Environmental Services Technician at Sanford Health: A Comprehensive Overview

Sanford Health is a leading healthcare provider in the Upper Midwest, committed to delivering exceptional patient care. As an Environmental Services Technician, you play a crucial role in maintaining a clean, safe, and sanitary environment for patients, residents, visitors, and staff. This position is located in Bismarck, North Dakota, offering a full-time, evening shift schedule.

Role Overview

The Environmental Services Technician is responsible for performing a variety of cleaning and maintenance tasks to ensure a hygienic and orderly healthcare facility. This includes cleaning patient rooms, hallways, lobbies, restrooms, and other areas, following strict infection control and safety protocols. Your work directly contributes to the well-being and recovery of patients by minimizing the risk of infection and creating a comfortable healing environment.

A Day in the Life

Your typical day as an Environmental Services Technician might include:

• Cleaning and disinfecting patient rooms after discharge, ensuring they are ready for new patients.
• Maintaining cleanliness in common areas such as hallways, lobbies, and waiting rooms.
• Cleaning and sanitizing restrooms and restocking supplies.
• Operating cleaning equipment such as floor scrubbers and polishers.
• Emptying trash and recycling bins.
• Following infection control procedures, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Responding to spills and other cleaning emergencies.
• Stocking cleaning supplies and maintaining inventory.
• Assisting with laundry duties as needed.
• Using technology such as pagers for communication.

Why Bismarck, North Dakota?

Bismarck, the capital of North Dakota, offers a high quality of life with a low cost of living. The city boasts a strong sense of community, excellent schools, and numerous recreational opportunities. Located on the Missouri River, Bismarck provides access to outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and boating. The city also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with museums, theaters, and music venues. Bismarck offers a balance of small-town charm and big-city amenities, making it a great place to live and work.

Career Path

Sanford Health is committed to employee growth and development. The Environmental Services Technician position can be a stepping stone to other roles within the organization. Potential career paths include:

• Lead Environmental Services Technician: Supervising a team of technicians and coordinating cleaning schedules.
• Environmental Services Supervisor: Overseeing the entire environmental services department, ensuring compliance with regulations and managing staff.
• Infection Control Specialist: Focusing on preventing the spread of infections within the healthcare facility.
• Facilities Management: Transitioning into roles responsible for the overall maintenance and operation of the healthcare facility.

Sanford Health also offers various training and development programs to help you advance your skills and knowledge.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position is estimated to be between $30,000 and $40,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications. Sanford Health also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• Retirement plan (401k or similar) with employer match
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance (short-term and long-term)
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement or assistance
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee discounts (e.g., gym memberships, retail)
• Wellness programs
• On-site cafeteria or food services
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• Hiring Bonus ($2,500)
• Competitive Salary

Sanford Culture

Sanford Health is known for its supportive and collaborative work environment. The organization values teamwork, respect, and a commitment to excellence. As a member of the Sanford Family, you will be part of a team dedicated to providing the best possible care to patients and residents. Sanford Health also emphasizes employee well-being and offers various programs to support work-life balance.

How to Apply

To apply for the Environmental Services Technician position, please submit your application online through the Sanford Health careers website. Be sure to highlight your relevant experience, skills, and qualifications. A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred, and previous housekeeping or commercial cleaning experience is highly valued. Strong customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential for success in this role.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the essential duties of an Environmental Services Technician?

   Maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in patient rooms, common areas, and other designated spaces; following infection control protocols; and operating cleaning equipment.

2. What qualifications are required for this position?

   A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred, along with a minimum of six months of housekeeping or commercial cleaning experience.

3. What skills are important for success in this role?

   Strong customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential, along with knowledge of cleaning methods and equipment.

4. What is the typical work schedule for this position?

   This is a full-time, evening shift position with 40 hours per week.

5. What opportunities are there for career advancement?

   Sanford Health offers various career paths, including Lead Environmental Services Technician, Supervisor, and Infection Control Specialist.

6. What benefits does Sanford Health offer?

   Sanford Health provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, and employee assistance program.

7. What is the work environment like at Sanford Health?

   Sanford Health fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment with a focus on teamwork and excellence.

8. Is prior experience in a healthcare setting required?

   Previous custodial experience in a healthcare environment is preferred but not always required.

9. What type of equipment will I be using?

   You will be using equipment such as floor scrubbers, polishers, mops, brooms, and other cleaning tools.

10. How does Sanford Health support employee well-being?

    Sanford Health offers wellness programs, employee discounts, and other resources to promote work-life balance.