Housekeeping Aid - Environmental Service Technician (Leader)

The Washington VA Medical Center, located in Washington, DC, is a pivotal healthcare institution within the Department of Veterans Affairs dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare services to veterans of the United States. This Medical Center operates under the Environmental Management Services Division, which ensures that the environment within the medical facility remains clean, safe, and conducive to healing. As part of the federal government, the VA Medical Center provides not only essential medical services but also offers stable, meaningful employment opportunities reflecting the government’s commitment to supporting veterans and their families through quality health services. The Environmental Management Services Division focuses on maintaining hygienic and sanitary conditions critical to the well-being of patients, staff, and visitors across numerous specialized units within the medical center, including outpatient clinics, surgery centers, laboratories, and patient care areas.

The role of Housekeeping Aid - Environmental Service Technician (Leader) at this esteemed Medical Center is an essential working leader position within the Environmental Management Services Division. This full-time permanent role has a defined pay scale ranging from $21.37 to $24.93 per hour, reflecting the Washington-Baltimore-Wilmington wage locality. The position requires a highly dependable and motivated individual capable of leading a team of housekeeping aids and custodial workers, ensuring that all assigned duties are completed efficiently and to the highest standards. Reporting directly to the Housekeeping Supervisor or an appropriate designee, this leader is charged with both performing janitorial duties and supervising a small group of employees in their housekeeping tasks throughout the Medical Center.

The Housekeeping Aid Leader's responsibilities extend beyond basic cleaning to include coordinating daily operational activities, leading training efforts for housekeeping staff, and ensuring strict adherence to Environmental Management Service policies and Medical Center regulations. They act as the communication link between the housekeeping staff and supervisors, validating that all assigned work is completed timely and properly. The leader actively monitors workflow, sets work pace, demonstrates cleaning techniques, and enforces safety protocols, ensuring that Medical Center standards for cleanliness, sanitation, and safety are consistently met or exceeded. This role involves hands-on participation with tasks such as cleaning outpatient surgery areas, clinics, laboratory spaces, central sterile rooms, patient areas, isolation rooms, and other specialized locations within the health facility.

Additionally, the position is physically demanding requiring continuous walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, pulling, and pushing, often involving the operation of heavy industrial cleaning equipment. The leader also takes responsibility for managing textile and uniform distribution, overseeing inventory, and assisting with patient assistance programs. They provide on-the-job training for new and existing housekeeping personnel, identify needs for remedial training, and foster a motivated, organized, and safety-conscious working environment.

This job is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about public service and dedicated to maintaining a therapeutic and safe hospital environment for vulnerable populations. Candidates must be U.S. citizens suitable for federal employment following a thorough background investigation. The role also involves a one-year probationary period, emphasizing the importance of fit and conduct in advancing the VA’s mission. This role is not eligible for supervisory status but carries significant responsibility in directing day-to-day housekeeping operations across the Medical Center.

Employed persons within this position at the Washington VA Medical Center gain access to a comprehensive federal benefits package, including health and dental insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and various other federal employment benefits. The Medical Center promotes whole health — an integrative approach emphasizing overall well-being for both patients and employees, supporting a culture of wellness, respect, and professional development. Work schedules involve various shifts, including weekends and holidays, reflecting the continuous operational needs of the healthcare environment. This position is a vital component of the VA’s commitment to excellence in patient care and health facility management. Individuals interested in joining this impactful team are encouraged to apply online before the closing date of July 20, 2026.