Environmental Services Director

Merit Health; Flowood (MS); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Merit Health in Flowood, Mississippi, seeks a Director of Environmental Services to lead housekeeping, waste management, linen services, and infection prevention cleaning protocols across the hospital.

You will drive operational efficiency, manage staff, and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, while negotiating vendor contracts and fostering a culture of excellence in service delivery and patient safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Seven or more years of direct experience in environmental services or a closely related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• 3–5 years of leadership experience preferred.
• Experience in healthcare/regulated environment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversees cleaning, sanitation, waste management, linen services, and infection prevention protocols.
• Directs environmental services operations to meet healthcare standards and regulations.
• Conducts regular audits and inspections for compliance and safety.
• Develops training programs for staff on cleaning, infection control and customer service.
• Manages vendor contracts and budget to ensure cost efficiency.
• Fosters cross-functional collaboration and staff development.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic planning

Regulatory compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Staff development

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in relevant field

7+ years of direct experience in lieu of a Bachelor's

Master's Degree preferred

Job description

Job Summary

The Director, Environmental Services leads and manages all aspects of environmental services within a hospital or healthcare facility, ensuring a clean, safe, and sanitary environment that meets or exceeds healthcare regulations and standards. This role oversees daily operations, including housekeeping, waste management, linen services, and infection prevention cleaning protocols, while fostering a culture of excellence in service delivery and compliance. The Director is also responsible for driving operational efficiency, staff management, and maintaining high-quality standards to support patient care and safety.

Essential Functions

• Ensures the facility is maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition by implementing effective housekeeping practices and infection prevention measures.
• Directs and oversees the operations of the environmental services department, ensuring the effective management of cleaning, sanitation, and maintenance activities to meet healthcare standards and regulations.
• Conducts regular audits and inspections of facilities to ensure compliance with infection control standards, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Designs and delivers comprehensive training programs for all staff on cleaning protocols, infection control, safety procedures, and customer service best practices.
• Negotiates and oversees vendor contracts for cleaning supplies, equipment, and waste management services, ensuring cost efficiency and quality.
• Directs the linen management program, ensuring proper handling, cleaning, inventory control, and cost management of hospital linens.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Supervision and Staff Management
  • Provides leadership, mentorship and professional development opportunities for departmental staff.
  • Schedules employees to ensure effective use of resources. Consults with leadership on any potential staffing issues.
  • Conducts performance evaluations, sets goals and provides feedback to staff on their performance and development.
• Strategic Planning and Financial Oversight
  • Collaborates with hospital leadership to set the strategic direction for the department, including budgeting, resource allocation and long-term planning.
  • Monitors expenditures, ensuring cost-effective delivery of services.
  • Evaluates and implements new technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Develops and implements departmental policies and procedures and protocols to optimize quality and overall efficiencies.
• Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance
  • Ensures compliance with all relevant regulatory bodies. May oversee the accreditation process with relevant agencies ensuring that services meet or exceed industry standards.
  • Participates in audits, inspections and accreditation processes as applicable.
  • Follows established quality control practices to ensure accuracy, consistency and safety.
• Collaboration and Communication
  • Works closely with leadership teams to coordinate and improve service delivery.
  • Stays up-to-date with industry advancements, new technologies, and regulatory changes.
• Staff Responsibilities
  • May work in a staff role, when required. Ensures that duties and responsibilities are fulfilled while meeting all competencies established for that job.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in relevant field required or
• Seven (7) plus years of direct experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree required
• Master's Degree preferred
• 3-5 years of experience in closely related field required
• 3-5 years of previous leadership experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and manage cross-functional relationships.
• Foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Communicate effectively with leadership, team members, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively with others, delegate responsibilities, and independently manage tasks while meeting established deadlines.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• In depth knowledge of industry best practices and regulatory compliance (if applicable).
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency with Google and Microsoft platforms, healthcare software systems, and data analysis tools.

Licenses and Certifications

• CHEST - Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Technician preferred or
• CHESP - Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Professional preferred