Launch Your Career: Housekeeping Aid at the VA Northern California Healthcare System

Are you looking for a career that combines stable federal employment with a noble mission? The VA Northern California Healthcare System is currently hiring a Housekeeping Aid to join their Environmental Management Services team at Mather AFB. This role is more than just maintenance; it is a fundamental part of the patient care experience for our nation’s heroes.

Job Responsibilities

As a Housekeeping Aid, you are the front line of health and hygiene. Your responsibilities include:

Maintaining cleanliness in wards, patient rooms, and restrooms.
Operating floor-cleaning machinery and vacuuming carpets.
Disposing of waste and replenishing supplies like soap and paper towels.
Moving furniture and cleaning surfaces, including windows and Venetian blinds.
Ensuring all tasks are performed with a focus on infection control and safety.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is generally required.
Screening: You must pass background investigations and, if applicable, drug testing.
Registration: Males born after December 31, 1959, must register for Selective Service.
Probation: A one-year probationary period is mandatory for all new hires.

Salary Overview

The compensation for this position ranges from $18.61 to $21.70 per hour. This is a competitive rate reflecting the importance of your role in the healthcare environment.

Comparison Table: Why Choose the VA?

Feature	Benefit Description
Mission	You support Veterans directly every day.
Stability	Federal government positions offer job security.
Benefits	Access to comprehensive health, leave, and retirement plans.
Environment	Collaborative workplace where 85% of housekeeping staff are Veterans.

Benefits

Working for the VA provides more than just a paycheck. Employees gain access to federal healthcare plans, generous leave accrual (which can increase based on years of service), and retirement planning through the Thrift Savings Plan.

Application Tips

Respect the Limit: Keep your resume under two pages.
Be Specific: Detail your duties clearly so HR doesn't have to guess.
Use the Builder: The USAJOBS resume builder is a great way to ensure you meet all formatting standards.

Serving those who served is a unique calling. If you are diligent, reliable, and ready to make a positive impact, apply for the Housekeeping Aid position at the VA today.

Why This Housekeeping Aid Job Matters

Join the VA Northern California Healthcare System and directly impact the lives of those who served our nation by maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.

Housekeeping Aid Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Housekeeping Aid to join the Environmental Management Services (EMS) team at Mather AFB, California. You will play a vital role in the patient care experience, ensuring that healthcare facilities are sanitized, orderly, and efficient. This position is perfect for individuals who take pride in their work and want to support our Veterans in a meaningful, mission-driven environment.

Requirements for Housekeeping Aid

U.S. citizenship (non-citizens may only be appointed if qualified citizens are unavailable).
Must be suitable for Federal employment based on a background investigation.
Must be able to pass a urinalysis for illegal drug use if in a testing-designated position.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must complete an online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification (REAL ID compliant).
Must serve a one-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Housekeeping Aid

Experience in custodial, sanitation, or environmental maintenance tasks.
Ability to operate floor buffers, vacuum cleaners, and other industrial cleaning equipment.
Strong attention to detail regarding hygiene and safety standards.
Reliability and dependability in carrying out assignments with minimal supervision.
Physical capability to handle weights, move furniture, and climb small ladders.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly wages within the Federal Wage System.
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Retirement savings plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Accrual of annual and sick leave.
✓Opportunities for professional development and career growth within the VA system.

💡 How to Apply Housekeeping Aid Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Housekeeping Aid Job

Create or log in to your account at USAJOBS.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Review the job announcement and complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all required supporting documents (such as your DD-214 or SF-50 if applicable).
Submit your application package before the deadline on August 6, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to two pages; this is a strict requirement for current VA merit hiring plans.
Be specific in your resume—do not leave room for assumptions regarding your past experience.
Use standard, legible fonts and save your documents as PDFs for the best formatting consistency.
Highlight volunteer experience if you lack direct paid custodial work; it counts toward your qualifications.
Double-check your application status in your USAJOBS profile frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary responsibility of a Housekeeping Aid?

You will perform essential sanitation tasks including cleaning patient rooms, restrooms, and offices, moving furniture, managing waste, and ensuring the facility remains safe for Veterans and staff.

Is experience required for this role?

No specific length of training is required, but you must demonstrate your ability to perform the duties of the position through your resume.

What is the length of the resume limit?

Federal agencies now limit resumes to a maximum of two pages. Resumes exceeding this length will not be considered.

Is this a remote position?

*A: No, this is an onsite position at Mather AFB, CA.*

Can I apply without experience?

*A: Yes, but you must describe any relevant training or work history that proves you can perform the tasks effectively.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan." The VA Northern California Health Care System provides an integrated network of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care. Our core values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence (I-CARE)—guide every interaction we have with the Veterans we serve.