Environmental Services Technician (EVS) - Housekeeping Aid

The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, located in Houston, Texas, is one of the largest and most comprehensive Veterans Affairs healthcare facilities in the country. As an integral part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the medical center serves a broad population of Veterans, providing exceptional medical care, rehabilitation, and support services. Known for its dedication to improving the health and well-being of Veterans, the facility operates with a commitment to excellence, innovation, and patient-centered care. It employs a diverse and skilled workforce, the majority of whom are Veterans themselves, fostering a unique environment rooted in shared values and mutual respect. With state-of-the-art medical and support infrastructure, including specialized divisions such as Environmental Management Services, the center actively supports the needs of both patients and their families within the Houston area and beyond.

The Environmental Management Services Division at the VA Medical Center plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment for patients, visitors, and staff. Within this division, the Housekeeping Aid - Environmental Services (HKA-EVS) Technician position is vital to the daily operations of the facility. This role involves providing janitorial and custodial services essential to sustaining an environment conducive to health and healing. The position is a full-time, permanent role within the Competitive Service, classified at the WG-2 pay grade with an hourly wage ranging from $18.08 to $21.10. Working under the direct supervision of the Housekeeping Supervisor or their designee, the HKA-EVS Technician is responsible for performing both light and heavy cleaning tasks in various areas of the medical center, including wards, patient rooms, offices, corridors, restrooms, and other patient care and public areas.

A career as an HKA-EVS Technician at the VA Medical Center offers an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of Veterans by ensuring that the healthcare environment is maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness and safety. Working alongside a team comprised predominantly of Veterans, this role is not only about cleaning but about creating a respectful and welcoming atmosphere that supports healing and comfort. The HKA-EVS Technician employs various cleaning techniques, such as sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, scrubbing floors with machines, cleaning windows and ceilings, and managing waste disposal. Additionally, the role demands physical endurance and dexterity to operate industrial powered cleaning equipment and involves maintaining supplies and minor maintenance tasks like changing light bulbs and moving furniture. Employees are expected to carry out their assignments with minimal supervision while adhering to health and safety protocols.

The position demands an energetic and reliable individual capable of handling continuous physical activity, including walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Success in this role requires visual acuity, coordination, and an attention to detail necessary to identify and remove dirt, dust, and debris, as well as a commitment to providing an environment that fosters the health and safety of Veterans and staff. With a scheduled workweek generally Monday through Friday and various shift options, this role offers some flexibility while prioritizing the operational needs of the facility. Benefits of working as an HKA-EVS Technician include a competitive federal benefits package, career stability in public service, and the personal satisfaction of supporting Veterans' health programs.