Job Details

Sterile Processing Technician

The County of San Mateo is seeking an experienced Sterile Processing Technician to join the team at San Mateo Medical Center. Under general supervision, the Certified Sterile Processing Technician performs a full range of duties related to sterile processing for an acute care facility, inpatient unit, or outpatient clinic.

The current vacancy is for a full-time, regular position. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM, with rotating weekend coverage. The work location will be at the San Mateo Medical Center, 222 W 39th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403.

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• At least two years of recent experience in sterile processing in hospital setting.
• Experience in decontaminating, assembling, and sterilizing a wide range of surgical instruments and medical equipment.
• Proficiency in operating and maintaining steam and gas sterilizers, washer/disinfectors, ultrasonic cleaners, hydrogen peroxide and aeration sterilization systems.
• Knowledge of infection control protocols and aseptic techniques.
• Knowledge medical terminology and surgical instrumentation.
• Be detail-oriented; ensures sterilization parameters and records are accurately read and documented.
• Strong inventory management skills, keeps stock organized and rotates supplies effectively.
• Clear and professional communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with nursing, surgical, and support staff.
• Ability to lift and transport heavy equipment and standing for long periods.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to adheres to confidentiality and safety protocols.
• Demonstrate initiative and reliability in a fast-paced hospital environment.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prepare and assemble surgical trays and equipment following established tray listings for issue, storage, or further processing (such as sterilization).
• Assemble sterilization linen and instrument packs, trays and other items used in the operating room and other areas of the hospital (such as out-patient clinics and dental clinics).
• Wrap, label, inspect and rotate equipment, supplies and materials; sort and inspect repairs and folds surgical linen and other items.
• Monitor, read, document and interpret all parameters for all types of sterilizers to ensure proper function.
• Clean and decontaminate reusable equipment, instruments, and supplies, manually and mechanically.
• Serve as the resource for information for employees and customers.
• Stock shelves and maintain inventory of supplies.
• Dispense and distribute equipment, supplies and materials to patient care units, clinics and services; load, clean and inspect distribution carts and properly handle non-disposable items.
• Utilize computer system for generating data and requisitioning goods.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Licensure/Certification:

• Possession of a Central Services Technician/Sterile Processing Technician certificate from the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

Education and Experience:

• Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is one year of experience operating sterilizing equipment and cleaning surgical instruments and equipment in an acute care hospital setting.

Knowledge:

• Principles, techniques and procedures related to central processing and distribution.
• Infection control.
• Microbiology, aseptic and sterilization techniques.
• Different sterilization methods, parameters and properties.
• Use and maintenance of equipment that is used for the reprocessing supplies, e.g. washer sterilizer, steam and gas sterilizers, aerators hydrogen peroxide sterilizers, cart washer, washer/disinfectors, and ultrasonic washers.
• Safe lifting techniques.
• Medical terminology, surgical instrumentation, supplies and equipment.
• Basic inventory control concepts and methods and procedures of ordering and stocking supplies.

Skill/Ability to:

• Correctly identify, disassemble, reassemble, and inspect routine and specialty surgical instrument trays.
• Select all medical/surgical supplies needed for surgical cases.
• Dispose of waste and soiled linen generated from soiled case cart system.
• Fill and distribute rush, stat, and walk-in requests for sterile supplies.
• Sort, inspect, assemble, package, and label items for sterilization.
• Act as resource person to nursing and medical staff.
• Inventory supplies.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Perform a variety of tasks and activities.
• Lift and transport heavy items such as supplies and equipment.

Application/Examination: Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in the County of San Mateo, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to to apply. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT TIMELINE Final Filing Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 11:59PM PST Application Screening: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 Civil Service Panel/Departmental Interviews: Thursday, January 22, 2026 About the County San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities. The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.