Custodial Worker

Department of Health and Human Services › Indian Health Service (207 current openings)

Who may apply

Limited to the following applicant groups:

Veterans
Individuals with disabilities
Native Americans
Federal employees - Competitive service
Federal employees - Excepted service
Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Land and base management

Rosebud, South Dakota Zuni, New Mexico Watonga, Oklahoma Crownpoint, New Mexico Naytahwaush, Minnesota Salem, Oregon El Reno, Oklahoma Cannon Ball, North Dakota Fort Yates, North Dakota Dulce, New Mexico Browning, Montana Mescalero, New Mexico Santa Fe, New Mexico Belcourt, North Dakota Acoma, New Mexico Manlius, New York Taos, New Mexico Tohatchi, New Mexico Cherokee, North Carolina Heart Butte, Montana Anadarko, Oklahoma Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico Espanola, New Mexico Wolf Point, Montana Wagner, South Dakota Hays, Montana Gallup, New Mexico Pawnee, Oklahoma Sisseton, South Dakota Cochiti Pueblo, New Mexico Lower Brule, South Dakota Crow Agency, Montana Lodge Grass, Montana Albuquerque, New Mexico Poplar, Montana Pine Ridge, South Dakota Pryor, Montana Martin, South Dakota Cuba, New Mexico Bullhead, South Dakota Red Lake, Minnesota Shiprock, New Mexico Ponemah, Minnesota Manderson, South Dakota Clinton, Oklahoma Wadsworth, Nevada Eagle Butte, South Dakota Fort Thompson, South Dakota Kyle, South Dakota Toadlena, New Mexico Warm Springs, Oregon Winnebago, Nebraska Wanblee, South Dakota Carnegie, Oklahoma Wakpala, South Dakota Elko, Nevada Harlem, Montana Mobridge, South Dakota San Fidel, New Mexico Thoreau, New Mexico Bloomfield, New Mexico Rock Hill, South Carolina San Felipe Pueblo, New Mexico Sanostee, New Mexico Bernalillo, New Mexico Lame Deer, Montana Lockport, New York McLaughlin, South Dakota Moapa, Nevada Zia Indian Reservation, New Mexico Ponsford, Minnesota Suffolk, Virginia Tsaile, Arizona Supai, Arizona Towaoc, Colorado Phoenix, Arizona Providence Forge, Virginia Indian Neck, Virginia Cass Lake, Minnesota Sacaton, Arizona Maricopa, Arizona Cibecue, Arizona Davis, California Forks, Washington Havasu Lake, California Riverside, California White Swan, Washington Kayenta, Arizona Spokane, Washington Mashpee, Massachusetts Charles City, Virginia Lawrence, Kansas Auburn, Washington Inscription House, Arizona Wellpinit, Washington Hemet, California Aylett, Virginia Whiteriver, Arizona Wapato, Washington McNary, Arizona Nespelem, Washington Red Mesa, Arizona Toppenish, Washington Chinle, Arizona Fort Hall, Idaho Fort Duchesne, Utah Pinon, Arizona Parker, Arizona Richmond, Virginia Madison Heights, Virginia Peach Springs, Arizona Polacca, Arizona Camp Verde, Arizona

Multiple Schedules Security Clearance: Other

Application Deadline:

2026-09-30

Posted:

2026-07-09

Apply on usajobs.gov

Salary: $18.95 – $23.25 per hour (WG-2)

Salary context

Based on 134 hourly jobs in the same occupational series. This role pays around the middle of similar positions.

Job Details

Position Overview

At the Indian Health Service, Custodial Workers do more than keep spaces clean. Guided by our mission to improve the health of American Indian and Alaska Native people, you help create a safe and welcoming environments that supports quality care and promotes wellness in the communities we serve.

A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).

Duties

Total Compensation Package - Check out IHS's outstanding total compensation package for this job:

Custodian/Housekeeping Total Compensation

Sweeps, mops, scrubs, applies floor wax, and polishes floor surfaces throughout the hospital including stairways and elevators.
Maintains custodial equipment by cleaning, oiling, and/or adjusting machine to assure maximum use.
Empties waste baskets and trash cans from rooms and offices throughout the hospital.
Keeps restrooms in a clean, orderly, and sanitary condition.
Cleans various areas such as in-patient rooms, bathrooms, public restrooms, operating rooms, labor & delivery rooms, exam rooms, isolation rooms, pharmacy, emergency room, lab, x-ray, halls, walls, floors, furnishings, equipment, windows, offices, entrances, etc., wiping surfaces using proper cleaning techniques, universal precautions, and chemicals.

A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021)

Qualifications & Requirements

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

WAGE GRADE STATEMENT
Candidates for this position will be evaluated under the Federal Wage System (FWS) Job Grading Standards. Applicants will be rated in the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Each of the job elements must be addressed on the on-line assessment questionnaire in order for the applicant to be rated for the position.

Physical Requirement: Moderate heavy physical effort is required continuously in performance of manual cleaning, tasks. Frequently must lift or move objects weighing about 40 pounds and occasionally objects weighing over 50 pounds.

Working Conditions: Incumbent is exposed to unpleasant odors and is frequently exposed to the possibility of cuts, chapped hands and bruises. Protective gloves must be worn at all times when handling Infectious waste.

Your resume must reflect the answers to your on-line assessment questionnaire.

NOTE: Competition for Custodial Worker positions is restricted by law to persons entitled to veterans' preference as long as such applicants are available for appointment.

Time In Grade
Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).

You must meet all qualification requirements by the respective cutoff day of rating to be eligible for referral.

Education

There are no education requirements.

Requirements

Selectee may be subject to a probationary period
ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period
U.S. Citizenship is required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.

For certain locations, travel within the Service Unit is required and will be conducted using a Government vehicle; therefore, the selectee must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.

On-call hours or standby duty may be required. Position may be subject to rotating shifts: days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.

Physical Demands: The work involves walking, sitting, standing, reaching and bending.

Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.

Must have a viable bank account at a financial institution for electronic direct deposit of salary payment.

Background Investigation Requirement:
This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment.

A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individual's identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service.

Upon receipt of instructions, applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the process.

Prior to the appointment, candidates must present two valid forms of identification. If one of the documents is a state-issued ID or driver's license, it must be REAL ID-compliant.

Evaluations

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.

To determine if you are qualified for this position, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against the qualifications as defined in the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement.

Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (Screen-out Element)
Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (other than blueprints)
Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
Dexterity and Safety
Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean and in order)

The following links below provide information on how you may be eligible for various hiring authorities. If you are a Veteran, qualified CTAP and ICTAP eligible, or an individual with a disability, please refer to the following links below for additional guidance. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Workforce Restructuring Career Transition website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. CTAP/ICTAP documentation requirements are listed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

Veterans, i.e. (VEOA, VRA, and 30% or more disabled) - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide-for-hr-professionals/
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) - https://www.ihs.gov/jobs/support-documents/
Interagency Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/
Schedule A Appointments for the Disabled - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/hiring/

Click here to view vacancy questions: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12995626.

Once the application process is complete, the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications.

Required Documents

USAJOBS Help Center - Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements.

Resume: You are highly encouraged to visit the USAJOBS Help Center before submitting a resume. USAJOBS Help Center - https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include

Required as applicable for the purposes of specific eligibility and appointment claim(s), and position requirements:

Indian Preference Applicants: If claiming Indian preference, applicants must provide a completed copy of the Form BIA-4432, "Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS Only." Indian preference will not be given unless a properly signed and dated form is submitted with your application, including any verification by an authorized Tribal Representative or BIA Official of tribal enrollment records. For detailed instructions, see form BIA-4432. Refer to BIA-4432 link: Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS When an Indian Preference candidate possesses Veterans preference the rules regarding Veterans preference apply under ESEP and the applicant must provide documentation in order to receive preference.
Veterans Preference: If claiming Veteran's Preference provide a copy of your DD214 Form (Member 4 copy). To claim 10-Point Veterans Preference, submit a SF-15 Application (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf) along with the appropriate supporting documentation. For additional information regarding Veterans Preference visit: http://www.fedshirevets.gov.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP, follow the instructions below: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf.
Current or former Federal employee: Include your most recent SF-50 or if Reinstatement eligible include your Career SF-50.
Noncompetitive eligibles: Submit additional documents to prove your eligibility to apply to this vacancy.

This is an Open Continuous Announcement. Applications will be reviewed and referred as vacancies occur; however, there may not be immediate openings at all locations.

During the application process, you may select up to five locations and will only be considered for positions in those locations. Candidates with complete applications will remain eligible for consideration for up to three months from the date of application or until the announcement closes, whichever occurs first. Consideration will be based on your selected locations, qualifications, and job preferences.

The first application cut-off date for referral consideration will be five business days after the announcement opens. After that, applications may be reviewed and referred at any time as vacancies occur.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.

To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
You will be directed to the Login.Gov screen, here will you sign in if you have an existing USAJOBS account or Create a Login.Gov account.
If you have an account you will be directed to select a resume or create a resume. If you create an account you can create an resume. Click save and continue.
Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or supporting documents.
Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJOBS or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
Read and complete all Eligibility questions.
Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process).

For additional questions please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) found here: https://www.ihs.gov/jobs/faq/.

The IHS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources Office (IHS Human Resources Open Continuous Announcement, [email protected], and/or .) The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis. Stay Updated with Text Alerts
You can choose to receive text message notifications about your application status. To enable this feature:
- Log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Go to your Account Settings and select Notification Preferences.
- Check the option to receive SMS/Text Messages.

Text message updates are optional and provided in addition to email notifications. Standard messaging rates may apply.

You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJOBS account. You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJOBS that your submission was successful once we have received your on-line eligibility questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJOBS Account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.

If all required documentation is not submitted with your application you will lose consideration. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information and documents entered, uploaded, or faxed are received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.

Source: Data sourced from USAJOBS