Pharmacy Technician III - Parata Operations Specialist

About the role

Employment Type: Full time

Shift: Rotating Shift

About the role

The Pharmacy Technician III is responsible for advanced pharmacy production duties with a primary focus on operating and maintaining the Parata packaging and dispensing automation systems. This role supports the accurate and timely preparation of unit-dose medications, short-cycle packaging, and monthly punch card production for long-term care residents. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, technology-driven, and committed to ensuring medication accuracy, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

Enjoy a flexible schedule with first, mid, and second shift options available. In our closed-door LTC pharmacy, this position requires a high level of independence, with most responsibilities completed autonomously.

Parata Robot Operations

• Operate Parata automation systems to package medications accurately and efficiently.
• Load, replenish, and maintain Parata canisters according to pharmacy procedures.
• Perform daily startup, shutdown, cleaning, and preventative maintenance tasks for Parata equipment.
• Troubleshoot routine Parata operational issues and escalate technical concerns as needed.
• Monitor automation performance and identify opportunities to improve workflow efficiency.
• Complete quality assurance checks on all Parata-packaged medications.
• Maintain accurate documentation of packaging runs, canister changes, and machine maintenance activities.
• Ensure medications loaded into automation meet expiration date and inventory standards.
• Assist with Parata inventory management, including stock rotation and discrepancy resolution.
• Collaborate with pharmacists and leadership to optimize automation utilization and production goals.

Required Qualifications

• Current Pharmacy Technician registration/licensure as required by state regulations.
• National certification (PTCB) preferred.
• Minimum 1-2 years of pharmacy technician experience preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to medication accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize workload in a fast-paced production environment.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to learn new software applications.
• Experience working with pharmacy automation systems, Parata experience strongly preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Long-term care/retail pharmacy experience.
• Experience with unit-dose packaging and medication punch card production.
• Knowledge of short-cycle dispensing requirements.
• Experience troubleshooting automated pharmacy equipment.
• Familiarity with medication inventory management and production workflows.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Frequent lifting, pushing, and pulling of medication totes and supplies up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions associated with automated packaging and production activities.

What Makes a Successful Candidate?

• Passion for pharmacy automation and process improvement.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong sense of urgency and accountability.
• Ability to work independently while supporting team goals.
• Commitment to delivering accurate medications and excellent service to patients.