Environmental Services Technician
Company : Oregon Health & Science University
Location : Portland, OR, 97201
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Department Overview
The purpose of the position is to reduce the risk of healthcare associated infections by cleaning and sanitizing the clinical environment and to perform general cleaning in OHSU operated facilities. May be responsible for high-risk infection control for the especially vulnerable patient population. Environmental Services Technician positions are represented by the AFSCME union.
Function/Duties of Position
Responsible for the general cleaning of both patient and non-patient care areas such as office and bathrooms in the hospital and clinics.
- Cleaning and Sanitizing:
- Cleans and sanitizes all surfaces and floors in patient rooms, clinical areas, support space, public areas, office space, and restrooms to include mopping, sweeping, vaccuuming, spot cleaning carpets, dust moping, wet mopping, damp wiping, high dusting;
- Cleans and sanitizes equipment, including beds, stretchers, and bassinets; uses chemical cleaners and disinfectants.
- May clean and sanitize all surfaces and floors in OR’s, intensive care units, high risk patient areas, patient rooms, clinical areas, support space, public areas, office space, and restrooms.
- Waste Removal:
- Collects trash, linen, and trash carts;
- Empties and cleans trash bins;
- Operates trash compactor and waste sterilization equipment.
- Equipment & Furniture Cleaning:
- Makes beds, bassinets, cribs, and stretchers;
- Moves beds, furniture, and other equipment for cleaning; operates EVS cleaning equipment.
- Supplies and Restocking:
- Stocks EVS closets and carts; replenishes dispensers (soap, paper towels, toilet paper, alcohol based hand sanitizer, disposable seat covers).
- Customer Service & Patient Experience:
- Responds to patient requests in a customer-focused and timely manner;
- Effectively utilizes I CARE and other patient experience tools for patient experience.
Required Qualifications
- Able to communicate in English
- Must demonstrate stable work history;
- Must be able to competently use cleaning solutions and equipment.;
- Must demonstrate regular attendance;
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team;
- Exceptional customer service skills both in person and over phone; strong interpersonal skills;
- Strong organization skills and ability to multi-task;
- Serve as positive professional role model;
- Must maintain core competencies; and demonstrate continuous application of these skills throughout the period of employment.
Preferred Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED
- 6 months employment experience in custodial, housekeeping, or environmental services Healthcare experience
- CHEST certification (Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Technician through the Association for the Healthcare Environment)
Additional Details
Requires a high level of physical activity. Must be reasonably strong and agile, able to bend, stoop, climb, walk and do lifting up to 35 lbs. Must be able to work at a rapid pace. A great deal of the day is spent on your feet.
All are welcome
Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.Related Jobs
Top trending job titles hiring now
Popular Searches
Frequently asked questions
An Environmental Services Technician in healthcare maintains hygiene by sanitizing patient rooms, clinical spaces, and public areas. Tasks include floor care, equipment cleaning, waste disposal, and restocking supplies, all essential to prevent infections and support patient safety in busy medical environments.
Candidates with a high school diploma or GED and prior custodial or healthcare environmental experience are preferred. Certifications like the Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Technician (CHEST) enhance prospects, especially in Oregon's healthcare hubs where infection control expertise is critical.
The role requires stamina and agility, including lifting up to 35 lbs, bending, and continuous movement throughout shifts. Maintaining a brisk pace while handling cleaning equipment and patient care areas is vital, underscoring the need for physical fitness in this fast-paced healthcare support position.
OHSU fosters an inclusive workplace by embracing cultural competence and equitable hiring practices. They encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and provide reasonable accommodations, reflecting their commitment to equal opportunity and strengthening teamwork among Environmental Services staff.
While not mandatory, OHSU values certifications like CHEST (Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Technician) which demonstrate specialized knowledge in healthcare sanitation. Such credentials highlight a candidate’s commitment to infection control standards in complex clinical environments.
Environmental Services Technicians in Portland typically earn between $30,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience and certifications. This compensation aligns with healthcare support roles locally, reflecting the demanding physical and infection control responsibilities of the position.
Given Portland’s emphasis on healthcare quality and infection prevention, Environmental Services Technician roles experience steady demand. This creates frequent openings with relatively quick hiring processes, especially at institutions like OHSU prioritizing patient safety.
OHSU provides a robust environment for career development through continuous training, exposure to high-risk healthcare settings, and union representation. These factors offer technicians opportunities to advance within environmental services or transition into other healthcare support specialties.
Many underestimate the technical skill involved; this job demands knowledge of chemical disinfectants, infection control, and patient interaction. It’s more than janitorial work—technicians play a critical role in preventing healthcare-associated infections.
Technicians balance responsiveness with sanitation tasks by using patient experience tools like iCare to prioritize requests efficiently. This approach ensures timely assistance without compromising the cleanliness essential to patient safety.