Job overview
Are you looking for a rewarding career within the NHS? Do you have excellent attention to detail and enjoy working as part of a busy team?
We are seeking motivated and reliable individuals to join our Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD) Decontamination Team at Southmead Hospital.
No previous experience is required, as full training will be provided.
This vital role helps ensure that medical equipment and surgical instruments are cleaned, disinfected and sterilised to the highest standards, supporting safe and effective patient care across the hospital.
About You
You will be:
- Detail-oriented and committed to high standards
- Able to work effectively as part of a team
- Reliable, motivated and eager to learn
- Physically capable of undertaking a demanding role involving standing, bending and lifting
- Flexible and willing to work a variety of shift patterns
What We Offer
- Full training provided (no previous experience necessary)
- Excellent NHS pension and benefits package
- Apprenticeship opportunities
- Career development and progression within Decontamination Services
- A supportive and inclusive team environment
- Opportunities to gain specialist skills and qualifications
This is an excellent opportunity to start a long-term career within the NHS while contributing to an essential service that supports patient safety.
Previous applications, need not apply
Main duties of the job
As a member of the CSSD team, you will be responsible for the cleaning, inspection, packing and sterilisation of medical equipment and surgical instruments.
You will also use a computerised tracking system to record and monitor equipment throughout the decontamination process.
Responsibilities Include:
- Cleaning and decontaminating medical equipment and surgical instruments
- Inspecting instruments with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Packing and preparing instruments for sterilisation
- Using keyboards, touch screens and barcode scanners
- Operating a computerised instrument tracking system
- Working within a fast-paced clinical environment
- Following strict infection prevention, quality and safety procedures
- Standing for extended periods, with regular bending and lifting throughout shiftsWorking flexibly across a range of shift patternsTraining
Successful candidates will complete an initial three-week induction programme on daytime shifts. Further training will then continue on the allocated shift pattern.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For a more detailed job description, main responsibilities, and Person Specification, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Person specification
Work Experience
Essential
- Experience of dealing with demanding situations
- Understanding of basic hygiene
Desirable
- Previous experience as Decontamination Technician/SSD Technician
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Essential
- Ability to work under pressure at a fast pace in a physically demanding environment, requiring manual handling
- Ability to work with hazardous substances
- Dependable & motivated- able to undertake work methodically with attention to detail and in a timely manner
- Possess good communication skills (both verbal and written) with a confident and approachable manner when dealing with colleagues & various service users
Education/Training/Qualifications
Essential
- Able to read and write & understand written and verbal instructions in English Language
- Ability and willingness to undertake full training for the role of Decontamination Technician
- Able to demonstrate a degree of common sense
Desirable
- Good general education to GCSE level or equivalent
Personal Qualities/Special Circumstances
Essential
- Team player with a professional outlook
- Flexible approach to role
- Health and physical abilities sufficient for the post (if necessary, with reasonable adjustments with respect to the Equality Act/Disability Discrimination Act)
- Able to move and handle trays of surgical equipment up to 9 kg with reasonable adjustments
- High level of personal hygiene
WhatsApp job alerts
Get instant WhatsApp alerts for Band 2 Administrative and IT roles in Bristol
Create your Job Clerk account first. We'll collect your alert preferences during onboarding and help you turn on WhatsApp notifications for matching healthcare roles.
Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Assistant Technical Officer with North Bristol NHS Trust in Bristol, England. It is listed as a Band 2 Administrative and IT role. The advertised salary is £25,272 per annum (FTE) or pro-rata for part time roles. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 23 Aug 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (07 Aug 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
For more context, review related Job Clerk pages for the same profession, band or location where they exist, then use the application-support guides to tailor your statement and prepare for interview.