Environmental Services Director

Job description

Job Summary
The Director, Environmental Services leads and manages all aspects of environmental services within a hospital or healthcare facility, ensuring a clean, safe, and sanitary environment that meets or exceeds healthcare regulations and standards. This role oversees daily operations, including housekeeping, waste management, linen services, and infection prevention cleaning protocols, while fostering a culture of excellence in service delivery and compliance. The Director is also responsible for driving operational efficiency, staff management, and maintaining high-quality standards to support patient care and safety.
Essential Functions
• Ensures the facility is maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition by implementing effective housekeeping practices and infection prevention measures.
• Directs and oversees the operations of the environmental services department, ensuring the effective management of cleaning, sanitation, and maintenance activities to meet healthcare standards and regulations.
• Conducts regular audits and inspections of facilities to ensure compliance with infection control standards, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Designs and delivers comprehensive training programs for all staff on cleaning protocols, infection control, safety procedures, and customer service best practices.
• Negotiates and oversees vendor contracts for cleaning supplies, equipment, and waste management services, ensuring cost efficiency and quality.
• Directs the linen management program, ensuring proper handling, cleaning, inventory control, and cost management of hospital linens.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Leadership Responsibilities
• Supervision and Staff Management
• Provides leadership, mentorship and professional development opportunities for departmental staff.
• Schedules employees to ensure effective use of resources. Consults with leadership on any potential staffing issues.
• Conducts performance evaluations, sets goals and provides feedback to staff on their performance and development.
• Strategic Planning and Financial Oversight
• Collaborates with hospital leadership to set the strategic direction for the department, including budgeting, resource allocation and long-term planning.
• Monitors expenditures, ensuring cost-effective delivery of services.
• Evaluates and implements new technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
• Develops and implements departmental policies and procedures and protocols to optimize quality and overall efficiencies.
• Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance
• Ensures compliance with all relevant regulatory bodies. May oversee the accreditation process with relevant agencies ensuring that services meet or exceed industry standards.
• Participates in audits, inspections and accreditation processes as applicable.
• Follows established quality control practices to ensure accuracy, consistency and safety.
• Collaboration and Communication
• Works closely with leadership teams to coordinate and improve service delivery.
• Stays up-to-date with industry advancements, new technologies, and regulatory changes.
• Staff Responsibilities
• May work in a staff role, when required. Ensures that duties and responsibilities are fulfilled while meeting all competencies established for that job.

Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree in relevant field required or
• Seven (7) plus years of direct experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree required
• Master's Degree preferred
• 3-5 years of experience in closely related field required
• 3-5 years of previous leadership experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and manage cross-functional relationships.
• Foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Communicate effectively with leadership, team members, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively with others, delegate responsibilities, and independently manage tasks while meeting established deadlines.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• In depth knowledge of industry best practices and regulatory compliance (if applicable).
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency with Google and Microsoft platforms, healthcare software systems, and data analysis tools.

Licenses and Certifications
• CHEST - Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Technician preferred or
• CHESP - Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Professional preferred