Trash Collection Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Role: 1 FTE Environmental Service Technician (EVS) - Shift Leader

Shift: Full-time, Monday-Thursday, 10:00 a.m.- 8:30 p.m. (PST)

Location: Portland VA Medical Center - 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, Oregon 97239

Rate: $21.00/Hour

Please Note:

• All candidates must have an OIG exclusion list verification uploaded with submission to be considered for a position with VA.

The VA Portland Health Care System is looking for an Environmental Service Technician - Shift Leader to be present on-site for every scheduled shift and ensure EVS staff execute all work requirements to standard. This job involves leading and inspecting the cleaning of non-patient areas of the hospital, such as offices, hallways, and common spaces, while also performing hands-on cleaning duties as needed.

The Shift Leader will be stationed at the Portland campus and is responsible for keeping things clean, sanitary, and safe for Veterans, visitors, staff, and everyone else in the building. All work will follow VA rules, infection control guidelines, and safety standards.

Shift Leadership & Quality Control

• Be present on-site for the entirety of each scheduled shift to direct, coordinate, and oversee EVS staff in executing all assigned work requirements
• Assign and prioritize daily cleaning tasks among shift staff, adjusting coverage for call-outs, staffing gaps, or urgent facility needs
• Develop, implement, and maintain quality control procedures and inspection routines to verify that cleaning, sanitation, and turnover tasks meet VA and contract standards
• Conduct routine walkthroughs and spot-checks of restrooms, offices, common areas, and exam rooms; identify deficiencies and ensure timely correction
• Serve as the shift point of contact for clinic staff and facility management regarding cleaning requests, complaints, or urgent turnover needs
• Train and mentor EVS staff on proper cleaning procedures, safety protocols, and use of approved products and equipment
• Maintain and review required cleaning logs and Monthly Reporting documentation for the shift; follow up on and document any missed or incomplete cleanings with explanation
• Escalate staffing, equipment, supply, or compliance issues to management promptly

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (Hands-On & Oversight)

• Cleaning & sanitation (Restrooms, Offices, Common Areas & Exam Rooms)
• Ensure restrooms are cleaned and disinfected three times daily (Mon-Fri), including sinks, toilets, urinals, partitions, dispensers, handles, vents, and mirrors using hospital-grade disinfectants; restock consumables and log service
• Ensure daily floor care (sweeping, dust/damp/wet mopping, vacuuming, or buffing as appropriate) is completed in offices, hallways, corridors, common areas, elevators, and stairwells, with baseboards and edges free of residue and debris
• Ensure high/low dusting of all assigned spaces, and that furniture and trash receptacles are moved/replaced as needed to clean underneath
• Ensure daily terminal cleaning of vacant exam rooms at end of day, plus as-needed turnover cleaning upon clinic staff request; verify exam tables, beds, and chairs are cleaned and disinfected with VA-approved products
• Coordinate weekly deep/machine-scrubbed cleaning of restroom floors and periodic elevator/stairway floor cleaning after 5:00 PM
• Verify only approved cleaning products and the required microfiber cleaning system are in use across the shift
• Perform hands-on cleaning duties as needed to cover gaps or maintain standards; do NOT clean desks, computers, keyboards, phones, or personal items; do NOT clean occupied exam rooms, medical equipment, or perform any direct patient care duties

Trash & Waste Removal

• Ensure trash and recycling containers are emptied, sanitized, and relined throughout all assigned areas at required frequencies (up to 4x daily in general areas, 2x daily in exam rooms)
• Ensure trash/boxes marked "TRASH" near receptacles are removed and deposited in the nearest outside collection container
• Verify all receptacles are left clean and free of odor, leaks, and foreign matter, and that trash containers are washed daily prior to storage

Safety, Compliance & Facility Care

• Ensure approved warning/wet floor signage is displayed in areas posing a traffic or safety hazard, and that staff clean only half a hallway/area at a time to maintain a dry, accessible path
• Ensure shift compliance with all Life Safety Regulations and facility fire/disaster policies
• Promptly report and respond to spills, fire hazards, safety concerns, and facility defects (leaks, loose fixtures, etc.); ensure staff do the same
• Avoid damage to furniture and building structure; report and remain responsible for any damage caused by self or shift staff
• Promote water and energy conservation practices among shift staff (e.g., turning off unnecessary lights)

Equipment, Supplies & Documentation

• Ensure proper use, safeguarding, and reporting of malfunction or damage of Government-furnished equipment (vacuums, mops, carts, I-Mop scrubbers, etc.); confirm equipment is stored only in designated areas
• Ensure staff avoid damaging materials (e.g., steel wool, abrasive cleaners) and never place floor-use items on furniture or equipment surfaces
• Maintain the Housekeeping Aide Closet (HAC) per VA policy, with no food, drink, or personal items stored there or on carts
• Complete and post required cleaning logs, support accurate Monthly Reporting of cleaning frequency, and report any missed or incomplete cleanings with explanation.

• At least one (1) year of experience in housekeeping services required
• Demonstrated knowledge of developing and maintaining quality control processes for cleaning/custodial operations
• Ability to lead, direct, and communicate effectively with a shift team
• Ability to pass VA background investigation prior to starting work
• Real ID required
• Written and verbal proficiency in English
• High school diploma/GED preferred
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods, including during inspection rounds
• Ability to lift/carry supplies and equipment (e.g., trash bags, mop buckets, janitorial carts)
• Ability to safely operate cleaning equipment (vacuums, floor buffers/scrubbers, I-Mop scrubbers)
• Ability to work in a healthcare environment with exposure to cleaning chemicals and hospital-grade disinfectants

About Aptive. Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. Founded: 2012. Employees: 300+ nationwide.

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class. Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply. About Aptive: Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. Founded: 2012. Employees: 300+ nationwide.