Environmental Services Specialist | Days

Howard University Hospital; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 26,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition remission

Competitive benefits

403(b) retirement plan

Job summary

Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC is seeking an Environmental Services Specialist to maintain clean, safe spaces across patient rooms, units, offices, and public areas. You will apply infection control training and PPE guidelines while supporting the hospital's mission to deliver patient-centered care.

This full-time non-exempt role involves frequent walking and lifting up to 35 lbs, operating cleaning equipment, and adhering to safety standards and compliance training.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience in environmental services or janitorial work preferred.

Responsibilities

• Clean patient rooms, nursing units, offices and public areas to established standards.
• Operate cleaning equipment and maintain it in safe working order.
• Empty trash and replenish supplies.
• Follow universal precautions and PPE guidelines.
• Report safety hazards and needed repairs.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA policies.

Skills

PPE knowledge

Equipment operation

Customer service

Time management

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Cleaning equipment

Buffers & scrubbers

Steam machines

Job description

Howard University Hospital | Washington, DC

About The Role

As an Environmental Services Specialist at Howard University Hospital, you will help create the safe, clean, and welcoming environment that our patients, families, and staff depend on every day. Reporting to the Operations Manager, EVS, you will deliver environmental and janitorial services across patient rooms, clinical units, offices, public spaces, and exterior areas — applying your training in infection control, equipment operation, and HUH safety standards to support our mission of delivering exceptional, patient-centered care.

If you take pride in your work, value being part of a team that makes a real difference for patients, and want to contribute to one of the most respected academic medical centers in the country, we’d love to meet you. This is a physically active role requiring frequent walking and standing, with periodic bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, and lifting or carrying up to 35 lbs. (heavier loads are moved with the assistance of equipment).

What You’ll Do

• Perform routine cleaning of patient rooms, nursing units, offices, clinical areas, waiting areas, lobbies, lounges, restrooms, corridors, elevators, stairwells, and the building exterior to established performance standards
• Operate cleaning equipment including high- and low-speed buffers, automatic scrubbers, pressure washers, vacuums, shampooers, extractors, burnishers, steam machines, baseboard machines, and restroom cleaning machines; maintain assigned equipment in safe working order
• Empty trash containers, replace liners, and clean container exteriors with damp cloth; transport trash and hazardous waste to designated disposal areas
• Replenish expendable supplies including soap, toilet tissue, and paper towels
• Follow universal precautions, blood-borne pathogen procedures, and proper personal protective equipment (PPE) use when cleaning patient care areas
• Observe safety precautions and established procedures when using equipment and cleaning supplies; identify needed repairs (painting, plumbing, carpentry, electrical) and report them to your Supervisor or designee
• Report safety hazards promptly per policy
• Maintain patient and family confidentiality at all times and adhere to the Health Sciences Compliance Program, Howard University Code of Ethics, Health Sciences Standards of Conduct, and HIPAA Privacy requirements
• Attend annual and periodic mandatory Compliance training and participate in performance improvement activities
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Minimum one (1) year of environmental services or janitorial work experience required
• Working knowledge of universal precautions, blood-borne pathogen procedures, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Demonstrated ability to safely operate a variety of high-powered cleaning equipment
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions and apply sound judgment to detailed but involved tasks
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to interact courteously and professionally with patients, families, visitors, and staff
• Effective time management, problem-solving, and adaptability skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior environmental services or janitorial experience in a healthcare facility (acute care, hospital, or clinical setting)

Position Details

Department Environmental Services Division Operations Reports To Operations Manager, EVS FLSA Status Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit Local 2094 Schedule Full-Time | Day Shift | 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM (40 hours/week) Weekend Requirement Every other weekend required

Pay & Schedule

This is a full-time, non-exempt position covered under the Local 2094 collective bargaining agreement. Pay range: $19.00 – $30.40/hr, in accordance with the applicable CBA wage schedule and based on experience and qualifications.

About Howard University Hospital

Howard University Hospital (HUH) is the nation’s only teaching hospital located on the campus of a historically Black university. With a legacy dating back to 1862 — when it operated as Freedmen’s Hospital, providing care and refuge to those who had been denied it elsewhere — HUH has grown into one of the most comprehensive healthcare facilities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and is a designated DC Level 1 Trauma Center. Today, HUH continues its proud tradition of delivering exemplary, patient-centered, and culturally responsive care to the community, while providing exceptional learning and professional development opportunities for the next generation of healthcare professionals.

What We Offer

• Work-life balance
• Recognition and rewards for professional expertise
• Competitive, comprehensive benefit plans including health, disability, vacation, sick leave, and 403(b) retirement plan
• Tuition remission at Howard University for you and/or eligible dependent children — up to two (2) courses per semester
• A mission-driven environment rooted in over 150 years of excellence, service, and advocacy for the communities we serve

Culture of Care

Howard University Hospital supports a Just Culture that promotes accountability, learning, and patient safety.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Howard University Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodation

Howard University Hospital is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Department at [e-mail].

Pay Transparency

Salary ranges listed in job postings reflect the expected compensation range for the position and are provided in accordance with applicable pay transparency laws. Final compensation is determined based on experience, education, internal equity, and other relevant factors.

Disclaimer

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.