Advance Your Career with the Veterans Health Administration

Are you searching for a career that offers both stability and a meaningful connection to your community? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is actively recruiting for Housekeeping Aid and Environmental Services Technicians across the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. This is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the health and well-being of our nation’s heroes while building a career within the federal government.

Job Responsibilities

As an Environmental Services Technician, you are the first line of defense in maintaining a sanitized and safe healthcare environment. Your daily duties will include:

Sanitization: Disinfecting patient rooms, clinics, and common areas.
Waste Management: Safe handling, transport, and disposal of general, medical, and hazardous waste, including sharps.
Floor Care: Operating industrial scrubbers, buffers, and extractors to maintain flooring.
Supply Management: Stocking consumable supplies to ensure clinical staff have exactly what they need.
Linens: Managing the distribution and collection of textiles to maintain high hygiene standards.

Comparison: Standard Janitor vs. VA EVS Technician

Feature	Standard Janitor	VA EVS Technician
Scope of Work	General cleaning	Specialized medical sanitization
Equipment	Mops, brooms	Industrial floor care & medical machinery
Environment	Offices, malls	Hospitals & clinics
Safety Standards	Standard cleanliness	HIPAA, OSHA & infection control

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must demonstrate the ability to perform the duties of the position with minimal supervision. Because this position involves working in a clinical setting, safety and compliance are paramount. You must be able to provide detailed documentation of your work history, including specific tasks, dates, and hours per week. Other requirements include a background investigation, drug screening, and a mandatory one-year probationary period.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $18.23 to $21.27 per hour. Beyond the hourly rate, employees benefit from living in Tennessee, a state with no individual state income tax, effectively increasing your take-home pay.

Benefits

Comprehensive federal health insurance plans.
Opportunities for retirement planning through the Federal Employees Retirement System.
Generous leave programs, including annual vacation and sick leave.
Professional growth in a high-demand, stable industry.

Application Tips

The Two-Page Rule: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less. Federal hiring managers will not review longer submissions.
Be Specific: Do not just state you have experience. Detail the types of cleaning chemicals, machinery, and waste disposal protocols you have utilized.
Use PDF Format: To avoid formatting errors, save your final application documents as PDFs.
Check Your Status: Use your USAJOBS account dashboard regularly to see if your application has been reviewed or referred.

If you have a strong work ethic and a desire to serve, we invite you to apply for the Housekeeping Aid position. You are more than just a staff member; you are an essential part of the healing process for the men and women who have protected our country.

Why This Housekeeping Aid -Environmental Services Technician Job Matters

Join the mission of service: The Veterans Health Administration is seeking dedicated individuals to maintain excellence in care for our nation's heroes.

Housekeeping Aid -Environmental Services Technician Job Overview

The Tennessee Valley Healthcare System is hiring Housekeeping Aid Environmental Services Technicians to join their team in Nashville, Murfreesboro, and Chattanooga. You will play a vital role in providing a safe, clean, and sanitized environment for Veterans receiving life-changing medical care. This position is essential to the overall operation of our facilities and requires individuals who take pride in their work and have a deep respect for those who have served our country.

Requirements for Housekeeping Aid -Environmental Services Technician

Must be a U.S. Citizen (non-citizens may be appointed only if qualified citizens are unavailable).
Must be suitable for federal employment based on a background investigation.
Must successfully pass a mandatory urinalysis screening for illegal drugs if required.
Must be registered with the Selective Service if a male born after December 31, 1959.
Must be able to obtain a REAL ID compliant identification card.
Must complete a one-year probationary period.
Must fulfill the annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirement or hold an approved exemption.

Preferred Qualifications for Housekeeping Aid -Environmental Services Technician

Proven track record of reliability and attention to detail in a custodial or janitorial capacity.
Ability to safely operate heavy powered cleaning equipment, such as industrial buffers and floor scrubbers.
Strong communication skills for interpreting technical instructions and safety specifications.
Experience handling hazardous materials, medical waste, or sharps in a clinical or hospital environment.
High level of physical stamina and manual dexterity to perform duties such as bending, kneeling, and lifting items over 50 pounds.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal hourly pay
✓Comprehensive health insurance options
✓Federal retirement benefits
✓Accrual of annual and sick leave
✓Professional development and training
✓Potential for credit toward annual leave based on non-federal experience

💡 How to Apply Housekeeping Aid -Environmental Services Technician Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Housekeeping Aid -Environmental Services Technician 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 DD-214 or SF-50 if applicable.
Submit your final application package before the closing date.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise; it must not exceed two pages per current federal policy.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting complies with length requirements.
Quantify your experience; specify hours worked per week and clear date ranges (month/year).
Focus on results-oriented language rather than just listing job duties.
Ensure your resume is saved as a PDF to preserve your formatting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there state taxes in Tennessee?

No, Tennessee does not have state income taxes, which provides an added benefit to your earnings.

What is the page limit for my resume?

Per federal merit hiring guidelines, your resume must be no longer than two pages to be considered for this position.

What physical demands should I expect?

The role involves continuous standing, walking, bending, and kneeling. You may occasionally need to operate power equipment weighing between 30 and 100 pounds.

What is the age limit for this job?

*A: There is no maximum age for federal employment.*

Will I have to get the flu shot?

*A: Yes, annual influenza vaccination is a condition of employment for VHA healthcare personnel to ensure the safety of our veterans.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) is a premier, integrated tertiary health care system. With major facilities in Nashville and Murfreesboro, and an extensive network of community-based clinics, we provide everything from primary and acute care to specialized surgical and mental health services. Our "I CARE" values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—guide our mission to honor those who have served.