Supervisor - (NIH)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the nation's premier medical research agency, situated in Bethesda, Maryland. As a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIH is dedicated to improving health through innovative biomedical research. The NIH Clinical Center is the world’s largest hospital solely dedicated to clinical research. It plays a critical role in driving medical discoveries that improve health outcomes globally. The Clinical Center’s environment demands rigorous compliance with healthcare standards to promote patient safety, infection control, and regulatory adherence. Working at NIH offers employees a chance to contribute to impactful healthcare research in a highly respected federal institution.

The role of EVS Supervisor at NIH is a frontline supervisory position crucial for maintaining the clinical environment's cleanliness, safety, and regulatory compliance. This position is responsible for directing and overseeing all day-to-day Environmental Services (EVS) operations within an assigned section or shift at the NIH Clinical Center. The EVS Supervisor ensures housekeeping, cleaning, and disinfection activities meet NIH contractual obligations, The Joint Commission Environment of Care standards, CDC infection prevention guidelines, OSHA requirements, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

The EVS Supervisor leads a team of Environmental Services Technicians and Aides, managing work assignments, conducting daily rounds, monitoring staff productivity, and enforcing performance and conduct standards. This position is the primary point of contact for escalation between frontline EVS staff and higher management such as the Assistant Executive Housekeeper or Executive Housekeeper. The Supervisor plays a vital role in responding to urgent clinical cleaning requests, ensuring timely and comprehensive environmental services in patient care units, isolation rooms, operating rooms, and public areas.

Infection control is a cornerstone of the EVS Supervisor’s responsibilities. The role demands vigilance in adherence to NIH infection prevention protocols, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and compliance with CDC Transmission-Based Precaution procedures. The Supervisor monitors disinfectant use, chemical safety compliance, and biohazard waste management, coordinating closely with the NIH Infection Prevention and Control team for outbreak response and facility-specific directives.

This supervisory role also emphasizes staff development, coaching, and accountability. The EVS Supervisor provides real-time instruction and feedback, supports new employee orientation and training, documents staff performance, and participates in ongoing training initiatives. Strong leadership skills are essential for managing a diverse team under a 24/7 operational schedule that includes evenings, nights, weekends, and federal holidays.

The NIH EVS Supervisor must maintain rigorous documentation and reporting standards, communicate effectively with NIH nursing and facilities management, and attend departmental meetings. Compliance with HIPAA privacy standards, security requirements, and safety protocols is mandatory. The position also requires physical stamina due to extensive walking and standing, essential for conducting daily rounds and inspections.

Overall, this position offers a unique opportunity to engage in healthcare environmental services at a prestigious medical research center, contributing directly to NIH’s mission of advancing medical knowledge and patient care. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required background checks, drug screening, and compliance training. Compensation aligns with applicable wage determinations, and the role is supported by comprehensive benefits, including federal employee health insurance and career development pathways.