Environmental Services Technician (Housekeeping Aid)

The Environmental Services Technician (Housekeeping Aid) position is based within the Environmental Management Services Division at the Fort Wayne, Indiana VA Medical Center, part of the Northern Indiana Healthcare System (NIHCS). The NIHCS serves the healthcare needs of Veterans primarily in the Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan areas within the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN 10). As a federal agency, the VA is dedicated to honoring America's Veterans by providing exceptional healthcare and improving their health and well-being. Operating under the Whole Health System of care model, the VA emphasizes personalized health plans, healing relationships, healing environments, and strong community connections for Veterans receiving care.

The Northern Indiana Healthcare System offers a professional, Veteran-friendly work environment within a 24/7 operational setting. This role reflects a critical support function in maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and safety across the medical center to ensure a welcoming atmosphere for Veterans, their families, staff, and visitors. Given the VA’s commitment to inclusiveness, a significant portion of the housekeeping staff are Veterans themselves, which fosters a supportive community within the workplace.

This permanent full-time position, with a pay range of $18.17 to $21.17 per hour (WG 2 grade) and promotion potential up to grade 2, demands an individual capable of performing janitorial and custodial services in various medical facility areas, including patient rooms, wards, restrooms, offices, corridors, and storage spaces. The Environmental Services Technician plays a vital role in infection control by cleaning and sanitizing patient contact areas, handling waste safely, and restocking essential supplies. Duties also include maintaining floors, furniture, medical refrigerators, and outdoor entryways. This role requires continuous physical activity such as walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, and occasionally moving heavy powered cleaning equipment.

The work schedule depends on the needs of the service and may include various shifts such as mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, specifically from 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM for this posting. Employees in this capacity must be reliable, exercise initiative, and follow all safety and infection control policies strictly. The VA requires participation in seasonal influenza vaccination programs, or valid exemptions apply, to ensure patient and staff safety.

Candidates interested in this meaningful career must meet U.S. citizenship requirements (or appropriate eligibility), pass a background investigation, adhere to guidelines such as selective service registration if applicable, and complete the VA’s onboarding process. The position is located in the Fort Wayne campus of the Northern Indiana Healthcare System and offers no telework or remote work options. While relocation expenses are not reimbursed, the position is represented by a union and does not require a security clearance or drug testing.

The VA aims to ensure all candidates are fairly evaluated and encourages Veterans and transition service members to apply. This role is ideal for individuals dedicated to improving federal government efficiency, supporting American republican ideals, and committed to providing exceptional support that positively impacts Veterans' healthcare experiences. Training or experience related to performing custodial cleaning services is necessary, and applicants are assessed based on their ability to safely work independently and utilize cleaning tools and equipment effectively.

This position requires strong physical capabilities to perform demanding daily tasks and is part of a supportive team focused on delivering superior healthcare services in a clean and safe environment. The Environmental Services Technician will be a key contributor to the quality of care by preserving the facility’s hygiene standards and contributing to a positive patient experience.