Become a Hospital Housekeeping Officer with the Veterans Health Administration
Are you a seasoned facilities professional with a passion for public service? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering a high-impact leadership opportunity as a Hospital Housekeeping Officer in North Chicago. This role is essential to maintaining the high standards of cleanliness and safety required to care for our nation's Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As the Hospital Housekeeping Officer, you are not just managing cleaning staff—you are overseeing a massive logistics and sanitation operation. Key duties include:
- Program Management: Overseeing environmental sanitation, laundry services, and linen distribution.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring all facilities meet strict VA and Department of Defense environmental safety standards.
- Staff Leadership: Training, evaluating, and mentoring subordinate supervisors to ensure high performance.
- Waste Management: Coordinating the safe disposal of hazardous, toxic, and biohazardous waste.
Comparison of Key Focus Areas
| Focus Area | Responsibility Level |
|---|---|
| Environmental Sanitation | High - Ensures patient safety |
| Personnel Management | High - Leads and trains staff |
| Regulatory Compliance | Critical - Governs VA/DoD standards |
| Resource Planning | Strategic - Budget and supply oversight |
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, applicants must be U.S. citizens and have one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level. You must submit an SF-50 verifying your time-in-grade. Additionally, you will undergo a background check and a drug screening as part of the onboarding process.
Salary and Benefits
This GS-13 position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $118,984 to $154,682. Federal employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including robust retirement options, healthcare, and significant professional growth opportunities within the VHA.
Application Tips
- Watch the Clock: Applications close on November 9, 2026.
- The Two-Page Rule: Your resume must be two pages or fewer.
- Be Specific: Use results-oriented language to describe your past successes in facilities management.
Serving those who have served us is a rewarding career path. If you possess the leadership skills to manage complex environmental health programs, we encourage you to apply and join our mission-driven team.
Why This Hospital Housekeeping Officer Job Matters
Lead environmental excellence at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center and directly impact the standard of care for our nation's heroes.
Hospital Housekeeping Officer Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking an experienced Hospital Housekeeping Officer (GS-13) to oversee facility-wide sanitation, supply chain, and environmental programs. Reporting to the Deputy Associate Director, you will manage a complex 100-acre campus, ensuring regulatory compliance and high-quality operational standards across patient care environments in Illinois and Wisconsin.
Requirements for Hospital Housekeeping Officer
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must be able to pass a background/security investigation
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent
- Subject to a urinalysis drug screening
- Must complete a 1-year probationary period
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Submission of SF-50 documentation for federal employees to verify time-in-grade
Preferred Qualifications for Hospital Housekeeping Officer
- Advanced knowledge of environmental sanitation principles, infection control, and antimicrobial use
- Experience in large-scale laundry and linen management
- Proven background in waste management including biohazardous and infectious materials
- Expertise in pest management and chemical application protocols
- Strong proficiency in organizational planning, resource allocation, and personnel management
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal healthcare insurance programs
- ✓Generous paid time off and federal holidays
- ✓Flexible retirement plans including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Supportive work environment dedicated to Veteran care
💡 How to Apply Hospital Housekeeping Officer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Hospital Housekeeping Officer Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documents, including your most recent SF-50.
- Submit your application package by the closing date of November 9, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet the two-page limit requirement.
- Be specific in your resume; do not assume the recruiter knows your past daily tasks.
- Ensure your SF-50 clearly shows at least one year of time-in-grade.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
- Double-check that all required fields in the questionnaire are answered before submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of the Hospital Housekeeping Officer?
You will manage the planning, staffing, and operations of Environmental Management Services (EMS) across a 100-acre campus and seven outpatient clinics.
Is there a page limit for my resume?
Yes, federal agencies now enforce a strict two-page limit for resumes. Applications exceeding this will not be considered.
What physical requirements are associated with this role?
The role requires extensive walking, standing, bending, and the ability to lift items up to 50 pounds during facility inspections and oversight.
Is relocation assistance provided?
*A: No, relocation/recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.*
Is this a remote position?
*A: No, this is an on-site position requiring daily presence on the North Chicago campus.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Providing care to more than 9 million Veterans annually, the VHA is committed to President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors."