Assistant Hospital Housekeeping Officer: A Critical Role in Veteran Care

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a highly motivated professional to serve as an Assistant Hospital Housekeeping Officer at the VA Black Hills Healthcare System in Fort Meade, South Dakota. This position is vital to our commitment to providing world-class care, as it directly impacts the safety, cleanliness, and overall atmosphere of our healthcare facility.

Job Responsibilities

As an Assistant Hospital Housekeeping Officer, you will work closely with the primary Housekeeping Officer to ensure the facility meets rigorous sanitation standards. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Operational Management: Planning and managing an effective hospital housekeeping program.
Environmental Safety: Maintaining high levels of bacteriological and visual cleanliness.
Linen & Laundry Services: Overseeing linen delivery and inventory systems.
Waste Management: Developing and maintaining programs for hazardous, toxic, and infectious waste disposal.
Leadership: Interviewing, training, and motivating a diverse team of staff members.
Compliance: Ensuring adherence to Environment of Care (EOC) criteria and regulatory standards.

Comparison: Standard vs. Management Responsibilities

Feature	Standard Housekeeping	Housekeeping Management
Scope	Individual area cleaning	Entire hospital facility
Focus	Task completion	Planning and policy development
Personnel	Peer-level tasks	Supervision, training, and discipline
Documentation	Cleaning logs	EOC reports and budget management

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education/Experience: A combination of one year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level or equivalent, or a Ph.D./three years of graduate education in a related field.
Vaccination: Mandatory participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Probationary Period: A one-year probationary period is required for all new hires.

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is $74,678 to $97,087 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. This compensation reflects the professional nature of the role and the responsibility involved in managing a critical hospital service.

Benefits

Employees of the VA enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:

Health and retirement plans.
Paid annual and sick leave.
Flexible scheduling options.
Opportunities for federal service career progression.

Application Tips

To maximize your chances of success, prioritize recent, relevant experience in your resume. Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your document stays within the mandatory two-page limit. Clearly define your role and responsibilities in each position to demonstrate your supervisory and technical competencies.

If you have the leadership skills and the passion to serve, this position at the VA Black Hills Healthcare System offers a unique way to make a tangible difference. Apply before the deadline of October 29, 2026, to be considered for this honorable role.

Why This Assistant Hospital Housekeeping Officer Job Matters

Join a dedicated team at the VA Black Hills Healthcare System and play a pivotal role in maintaining the sanitary, safe, and welcoming environment our nation’s Veterans deserve.

Assistant Hospital Housekeeping Officer Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a diligent Assistant Hospital Housekeeping Officer to join our facility in Fort Meade, South Dakota. This position is essential to our mission, ensuring that clinical and administrative areas meet strict environmental sanitation standards. You will co-manage housekeeping operations, oversee laundry and linen services, manage waste removal, and lead a dedicated team to uphold the high standards of care for those who have served our country.

Requirements for Assistant Hospital Housekeeping Officer

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Completion of the online application, assessment, and questionnaire.
Must pass a background/security investigation.
Must complete a one-year probationary period.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory for all Healthcare Personnel.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must live within a commutable distance of Fort Meade, South Dakota.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant Hospital Housekeeping Officer

Experience in environmental sanitation, infection control, and the use of antimicrobial agents.
Background in laundry and linen management operations.
Knowledge of waste management protocols, including hazardous, toxic, and infectious materials.
Experience in pest management and chemical application.
Strong supervisory skills, including training, performance evaluation, and team motivation.
Graduate degree in public health or hospital administration.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Generous paid time off and vacation leave accrual.
✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package.
✓Flexible and predictable work scheduling opportunities.
✓Professional development and career growth in a mission-driven environment.
✓Access to the VA’s comprehensive health and retirement programs.

💡 How to Apply Assistant Hospital Housekeeping Officer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Assistant Hospital Housekeeping Officer Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed the two-page limit.
Complete the online questionnaire and Supervisory Situational Judgment Test (SSJT).
Attach all required documents, including transcripts if using education to qualify.
Submit your application package by the closing date of October 29, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly lists month and year for all start/end dates to receive proper credit.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting complies with the new two-page limit.
Quantify your results and align your resume language with the key competencies listed in the job announcement.
Save and upload your final resume as a PDF to preserve formatting and page count.
Double-check that all required supporting documents are attached before submitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is not a virtual position. Candidates must reside within or be willing to relocate to a commutable distance of Fort Meade, South Dakota.

What is the resume page limit?

As of September 27, 2025, Federal agencies require resumes to be no longer than two pages. Resumes exceeding this limit will result in ineligibility.

Is a physical examination required?

No, a pre-placement physical examination is not required for this role as it is primarily a sedentary office-based position.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is dedicated to fulfilling 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 VA offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization that values compassion, integrity, and excellence. Our staff members enjoy a balanced work-life environment and the profound satisfaction of serving those who have sacrificed for our country.