational support for Sterile Processing and Surgical Services. Serving as a subject‑matter expert, the Lead oversees processing, preparation, sterilization, storage, and distribution of surgical instruments and equipment, and provides clinical support in the operating room as a Surgical Technologist/Scrub Technician when assigned. The role guides staff, supports competency and education, coordinates workflow, and acts as a liaison among Sterile Processing, Operating Room, Materials Management, Infection Prevention, Nursing, and other departments. The Lead ensures compliance with policies, infection‑prevention practices, manufacturer Instructions for Use (IFUs), regulatory requirements, and professional standards while promoting patient safety, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement. In preparation for the opening of the HUB Surgery Center, the Lead plays a key role in operational readiness activities, including workflow design, policy development, training, equipment readiness, regulatory preparation, and implementation of safe surgical processes.

Essential Functions

• Build Trust
  • Serve as a knowledgeable and approachable resource for Sterile Processing Technicians, Surgical Technologists, nurses, physicians, and other peri‑operative staff.
  • Partner with IT, informatics, clinical leaders, and vendors to implement and optimize workflows, EMR, and software integration.
  • Participate in operational readiness assessments, mock scenarios, workflow testing, and regulatory survey preparation for the HUB Surgical Center launch.
  • Promote open, respectful, and professional communication among Sterile Processing, Operating Room, and other clinical teams.
  • Provide clear communication regarding instrument availability, processing delays, missing or damaged instruments, equipment concerns, and patient‑safety issues.
  • Encourage staff to promptly report errors, near misses, safety concerns, and improvement opportunities.
  • Coach, mentor, and give constructive feedback to team members; support orientation and onboarding of new staff.
  • Maintain patient, employee, and organizational confidentiality; demonstrate integrity, accountability, professionalism, and respect.
• Obsess Over Excellence
  • Lead operational readiness for the HUB Surgery Center Sterile Processing Department, ensuring policies, procedures, workflows, equipment, supplies, and processes are developed, tested, and implemented prior to go‑live.
  • Provide daily technical leadership and oversight of Sterile Processing operations, including decontamination, cleaning, inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, storage, and distribution of surgical instruments and equipment.
  • Ensure instruments are processed according to manufacturer IFUs, organizational policies, and applicable standards.
  • Monitor preparation and availability of surgical trays, instrument sets, supplies, and equipment to meet scheduled and emergent procedural needs.
  • Perform and/or oversee sterilization monitoring, biological and chemical indicator testing, equipment testing, documentation, and quality‑control activities.
  • Identify and escalate instrument, equipment, sterilization, or processing concerns that may impact patient safety or surgical procedures.
  • Assist with inventory management, instrument tracking, tray accuracy, and identification of missing, damaged, or outdated equipment.
  • Support operating‑room activities as a Surgical Technologist/Scrub Technician when assigned, including preparing the OR, selecting and passing instruments, maintaining the sterile field, performing surgical counts, handling specimens, and assisting with positioning, prepping, draping, and room turnover.
  • Participate in quality‑assurance audits, competency assessments, performance‑improvement activities, and regulatory readiness.
  • Monitor adherence to infection‑prevention and patient‑safety practices in both Sterile Processing and the operating room.
  • Serve as a working lead and perform essential functions of Sterile Processing Technician and Surgical Technologist as operational needs require.
• Lead Innovation
  • Identify operational gaps, barriers, and readiness risks; develop action plans with Surgical Services/SPD leadership and monitor progress.
  • Assist in evaluating new instruments, surgical equipment, technology, supplies, and processing methods.
  • Implement and promote effective use of instrument‑tracking systems, electronic documentation, and other technologies.
  • Identify opportunities to improve Sterile Processing and Operating Room workflows, efficiency, quality, and patient safety.
  • Collaborate with peri‑operative leadership and interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement process improvements.
  • Evaluate workflow challenges involving instrument availability, case‑cart preparation, surgical equipment, room turnover, and instrument processing.
  • Use operational observations, quality data, staff feedback, and surgical‑team input to identify trends and recommend solutions.
  • Assist with standardizing instrument sets, preference cards, and workflows when appropriate.
  • Support implementation of new technologies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
  • Promote a culture of continuous learning, adaptability, and innovation.
• Deepen Connections
  • Establish and maintain strong collaborative relationships with surgeons, nurses, Surgical Technologists, Sterile Processing staff, Infection Prevention, Supply Chain, Facilities, and other healthcare partners.
  • Serve as a bridge between Sterile Processing and the Operating Room to improve communication and coordination.
  • Respond promptly and professionally to urgent surgical requests and changing procedural needs.
  • Communicate proactively regarding instrument shortages, processing delays, equipment issues, and other barriers to patient care.
  • Promote teamwork and mutual respect among peri‑operative team members.
  • Support a service‑oriented culture that recognizes the direct connection between sterile processing, surgical care, and patient safety.
  • Participate in interdisciplinary initiatives designed to improve surgical quality, efficiency, and the patient experience.

Qualifications

• Education
  • Required: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Required: Completion of an accredited Sterile Processing or Surgical Technology program, as applicable to assigned responsibilities.
  • Preferred: Associate degree in Surgical Technology, Sterile Processing, Healthcare, or a related field.
• Licensure & Certification
  • None required unless mandated by state or local regulations.
  • Current CRCST certification through HSPA **or** CSPDT certification through CBSPD **and** current Surgical Technologist certification (e.g., CST through NBSTSA).
  • Additional specialty certifications related to sterile processing, surgical technology, or peri‑operative services are preferred.
• Experience
  • Minimum 3–5 years in Sterile Processing, Surgical Technology, or a combination of relevant peri‑operative experience.
  • Demonstrated experience with decontamination, instrument inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, sterile storage, and surgical instrument management.
  • Experience functioning as a Surgical Technologist/Scrub Technician in an operating room or procedural environment.
  • Proven ability to provide technical guidance, training, mentoring, or lead support to Sterile Processing and/or Surgical Technology staff.
  • Experience in an ambulatory surgery center, hospital outpatient surgery department, acute‑care hospital, or comparable surgical environment is preferred.
• Skills
  • Advanced knowledge of sterile processing principles, surgical instrumentation, sterilization, disinfection, and infection prevention.
  • Strong knowledge of operating‑room practices, sterile technique, surgical procedures, instrumentation, and peri‑operative workflows.
  • Ability to anticipate the needs of surgeons and surgical teams and to interpret and follow manufacturer IFUs.
  • Familiarity with AAMI, AORN, CDC, OSHA, and accreditation standards.
  • Strong leadership, communication, coaching, and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent organization, prioritization, problem‑solving, and attention‑to‑detail.
  • Ability to identify and appropriately escalate patient‑safety and quality concerns.
  • Proficiency with instrument‑tracking systems and standard computer applications.
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure, maintain composure in high‑stress clinical situations, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Work Environment

Work occurs in both office and clinical settings with potential exposure to patient‑care areas. Primary areas include Sterile Processing (decontamination, preparation, packaging, sterilization, storage), Operating Rooms, procedure rooms, and other peri‑operative spaces. Employees may be exposed to blood, body fluids, contaminated instruments, sharps, chemicals, sterilants, heat, moisture, and other occupational hazards; appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn in designated areas. Frequent interaction with surgeons, nurses, Surgical Technologists, Sterile Processing staff, patients, and other healthcare professionals is required.