Launch Your Federal Career as a Housekeeping Aid with the VA
Are you looking for a stable career where your hard work truly matters? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in Birmingham, Alabama, is currently seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Housekeeping Aid to join our Environmental Management Services team. This position is more than just cleaning; it is about providing a safe, sanitary, and supportive environment for the brave men and women who served our country.
About the Veterans Health Administration
The VA is committed to providing world-class care to our nation's Veterans. Our culture is defined by our "I CARE" core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. When you join the VHA, you become part of a massive team dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan."
Job Responsibilities
As a Housekeeping Aid, you are the frontline of cleanliness and safety. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- General Sanitation: Cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing patient areas, bathrooms, and high-traffic common spaces.
- Floor Maintenance: Sweeping, scrubbing, polishing, and extracting carpets to keep the facility in top condition.
- Waste Management: Safely collecting and transporting trash, recycling, and regulated medical waste.
- Inventory Control: Managing and restocking cleaning supplies, paper products, and linens in designated areas.
- Equipment Operation: Using industrial-grade buffers, wall washers, and other specialized cleaning tools safely.
Comparison: Standard vs. Hospital Cleaning
| Feature | Standard Housekeeping | Hospital Housekeeping (VA) |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Standards | General cleanliness | Strict biohazard/sanitation protocols |
| Equipment | Basic vacuums/mops | Heavy-duty industrial machinery |
| Patient Interaction | Minimal | High; requires professionalism |
| Scope | Appearance-based | Infection control-based |
Qualifications and Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet the minimum standards for federal employment. While a specific degree is not required, you must clearly document your experience in your resume. Key requirements include:
- Ability to perform physical tasks like walking, standing, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Commitment to safety and following detailed instructions.
- Submission of a resume limited to two pages.
- Passing a standard federal background check.
Salary and Benefits
This position provides competitive pay, ranging from $18.23 to $21.27 per hour. Beyond the paycheck, the federal government provides one of the most stable benefits packages in the country:
- Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical and health insurance plans.
- Retirement: Access to the federal pension system and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Leave: Paid annual and sick leave that increases with your years of service.
If you take pride in your work and want to serve those who served us, this Housekeeping Aid role is the perfect fit. Apply today to start your career with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Birmingham and enjoy the benefits of federal service.
Why This Housekeeping Aid Job Matters
Join the VA team in Birmingham and help us uphold President Lincoln's promise to those who served. Your hard work directly improves the lives of our nation's heroes every single day.
Housekeeping Aid Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Housekeeping Aid to join our Environmental Management Services team in Birmingham, Alabama. In this vital role, you will perform essential custodial and sanitization duties to maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for our Veterans and clinical staff. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to provide direct support in a healthcare setting, contributing to the high standard of care for which the VA is known.
Requirements for Housekeeping Aid
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply only if no qualified citizens are available).
- Must pass a pre-employment background investigation.
- Must be able to perform physical labor, including continuous walking, standing, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Must be able to provide evidence of training or experience sufficient to perform custodial duties.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must adhere to annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
- Must submit a resume no longer than two pages in length.
Preferred Qualifications for Housekeeping Aid
- Prior experience in professional custodial, janitorial, or environmental services.
- Proven ability to handle industrial-grade cleaning equipment safely.
- Strong reliability and ability to follow detailed health and safety protocols.
- Experience working within a hospital or clinical environment.
- Demonstrated dexterity and attention to detail regarding sanitation standards.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health insurance options
- ✓Generous paid annual and sick leave
- ✓Federal retirement pension plan
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style investment)
- ✓Stable, full-time federal employment
- ✓Opportunities for promotion without further competition
- ✓Credit for job-related non-federal experience toward leave accrual rates
💡 How to Apply Housekeeping Aid Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Housekeeping Aid Job
- Log in or create an account on USAJOBS.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages or less.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, such as your resume and any applicable supporting documents (e.g., DD-214).
- Submit your application package before the closing date of September 30, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly details how your past experience matches the job requirements; the VA will not make assumptions.
- Use a clean, easy-to-read font and follow the 2-page limit strictly to avoid automatic disqualification.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve your formatting.
- Review your application status frequently by logging into your USAJOBS account.
- Focus your resume language on the specific skills mentioned in the job description.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pay rate for this position?
The Housekeeping Aid position offers a hourly wage between $18.23 and $21.27.
Do I need a high school diploma or specific certification?
A specific length of training is not strictly required, but you must demonstrate sufficient experience or training to perform the duties of the role effectively.
Are there physical requirements for this job?
Yes, this role requires continuous physical activity, including walking, standing, kneeling, and the ability to operate cleaning equipment weighing over 50 pounds.