Become a Leader in Environmental Services at the South Texas Veterans Healthcare System

Are you a dedicated facility maintenance professional looking to elevate your career into a leadership role? The Department of Veterans Affairs has a rewarding opportunity for an Environmental Services Technician (Leader) at the prestigious Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans' Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. This essential role bridges the gap between hands-on custodial service and team leadership. Operating under the Veterans Health Administration, this position ensures that our nation’s heroes receive medical care in a sterile, pristine, and comforting environment.

Earning a competitive hourly rate of $19.99 to $23.32, the chosen candidate will direct, train, and assist a small team of technicians. They will ensure that cleaning operations meet strict safety and infection-control standards. If you have a commitment to service, a strong eye for quality, and the physical stamina required for specialized custodial work, this career opportunity offers the stability, security, and benefits of federal service.

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About the Agency: South Texas Veterans Healthcare System (STVHCS)

The Mission of Support

The mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs is rooted in President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Working at the South Texas Veterans Healthcare System means embodying this commitment daily. Every sterile room, clear corridor, and disinfected surgical suite directly impacts clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Scope of Care

STVHCS represents one of the largest primary service areas in the nation, spanning 35 counties in Texas and serving over 114,000 Veterans. Supported by a network of more than 5,900 personnel, the system includes two main inpatient campuses: the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans' Hospital in San Antonio and the Kerrville VA Hospital.

• Comprehensive Care Services: STVHCS offers complex primary, secondary, and tertiary medical services, including medicine, surgery, psychiatry, and rehabilitation.
• Specialized Infrastructure: The system features a 90-bed Extended Care Therapy Center, a 30-bed Spinal Cord Injury Center, and a dedicated Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center.
• Academic Affiliation: Partners with UT Health San Antonio to provide advanced research opportunities and a diverse ambulatory care program.

By joining this organization, you become an active contributor to a world-class clinical system that values integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect, and excellence.

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Job Responsibilities: Balancing Leadership and Technical Tasks

The Environmental Services Technician (Leader) acts as both a working team member and an operational lead. You will coordinate the efforts of three or more WG-3566 Custodial Working professionals.

Team Leadership and Training

• Daily Operational Coordination: Direct day-to-day cleaning and maintenance workflows, check staff attendance, and delegate tasks when supervisors are unavailable.
• Skills Development: Instruct team members on the proper usage of specialized cleaning chemicals, sanitizing agents, and mechanical gear to ensure surfaces are undamaged.
• Equipment Orientation: Guide employees in choosing the right tools for various tasks, demonstrating how to handle wet/dry vacuums, buffers, and steam extractors.

Sanitation and Facility Upkeep

• Infection Control & Restrooms: Oversee and assist in cleaning, deodorizing, and disinfecting patient rooms, public restrooms, and administrative areas.
• High-Performance Floor Care: Ensure proper stripping, waxing, buffing, and shampooing of both hard surfaces and carpets.
• Detail Cleaning: Manage high-to-low dusting, window washing, woodwork polishing, and wall maintenance.

Operational Safety and Equipment Care

• Safety Adherence: Ensure team compliance with federal, VA, and OSHA regulations regarding chemical handling, fall prevention, and electrical safety.
• Preventative Maintenance: Carry out minor operational maintenance and adjustments on custodial tools to keep them in working order.

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Role Comparison

To better understand how the Environmental Services Technician (Leader) role compares to standard custodial positions within the facility, review the comparative table below:

Feature	Environmental Services Technician (Leader)	Housekeeping Aid (Standard)
Pay Grade / Code	WL-02 / 3566	WG-02 / 3566
Staff Management	Directs 3+ technicians; plans assignments	Focuses on individual cleaning tasks
Equipment Handling	Performs technical operation & minor maintenance	Uses standard buffers and vacuums
Training Role	Instructs peers on chemical dilution & safety	Follows predefined instructions
Supervisor Backup	Assists with administrative tasks and sign-ins	No supervisory backup responsibilities

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Job Requirements and Physical Demands

To qualify for this position, candidates must meet clear guidelines relating to background, health, and physical capabilities.

Key Requirements

1. U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must hold United States citizenship.
2. Selective Service Registration: Men born after December 31, 1959, must provide proof of Selective Service registration.
3. Background Screening: Candidates must pass a federal background investigation and suitability clearance.
4. Identification Compliance: Must present acceptable, REAL ID-compliant identification during the onboarding process.
5. Health Mandate: Annual seasonal influenza vaccination is required for all VA healthcare facility personnel.
6. Probationary Period: Must successfully complete a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period to demonstrate fit.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

This position requires physical labor in a hospital environment. Candidates must be prepared for the following demands:

• Strength Requirements: Frequent lifting and carrying of objects weighing 45 pounds or more, with regular lifting of lighter items.
• Stamina Demands: Up to 6 hours per day of continuous walking, standing, pushing, pulling, and repeated bending.
• Climbing and Agility: Requires reaching above the shoulder, kneeling, climbing ladders, and maintaining balance on uneven surfaces.
• Sensory Requirements: Binocular vision corrected to at least 20/40, color vision to distinguish warning signs, and adequate hearing (use of hearing aids is acceptable).
• Work Environment: Duties require working around moving mechanical parts, exposure to cleaning solvents, noise, intermittent extreme heat, and slippery surfaces.

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Salary Overview and Compensation Structure

The position is compensated on the Federal Wage System (FWS) hourly scale for leader positions (WL):

• Hourly Range: $19.99 to $23.32 per hour.
• Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
• Federal Schedule Reliability: Regular daytime shift schedules provide predictable hours and work-life balance compared to private sector jobs.

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Comprehensive Benefits Package

While this role is centered on essential manual labor and team leadership, it provides standard federal benefits designed to protect your physical and financial health:

• Retirement Security: Enrolled in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% government matching.
• Healthcare Coverage: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program with a wide choice of plans and cost-sharing.
• Paid Time Off: Accrue annual leave (vacation), sick leave, and receive pay for 11 federal holidays.
• Life & Long-Term Care Insurance: Competitive group life insurance (FEGLI) and options for long-term care programs.

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Application Tips and Resume Guidelines

Applying for a federal position requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your application progresses to the hiring manager:

1. Observe the Two-Page Resume Limit

Federal hiring rules limit submitted resumes to no more than two pages. Resumes exceeding this limit will result in your application being marked as ineligible. Ensure you:

• Exclude irrelevant, outdated work history.
• Use short, impact-focused bullet points rather than long paragraphs.
• Ensure your formatting remains intact by saving your document as a PDF.

2. Document Your Work History Details

For every position listed, you must clearly show:

• Specific hours worked per week (e.g., "40 hours/week").
• Exact start and end dates (Month/Year).
• Clear descriptions showing physical capabilities, equipment operation, and leadership experience.

3. Customize Your Resume for the Screen-Out Element

Your application will first be evaluated against a "screen-out element" that measures basic eligibility. Be sure your resume highlights your capabilities in:

• Leading or supervising personnel.
• Operating industrial floor care equipment safely.
• Interpreting work orders, dilution rates, and safety data sheets.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who can apply for this position?
A: This vacancy is open to current federal employees, agency transition candidates (CTAP/ICTAP), and individuals eligible under specific federal hiring authorities.

Q: What is the maximum file size for my resume?
A: Your resume file must be 5MB or less and should be uploaded in a standard format, such as PDF or Word (.docx).

Q: What documents are required to claim Veterans' Preference?
A: You must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing your character of service. If you are claiming a 10-point preference, you must also submit an SF-15 form alongside official VA disability documentation.

Q: How will I be contacted during the hiring process?
A: All notifications are sent via email. Make sure the email address linked to your USAJobs profile is current and monitored regularly.

Q: Is relocation assistance authorized for this position?
A: No. Relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this hiring process.

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If you are ready to use your facility maintenance experience to support our nation’s Veterans, the Environmental Services Technician (Leader) position at the South Texas Veterans Healthcare System is an excellent next step. With hourly pay up to $23.32, a reliable daytime schedule, and a mission-driven work environment, this role provides professional growth and long-term security. Review your resume against the federal two-page limit, prepare your documentation, and submit your application before the closing date to join the team at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans' Hospital.