Housekeeping Aid - Environmental Services Technician

The Veterans Affairs Medical Center located in Memphis, Tennessee, operates within the Environmental Management Services Division and plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, clean, and healthy environment for both patients and staff. As a federal medical facility, it is dedicated to providing superior healthcare services to veterans across the region, ensuring that every area of the medical center adheres to the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene. This mission supports the larger goal of improving veteran health outcomes through enhanced facility maintenance and environmental safety protocols.

The Housekeeping Aid - Environmental Services Technician position within this division is a vital role responsible for executing comprehensive janitorial and custodial services throughout the medical center. This full-time, permanent role offers an hourly wage between $18.23 and $21.27, situated within the WG 2 pay scale. The job does not include remote work or telework options, emphasizing the need for presence on-site to effectively serve the Memphis facility.

This position demands a diverse skill set, including the operation of powered cleaning equipment such as rotary buffers, vacuum cleaners, floor stripping units, steam cleaners, and various other high-performance tools essential for maintaining clinical and non-clinical areas. The scope of work covers a wide range of activities – from sanitizing surfaces, cleaning windows and walls, dusting and polishing furniture, to handling waste removal including regulated medical, chemotherapeutic, and radioactive materials safely and efficiently.

Furthermore, the technician must apply specialized cleaning chemicals in accordance with safety guidelines to ensure the protection of both personnel and property. The role also encompasses textile distribution tasks such as making beds, changing linens, and cycling soiled linens through collection, transport, and repackaging. Attention to detail is paramount, as the technician is responsible for replenishing consumable supplies like soap, hand towels, and gloves to facilitate smooth daily operations.

The work schedule for this role is variable, including day, evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts, offering flexibility but requiring adaptability to the needs of the service. This role is non-supervisory and classified under the custodial working series 3566. The selected candidate will undergo a one-year probationary period to ensure their fitness for federal employment and alignment with the agency's standards and goals.

In terms of physical demands, this position requires continuous walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, and the ability to handle heavy powered equipment up to 100 pounds. The job environment is predominantly indoors with controlled temperature and ventilation, though some tasks may be performed outdoors subject to varying weather conditions. Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be necessary due to potential exposure risks.

The Housekeeping Aid job offers veterans and the general public a federal employment opportunity that includes a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the employee's health, retirement, and work-life balance. This opportunity aligns with the values of public service, emphasizing the importance of commitment to federal employment principles, including adherence to laws and government efficiency.