What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pharmacy Automation Technician position at CareTria?
Overview
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The Pharmacy Automation Technician is responsible for the setup, operation, monitoring, and basic maintenance of multiple pharmacy automation systems used in the Pharmacy Fulfillment area. This includes, but is not limited to, sachet packaging machines, automated dispensing technologies, bottle-filling or vial-filling equipment, counting and sorting automation, and other pharmacy production devices.
This role ensures all assigned automation operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with Pharmacy Quality Standards, Board of Pharmacy regulations, and internal SOPs. Technicians will load materials, maintain hopper and equipment supply levels, monitor machine output, identify and correct defects, perform minor repairs or adjustments, and escalate more complex mechanical issues as required.
Responsibilities
Regulatory & Safety Compliance
- Perform all tasks in compliance with Board of Pharmacy regulations, SOPs, equipment manuals, OSHA, and safety guidelines.
- Follow established process flows and quality standards for all automated systems.
Automation Operation & Production
- Set up, operate, adjust, and maintain pharmacy automation equipment, including:
- Sachet creation and packaging machines
- Automated dispensing units
- Counting, bottling, or vial-filling automation
- Sorting devices and other pharmacy fulfillment machinery
- Load raw materials (drug products, packaging components, film rolls, bottles, etc.) into appropriate hoppers or feeders.
- Ensure all hoppers or reservoirs are consistently stocked across multiple machines to maintain production capacity and reduce defects.
- Validate correct machine alignment, calibration, and sensor accuracy across all automated equipment.
Quality Monitoring & Issue Resolution
- Continuously monitor output to ensure products meet Pharmacy Quality standards.
- Identify defects, perform root-cause checks, and make adjustments to prevent recurring issues.
- Conduct in-process quality checks and document variances where required.
- Perform basic troubleshooting and minor repairs or component replacements to maintain steady operation.
Collaboration & Escalation
- Escalate complex mechanical issues to Production Mechanics in a timely manner.
- Provide clear, concise summaries of problems and troubleshooting steps taken.
- Communicate production interruptions or downtime to Management promptly.
- Partner with coworkers, mechanics, and leadership to meet production goals.
Maintenance & Shutdown Responsibilities
- Perform daily and scheduled preventive maintenance according to equipment manuals.
- Complete cleaning, sanitation, and line-clearance requirements for all assigned machines.
- Complete end-of-shift shutdown tasks and accurately record daily output.
General Requirements
- Maintain accurate documentation as outlined by SOPs and regulatory bodies.
- Exhibit regular and predictable attendance.
- Support additional automation or production operations as assigned.
The above duties are meant to be representative of the position and not all-inclusive.
Qualifications
MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:
High School diploma or equivalent
State-specific Pharmacy Technician License, or commitment to complete the ‘technician in training’ requirements approved by the state-specific Board of Pharmacy, within 6 months of hire date
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
One (1) year of previous specialty pharmacy technician experience with exposure to fulfillment of prescription orders
One (1) year of pharmacy operations or logistics experience
Nationally certified through the PTCB or another approved certifying agency
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Strong technical understanding and expertise
Ability to diagnose and treat mechanical problems quickly and effectively
Good hand-eye coordination and steady hands
Effective communication skills with co-workers, management, and mechanics
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Excellent problem-solving and organization skills
Ability to learn from a variety of techniques
Ability to follow established process flows
Basic math skills
Ability to recognize subtle differences in names and numbers
Ability to work effectively in highly stressful situations, exhibiting flexibility in changing situations
Knowledge of medical terminology (including sig codes and Roman numerals), brand and generic names of medications, and general pharmacy terminology
Computer literacy to include operating systems, Microsoft Office Suite, presentation software, communication and collaboration tools, and Adobe PDF or comparable
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Location of job activities 100% inside
Noise and / or vibrations exposure
Reaching (overhead), handling, and feeling
Stand, bend, stoop and sit for prolonged periods of time
Lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.