Job Details
Job Title: Environmental Services Worker
Location: Port Alberni, BC
Shift: Morning, Night
Wage: $22.60/Hour
Job Description:
In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health), patient and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
Using a variety of specialized equipment, tools and machines, performs light and heavy cleaning duties, such as dusting, vacuuming, shampooing, washing, mopping, stripping, polishing and wiping; makes beds and empties garbage in accordance with established policies and procedures.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Training And Experience
Grade 10 or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Skills And Abilities
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to deal with others effectively.
- Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
- Ability to organize work.
- Ability to operate related equipment.
What skills and qualities are important for a Environmental Services Worker?
Environmental Services Workers, often referred to as custodians, janitors, or housekeepers, play a critical role in maintaining cleanliness, hygiene, and safety in various settings, including hospitals, schools, offices, hotels, and public facilities. To excel in this role, individuals should possess a combination of skills and qualities that ensure effective cleaning and facility maintenance. Here are important skills and qualities for an Environmental Services Worker:
- Attention to Detail: Environmental Services Workers must thoroughly clean and disinfect surfaces, fixtures, and areas to maintain a clean and safe environment. Paying close attention to detail is crucial to ensure no area is overlooked.
- Time Management: Efficiently managing time and tasks is essential, especially when working within a schedule or cleaning multiple areas in a facility. Prioritizing tasks and completing them in a timely manner is important.
- Physical Stamina: The job often involves physical labor, including lifting, bending, standing for extended periods, and using cleaning equipment. Physical stamina and strength are necessary to perform these tasks safely and effectively.
- Knowledge of Cleaning Techniques: Understanding various cleaning methods, chemicals, and equipment is important. Environmental Services Workers should know how to use cleaning agents, disinfectants, and machinery correctly to avoid damage and ensure cleanliness.
- Safety Awareness: Being aware of safety protocols and using protective gear (e.g., gloves, masks) when handling cleaning chemicals is crucial to prevent accidents and exposure to hazardous materials.
- Communication Skills: Clear communication is necessary for reporting maintenance issues, coordinating tasks with colleagues, and interacting with facility staff and, in some cases, the public.
- Organization: Keeping cleaning supplies and equipment well-organized and properly maintained helps streamline the cleaning process and ensures that everything is readily available when needed.
- Flexibility: Environmental Services Workers may need to adapt to changing work environments, schedules, and tasks. Flexibility is essential to meet the evolving needs of the facility.
- Problem-Solving: Dealing with unexpected challenges, such as spills, accidents, or equipment malfunctions, requires the ability to think on your feet and find practical solutions.
- Hygiene and Infection Control: In settings like hospitals or healthcare facilities, knowledge of infection control procedures is vital to prevent the spread of diseases and maintain a safe environment.
Environmental Services Workers play a vital role in creating a safe, clean, and pleasant environment for the people who use the facilities they maintain. Possessing these skills and qualities can help them excel in their responsibilities and contribute to the overall well-being of the spaces they clean.
The employer accepts applications from:
- Canadian citizens and permanent or temporary residents of Canada.
- Other candidates with or without a valid Canadian work permit.
How to apply
What education and certification are required to become a Environmental Services Worker?
Becoming an Environmental Services Worker typically does not require formal education or specific certifications. It is often an entry-level position that primarily relies on practical skills and on-the-job training. However, there are some educational and certification options that can enhance your qualifications and improve your chances of securing a job in this role or advancing in the field:
- High School Diploma or GED: Most employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) as it demonstrates basic educational attainment and essential skills like reading, writing, and arithmetic.
- Basic Training: While not always mandatory, some employers may provide basic training to new hires, covering topics such as cleaning techniques, safety protocols, and equipment operation. This training may be conducted on-site.
- On-the-Job Experience: The majority of your training for this role will come from on-the-job experience. You will learn specific cleaning procedures, product usage, and safety protocols through practical training and guidance from more experienced coworkers or supervisors.
- Certification in Cleaning Techniques: While not always required, there are organizations that offer certification programs related to cleaning techniques and sanitation. For example, the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) offers certification options for housekeepers and custodial workers.
- Safety Training: In certain settings, such as healthcare facilities, safety training and certification may be required. For example, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) offers courses and certifications related to workplace safety.
- Environmental Training: If your role involves handling hazardous materials or dealing with environmental concerns (e.g., recycling and waste management), additional training or certifications related to environmental regulations and practices may be necessary.
- Specialized Training: In some cases, you may need specialized training for specific equipment or tasks, such as operating floor buffers or using industrial cleaning machines. Employers may provide this training on-site.
- Language Proficiency: Depending on the work environment, having proficiency in the primary language spoken in the facility can be important for effective communication and understanding instructions.
It’s important to note that the specific educational and certification requirements for an Environmental Services Worker can vary depending on the employer, the type of facility you work in, and local regulations. Many employers prioritize practical experience and a strong work ethic over formal education or certifications.
To pursue a career as an Environmental Services Worker, you can start by applying for entry-level positions at facilities that require cleaning and maintenance services. As you gain experience and demonstrate your skills, you can explore opportunities for advancement or consider additional training or certifications to enhance your qualifications in the field.
What is the work environment like for Environmental Services Worker?
The work environment for an Environmental Services Worker, often referred to as a custodian, janitor, or housekeeper, can vary widely depending on the type of facility they work in. These workers are responsible for maintaining cleanliness, hygiene, and safety in various settings, including hospitals, schools, offices, hotels, and public buildings. Here are some common aspects of the work environment for Environmental Services Workers:
- Indoor and Outdoor Settings: Environmental Services Workers primarily work indoors, but in some cases, they may also be responsible for outdoor areas like parking lots and entryways.
- Varied Workplaces: The specific workplace can vary greatly, from hospitals and medical facilities to schools, hotels, office buildings, shopping centers, and government facilities. Each setting has its own cleaning needs and challenges.
- Shift Work: Work hours can vary and may include daytime, evening, overnight, or weekend shifts. In healthcare settings, for example, custodial staff often work around the clock to maintain cleanliness and sanitation.
- Physical Demands: The job can be physically demanding, involving activities such as lifting heavy objects, bending, reaching, and standing for extended periods. The physical demands can vary depending on the tasks and equipment used.
- Cleaning Equipment: Environmental Services Workers use various cleaning tools and equipment, including brooms, mops, vacuum cleaners, floor polishers, power washers, and cleaning chemicals. They should be trained in the proper use and maintenance of these tools.
- Safety Measures: Safety is a priority, and workers should be aware of safety protocols, including the safe handling of cleaning chemicals and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and masks.
- Teamwork: In larger facilities, Environmental Services Workers often work as part of a team alongside other custodial staff and maintenance personnel. Effective communication and teamwork are important for coordinating tasks.
- Interactions with Facility Users: Depending on the setting, workers may have occasional interactions with facility users, staff, or visitors. Good communication and a customer-friendly attitude can be valuable in such interactions.
- Specialized Cleaning: Some facilities may require specialized cleaning procedures, such as healthcare settings where infection control is crucial. Workers may need to follow specific protocols for disinfection and sterilization.
Overall, the work environment for an Environmental Services Worker is dynamic, and the job involves a combination of physical labor, attention to detail, adherence to safety standards, and the ability to work effectively within different settings and schedules. The goal is to create and maintain a clean, safe, and pleasant environment for facility users.