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Decontamination Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Responsible for the proper decontamination, inspection, assembly and sterilization of surgical instruments. Operates processing equipment. Proficient in instrument decontamination and assembly and ...

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Decontamination information

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How much do decontamination jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for decontamination in the United States is $27.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a decontamination?

A decontamination job involves cleaning, disinfecting, and safely handling hazardous materials, equipment, or environments to remove contaminants. This may include biological, chemical, or radioactive substances in medical, laboratory, or industrial settings. Workers follow strict safety protocols and use specialized equipment to prevent the spread of harmful agents. Their role is critical in maintaining safe conditions for workers, patients, and the environment.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in decontamination?

In a Decontamination role, your daily responsibilities usually include cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing medical instruments or equipment according to strict protocols. You'll inspect and sort items, handle biological or hazardous materials safely, and document each step to meet compliance and quality standards. Collaboration with surgical teams, nurses, or laboratory staff is common to ensure instruments are processed and delivered promptly. These tasks are often performed in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment where attention to detail and adherence to safety are critical.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the decontamination position, and why are they important?

To excel in Decontamination, you need attention to detail, adherence to safety protocols, and knowledge of cleaning and sterilization procedures, often validated by specialized training or certifications such as the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST). Proficiency in using sterilization equipment, chemical agents, and tracking systems like instrument management software is crucial. Strong teamwork, reliability, and effective communication help ensure seamless coordination with clinical staff and reduce errors. These skills are vital for maintaining a safe environment, preventing contamination, and supporting patient care outcomes.

How to become a decontamination specialist?

To become a decontamination specialist, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should complete specialized training in decontamination procedures, safety protocols, and the use of protective equipment. Certifications such as OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) are often required, and experience in hazardous materials handling or environmental services can improve job prospects.

How to become a decontamination technician?

To become a decontamination technician, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue specialized training in decontamination procedures, safety protocols, and the use of cleaning and disinfecting equipment. Certification in hazardous materials handling or biohazard cleanup can enhance job prospects, and on-the-job training is common for learning specific protocols and safety standards.
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What cities are hiring for Decontamination jobs?

Cities with the most Decontamination job openings:

What states have the most Decontamination jobs?

States with the most job openings for Decontamination jobs include:

Infographic showing various Decontamination job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $57,186 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Decontamination Operations Technologist/Firing Site Lead (Engineering Technologist 2/3)

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM • On-site

$68K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Los Alamos National Laboratory rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Description
Job Title Decontamination Operations Technologist/Firing Site Lead (Engineering Technologist 2/3)
Location Los Alamos, NM, US
Organization Name J-2/Dynamic Structure Design & Engineering
Minimum Salary
Maximum Salary
This position is open for external candidates only to apply.
What You Will Do
This position will be filled at either the Engineering Technologist 2 or 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
The Integrated Weapons Experiments (J) Division, Dynamic Structure Design, Engineering, and Vessel Operations (J-2) Group is looking for an experienced Engineering Technologist to support the mission of Stockpile Modernization for the Hydrodynamic and Subcritical Experiment Execution Support (HSEES) Program by supporting the Group's confinement vessel operations. In this role, the selected candidate will work within our vessel operations team supporting fielding and restoration efforts which includes fielding of explosives in support of hydrodynamic testing, disassembly and decontamination, vessel repair, and inspection operations following detailed assembly drawings and specialized procedures in support the Hydrodynamic Experiments program. This position is located in Los Alamos, NM with occasional travel to the Nevada National Security Site in Las Vegas, NV. Additional job responsibilities (listed below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level. Additionally, the selected candidate will need to possess excellent teamwork skills to collaborate with engineers, technicians, drafters/designers, and program management. J-2 is a diverse group that enjoys a collegial work environment focused on creative problem solving, where everyone's opinions and ideas are valued and considered. This is your opportunity to make a difference while working on important research directly influencing national security.
Engineering Technologist 2 $96,600 - $158,000
As a Decontamination Ops/Firing Site Lead, the selected candidate will assist in confinement vessel cleanout operations under the direction of a senior Technologist and will work to gain proficiency. The candidate will familiarize themselves with all operations of the Group's confinement vessels, become proficient in vessel cleanout and decontamination, and will assist in other vessel tasks as directed.
Engineering Technologist 3 $106,400 - $176,000
In addition to responsibilities of the Level 2, as a Level 3 Decontamination Ops/Firing Site Lead, the selected candidate will be point of contact for firing operations for individual tests. This will include preparation of all required documents, approvals, and authorizations.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Operating and maintaining programmatic equipment such as specialized HEPA vacuum systems, media blast systems, and glovebox-style decontamination systems
  • Performing material recovery, waste characterization, and waste packaging
  • Conducting crane, hoisting, and rigging operations
  • Operating forklifts and other heavy equipment
  • Supporting operations at explosive firing sites
  • Successfully completing facility-specific and programmatic training
  • Adhering to Formality of Operations principles, including Conduct of Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Training
  • Working occasional overtime as required to support mission needs
  • Ability to obtain a DOE Q Clearance

Additional Job Requirements as Engineering Technologist (Decontamination Operations Technologist/Firing Site Lead) Level 3:
  • Experience working in hazardous operations that include radiological and beryllium contamination areas, high explosives, confined space, and working knowledge of decontamination methods, as well as understanding of engineering controls used to mitigate hazards
  • Experience working with hand tools and machining processes, specialized equipment such as glovebox type enclosures, HEPA ventilation systems, as well as specialized personal protection equipment such as air purifying or supplied air systems.
  • Demonstrated experience with mechanical lifting operations; qualified crane operations, forklift operations, manlift, and jack and roll processes
  • Demonstrated experience in data collection, formal record keeping
  • Demonstrated experience utilizing written procedures with no supervision including attention to detail, documenting assembly packages, change control, inventory, and working under formal conduct of operations
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to prioritize workloads to meet deliverables, investigating alternative solutions and recommending solutions
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to interact with all levels of personnel and customers, ie Scientists, Engineers, Technicians, Support personnel

Education/Experience for Engineering Technologist 2: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, Science, Math or related degree and 5 years of directly related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Education/Experience for Engineering Technologist 3: Position requires a Bachelor' Degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology Science, Math or related degree from an accredited institution and 8 years of directly related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated knowledge of weapon systems and understanding of post execution hazards when using confinement systems
  • Experience in development of critical lift plans, ordinary lift plans, material handling plans
  • Qualified/Certified LANL HE Handler
  • Qualification/Certification/Experience as Firing Site Lead
  • Experience with high hazard/complex operations requiring all levels of PPE use
  • DOE Q Clearance

Work Environment: Outdoors, in confined spaces, heights, underground, working alone, working overtime or irregular schedule, domestic/foreign travel, operation of motor vehicles, work with weapons or explosives, work with vibrating equipment/machinery, work near machinery with moving parts, toxic chemicals, irritant chemicals, dusts or powders, sprays, mists, or vapors, fumes, carcinogens, hearing protection, gloves or hand protection, safety shoes or protective foot-gear, headgear or head protection, safety glasses or eye protection, face shield or facial protection, Mask or respirator.
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.
Note to Applicants:
For full consideration, submit a comprehensive resume and include a detailed cover letter explaining how you meet each of the minimum requirements and any of the desired qualifications.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
  • PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Free basic life and disability insurance
  • Paid childbirth and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
  • Onsite gyms and wellness programs
  • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.
Employment Status Full Time
Appointment Type Regular
Regular
Contact Details
Contact Name Coulter, Joseph Patrick
Email jcoulter@lanl.gov
Work Telephone

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