Housekeeping Aid (Environmental Services Technician)

About the opportunity

This position is located within the Environmental Management Services of the Fargo VA Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota. Environmental Service Technicians perform janitorial and custodial services, including cleaning wards, patient rooms, offices, restrooms, and corridors. Responsibilities include sweeping, mopping, machine-scrubbing floors, vacuuming, waste removal, sanitizing patient areas, cleaning windows and blinds, moving furniture, and managing textile distribution. Work is full-time on either a 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM or 3:30 PM to 12:00 AM (midnight) schedule. Staff work alongside Veterans, who comprise 85 percent of the VA housekeeping workforce.

Salary and benefits

• Hourly pay rate ranging from $18.23 to $21.27 (WG grade).
• Credit for prior job-related non-federal experience or active duty military service toward annual leave accrual rate, subject to approval.
• Access to VA federal healthcare benefits and retirement programs.

Who can apply?

• U.S. Citizenship is required (non-citizens are considered only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited).
• Must be suitable for Federal employment as determined by a background investigation.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Ability to meet physical demands, including continuous walking, standing, stooping, pulling, pushing, and occasionally operating heavy power equipment weighing over 50 pounds.
• Possession of acceptable identification (REAL ID compliant state ID or driver's license required effective May 7, 2025).
• Must serve a 1-year probationary period upon appointment.

Required documents

• Resume (must be 2 pages or fewer, 5MB or less, adhering to federal merit hiring guidelines).
• Cover Letter (optional/if applicable).
• DD-214 or Statement of Service (for military veterans).
• Disability Letter (Schedule A or VA rating letter, if applicable).
• SF-15, SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), or Separation Notice (if applicable).
• ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees, if applicable).
• Relevant professional licenses or certifications (if applicable).

When to apply

• Announcement opening date: August 5, 2026.
• First cut-off date for referral: September 4, 2026.
• Final application closing date: September 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.
• Applications received after the first cut-off date are referred at regular intervals as additional vacancies occur.

How to apply

• Log into or create an account on USAJOBS.
• Select your USAJOBS resume and uploaded supporting documents.
• Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
• Submit your complete application package before 11:59 PM EST on September 30, 2026.

Additional information

• This position is filled using Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority, so traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply, though qualified veterans receive full consideration.
• Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the VA does not request applicant criminal history prior to a tentative job offer.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) relocation expenses and Critical Skills Incentives (CSI) are not authorized.