Become a Housekeeping Aid (Leader) at the Portland VA
Are you a dedicated professional with a background in custodial services? Do you take pride in leadership and ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness? The Portland VA Medical Center is seeking a Housekeeping Aid (Leader) to oversee our cleaning operations at both our Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington campuses. This is more than just a cleaning job; it is a vital role that ensures our veterans receive their care in a safe, hygienic, and welcoming environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Housekeeping Aid (Leader), your duties will involve:
- Team Leadership: Guiding team members, setting project paces, and providing technical advice on cleaning procedures.
- Quality Control: Spot-checking the work of others to ensure high standards are maintained in patient and public areas.
- Administrative Support: Assisting with shift reports, managing work orders, and updating the Bed Management System.
- Equipment Management: Operating floor machines, carpet shampooers, and other heavy-duty cleaning equipment.
- Emergency Response: Adjusting priorities to handle facility emergencies or unexpected sanitation requests.
Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate the ability to perform the duties of the role without excessive supervision. You must be able to lift 50+ pounds, work in various weather conditions, and be proficient in using cleaning tools. A 1-year probationary period is required for all new hires.
Salary & Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Type | Housekeeping Aid (Leader) |
| Salary Range | $22.58 – $26.35 per hour |
| Work Schedule | Various tours available |
| Locations | Portland, OR & Vancouver, WA |
Benefits
Working for the VA offers a robust benefits package:
- Leave: Generous annual and sick leave, plus 11 paid Federal holidays.
- Insurance: Access to comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans.
- Retirement: A traditional pension and a 401(k)-style thrift savings plan with an employer match.
- Parental Support: Paid parental leave after 12 months.
Application Tips
To be competitive, ensure your resume is precisely two pages long. Highlight your leadership experience, specific cleaning machinery you have operated, and your history of coordinating work teams. Avoid general descriptions; be specific about your duties and accomplishments.
Join the Portland VA team and make a real difference in the lives of Veterans. Apply today to help lead our sanitation efforts and maintain a facility we can all be proud of.
Why This Housekeeping Aid (Leader) Job Matters
Step into a leadership role where your dedication ensures a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for those who served our nation.
Housekeeping Aid (Leader) Job Overview
The Portland VA Medical Center is seeking proactive and experienced individuals to join our team as a Housekeeping Aid (Leader). In this role, you will provide essential guidance to housekeeping staff across our Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington facilities. You will be responsible for overseeing sanitation projects, ensuring high standards of hygiene in patient and administrative areas, and facilitating communication between your team and management. This is a critical role in supporting the VA's mission to provide compassionate, high-quality care to our Veterans.
Requirements for Housekeeping Aid (Leader)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must be suitable for Federal employment as determined by a background investigation
- Must be able to provide evidence of training or experience in cleaning methods, equipment maintenance, and leadership
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period
- Must be able to stand, bend, stoop, and lift objects weighing 50+ lbs for extended periods
- Ability to work in various indoor and outdoor weather conditions
Preferred Qualifications for Housekeeping Aid (Leader)
- Proven experience in leading, training, and coordinating teams in custodial or sanitation settings
- Technical proficiency with heavy-duty cleaning equipment (floor machines, auto scrubbers, carpet shampooers)
- Strong communication skills for reporting progress, work orders, and administrative updates
- Ability to adjust work priorities to handle emergency requests or staffing changes
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Annual leave accrual (13-26 days per year)
- ✓13 days of sick leave per year
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays
- ✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
- ✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- ✓Federal pension and 401k-style thrift savings plan (with up to 5% employer match)
- ✓Childcare subsidy for eligible employees
💡 How to Apply Housekeeping Aid (Leader) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Housekeeping Aid (Leader) Job
- Log in or register for a USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less in length.
- Review the job announcement and note all required documents (e.g., SF-50, DD-214 if applicable).
- Complete the occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
- Submit your complete application package before the deadline on September 9, 2026.
- Monitor your status through your USAJOBS account portal.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly lists the month, year, and hours worked per week for every position.
- Focus your resume on results and skills relevant to this specific leadership role.
- Upload documents as PDFs to preserve formatting and pagination.
- Double-check that your resume is two pages or less; longer resumes will not be considered.
- Be specific about your experience with heavy machinery and project leadership in your resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is experience required to apply?
While a specific length of time is not mandated, you must provide clear evidence of your ability to perform the duties of a housekeeping leader, including technical knowledge of cleaning methods and leadership capability.
What is the resume length requirement?
Per current Federal requirements, all resumes submitted for this position must be no longer than two pages.
Can I apply if I am not a veteran?
Yes, this position is open to the public. While veterans' preference rules are affected by the Direct-Hire Authority in place, qualified veterans will receive full consideration.
What is the resume page limit?
You must keep your resume to two pages or less to be considered.
Is a degree required?
No, education is not a substitute for experience at this level; we focus on your professional history.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class care to those who have served our country. The Portland VA Medical Center operates on the "I CARE" values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. As a member of our custodial team, you are an essential part of the healing environment that supports our mission.