Job Summary:

The University of Colorado, School of Dental Medicine (SDM) is looking for a full-time Sterilization Technician Trainee. Under the direction of the Clinical Support Services department leadership, our Sterilization Technicians support clinical operations for the entire SDM. These positions are integral to dental education clinical operations, focusing on sterilization and sterile processing with the opportunity for training and career growth in a healthcare industry.

This trainee position at SDM is designed for individuals interested in building a career in the dental or healthcare field. The Sterilization Technician Trainee will receive hands-on training in sterilization, sterile processing, and infection prevention practices that are essential to SDM’s clinical operations. This role provides a strong foundation for professional development, with opportunities to gain valuable experience in a fast-paced academic healthcare environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Instrument and Equipment Sterilization – 85%25 (Essential Function)

• Perform cleaning and decontamination of all instruments and equipment according to established procedures and techniques.

• Ensure proper cleaning of sanitizing machines and related equipment.

• Sterilize instruments and maintain adequate levels of sterilized items for distribution.

• Inventory cassettes and instruments for precise disbursement to operatories and clinical units.

• Monitor the sterilization cycle to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

• Conduct routine checks to ensure all equipment is functioning properly.

• Report and document malfunctions or needed repairs to maintain operational standards.

• Perform minor repairs or adjustments to sanitizing machines as required.

• Oversee the collection of used instruments and equipment to initiate the sterilization process.

• Maintain accurate records of collected items to support tracking and compliance.

• Coordinate with staff to ensure timely and efficient collection practices.

Instrument Distribution – 15%25 (Essential Function)

• Prepare specialized instrument set-ups for use by undergraduate students, residents, and faculty.

• Collaborate with academic and clinical staff to identify specific set-up needs.

• Ensure that specialized instruments are sterilized and ready for patient treatment sessions.

• Issue sterile reusable instruments to operatories and clinical units.

• Collect and resterilize used instruments.

Work Location:

Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, Colorado. 

Why Join Us:

Benefits statement to include in all benefits-eligible positions:

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options

• Dental: Multiple plan options

• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

• Retirement Plans: State pension (PERA Defined Benefit) or 401(a) - Employer contributes between 10%25 and 21.5%25 of your gross pay

• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year

• Vacation Days: Between 12/year and 24/year (maximum accrual between 192 hours and 384 hours) – specific amount depends on length of total State of Colorado service

• Sick Days: 10/year (360 hour maximum accrual)

• Holiday Days: 15/year

• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses

• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Please make sure to include the following in your resume: job title, duties, months and years employed, and average hours worked per week as minimum experience is calculated on a 40 hour/week basis.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Colorado law requires that candidates for state government jobs be residents of Colorado at the time of application.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of 6 months of work experience in a fast-paced environment such as food service, retail stores, hotels, gas stations, healthcare or related experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal skills 

• Excellent communication (written and verbal); ability to interact with sterilization staff and supervisor on a daily basis to meet the demands of clinical and educational operations. 

• In-depth understanding and demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in proper decontamination, sterilization, and instrument preparation. 

How to Apply:

Questions should be directed to: Traci Wells, [email protected]

Application Materials Instructions:

APPLICATION DEADLINE: This announcement is open until 02/02/2026

To apply, please submit the following materials to this posting:

• A cover letter and resume that specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines your qualifications.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Classified Staff positions have specific application requirements:

• Submit all required documents indicated in this posting and include a current email address and phone number. 

• Please address minimum qualifications, competencies and preferred qualifications in your cover letter, as these along with previous work experience will be used in the assessment process.

• Click here to view Veteran and other General Information regarding Classified Staff positions: https://www.cu.edu/cu-careers/special-instructions-classified-staff-applicants

For those who meet minimum qualifications, the comparative analysis process will include one or all of the following: 

Preferred Qualifications Application Review based on the preferred qualifications listed in the posting. 

• Candidates will be evaluated and rated against the preferred qualifications based on information submitted within their application materials.  Note: Candidates are not physically present for this portion of the comparative analysis. 

Interviews based on the job requirements, preferred qualifications and competencies listed in the posting. 

• Candidates will be evaluated, scored and ranked based on oral responses

• Interviews may be over the phone, videoconference or in-person

You will be notified via email if the comparative analysis process changes or includes additional assessment tools other than those listed above.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as (minimum – 40^th posting max) $3,154- $3,658.83 per month ($37,848- $43,906 per year).

This position is eligible for overtime compensation.

The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

If you have prior state-classified service in the same class series as this position, your pay may be set at a higher amount per the state Step Pay Program implemented on July 1, 2024. For more information about the Step Pay Program, please visit the 2024 Step Pay Program for State of Colorado Employees | DHR.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [email protected]​.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.