Environmental Service Technician (EVS)

Job Title

Environmental Service Technician (EVS)

Location

VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS)
Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington

Employment Type

Full-Time | Contract Position

Compensation: $18.35/hr plus $5.09 for Health and Wellness

Job Summary

The Environmental Service Technician (EVS) is responsible for maintaining a clean, sanitary, safe, and presentable healthcare environment within designated non-direct patient care areas at the VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS). This position supports infection prevention, environmental safety, and operational readiness by performing routine custodial services, terminal cleaning, waste removal, floor care, and sanitation duties in accordance with VA policies, healthcare environmental standards, and safety regulations.

Environmental Service Technicians play a critical role in ensuring Veterans, staff, and visitors experience a clean and safe healthcare environment while supporting hospital operations and regulatory compliance. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Restroom Cleaning & Sanitation

• Clean and disinfect sinks, toilets, urinals, partitions, mirrors, dispensers, doors, and high-touch surfaces using approved hospital-grade disinfectants.
• Sweep, mop, and sanitize restroom floors.
• Restock restroom supplies including soap, paper towels, toilet paper, and related consumables.
• Empty, sanitize, and reline trash receptacles.
• Maintain restroom cleaning logs and documentation.

Floor Care & Common Area Maintenance

• Sweep, dust mop, damp mop, wet mop, vacuum, and maintain floors throughout hallways, stairwells, elevators, offices, and common areas.
• Remove dirt, debris, stains, scuff marks, and discoloration from floors and surfaces.
• Operate approved custodial equipment and floor care tools safely and effectively.
• Move and replace furniture and movable objects to ensure complete cleaning coverage.

Office & Administrative Area Cleaning

• Dust surfaces and maintain cleanliness in assigned office areas.
• Empty and reline trash containers.
• Maintain clean and sanitary floors and common touchpoints.
• Report any restricted access or cleaning issues to supervisors.

Terminal Cleaning & Exam Room Support

• Perform terminal cleaning of vacant clinic exam rooms after release by clinic staff.
• Clean and disinfect examination tables, chairs, floors, fixtures, and high-touch surfaces using approved healthcare disinfectants.
• Support infection prevention initiatives and comply with fluorescent marking inspection standards.
• Respond to as-needed room turnover requests within required response times.

Waste Removal & Supply Management

• Collect, transport, and dispose of trash and recyclable materials in designated collection areas.
• Maintain janitorial closets and custodial carts in accordance with safety and VA policies.
• Monitor supply inventory and notify supervisors when restocking is required.

Safety & Compliance

• Properly display wet floor signs and hazard warnings during cleaning activities.
• Follow all OSHA, infection prevention, life safety, and healthcare environmental standards.
• Report spills, hazards, equipment malfunctions, unsafe conditions, or maintenance concerns immediately.
• Participate in all required onboarding, background investigations, and annual compliance training

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum one (1) year of custodial, janitorial, housekeeping, or environmental services experience preferred.
• Experience working in healthcare, hospital, or medical environments preferred.
• Ability to safely use cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, and custodial equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness and infection prevention standards.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull cleaning equipment and supplies as required.
• Must successfully complete VA onboarding, fingerprinting, and background investigation requirements prior to beginning work.

This role requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout an entire shift, including frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and climbing step stools to clean patient rooms, restrooms, and common areas. The employee must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, and push or pull carts, linen bins, trash containers, and floor care equipment weighing up to 200 pounds with wheels. The role requires the manual dexterity to safely operate cleaning equipment and handle chemicals, and the ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods. The employee may be exposed to infectious materials, bloodborne pathogens, cleaning agents, and odors, and must follow infection control and safety protocols at all times. The ability to see, hear, and communicate clearly is required to follow instructions and respond to patient and staff needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.