Assistant Director, Environmental Services

The Environmental Services (EVS) Department at MD Anderson’s Cancer Center plays a critical role in patient care that goes far beyond traditional cleaning. EVS professionals are responsible for thorough cleaning, sanitization, and disinfection in patient rooms, operating suites, waiting areas, and all areas of the hospital. EVS teams use specialized knowledge, precision, and discipline to create safe environments that support healing. Their attention to detail directly impacts patient outcomes, ensuring that medical providers can deliver care in the safest possible setting.

The ideal candidate should bring high energy and strong operational leadership. They should possess strong communication skills, along with excellent problem-solving and organizational abilities, and a solid understanding of healthcare regulatory requirements. The candidate must be able to collaborate effectively, demonstrate strong customer service, and successfully lead large manager and frontline teams while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety.

MD Anderson Cancer Center is widely recognized as one of the leading healthcare institutions in the country. The Environmental Services department has built a strong culture centered on collaboration, accountability, and caring. During our most recent survey by The Joint Commission, the surveyors specifically recognized the facility for being one of the cleanest environments they had observed.
Additionally, EVS leadership stability has been a key strength. There has been little to no turnover within EVS leadership for nearly two decades, aside from retirements and the addition of new management positions. We also maintain a robust training program that prepares frontline staff to be successful and ensures they are equipped to perform their duties at the highest level.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Housekeeping Oversight Assists in providing guidelines, setting priorities and goals for the Housekeeping organization. Does risk assessment for the group and maintains knowledge of joint commission standards and requirements while keeping the facility compliant in applicable areas.

Budget Management Assists in preparation of financial and manpower budget for both immediate and long term planning. Ensures a competent and motivated staff. Hires and completes performance reviews on staff. Recommends and completes hiring and promotional process and approves department merit budget. Reviews personnel issues. Make recommendations for equipment repair and replacement and executing the approved strategic plan. Implements effective work practices to reduce risk of infection caused by surface contamination. Implements an integrated waste management program including infectious and biohazardous waste disposal, recycling and waste prevention programs. Exercise budget control within +/- 2%.

Coordination of Multidisciplinary Efforts Must monitor, evaluate and modify work activities to ensure quality, efficiency and strategic patient throughput. Demonstrate leadership and collaboration along with strong written and oral communication skills. Develops and implements Service level agreements with clients and other internal groups. Coordinates with other leaders as necessary to support the multidisciplinary mission of UTMDACC, provides efficient communication channel for coordination, planning and problem resolution.

Other Duties as Assigned The employee is considered as ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL for all emergency-related events and agrees to fulfill the responsibilities associated by signing the agreement.

COMPETENCIES

With Social Intelligence, you understand the importance of creating an environment where yours and others’ ideas, experiences, perspectives, contributions, and well-being are valued. (Competencies: Awareness, Humility, Cultural Competence)

With Drive, you see that you can serve as a leader whether you have a formal leadership role or not. You tackle problems, move past setbacks and hardships, and don’t lose sight of your goals. (Competencies: Self-Confidence, Analytical Thinking, Innovative Thinking, Technical Expertise)

You demonstrate Professionalism by setting the example for others and consistently modeling MD Anderson’s values and service standards. You communicate effectively in a variety of ways. (Competencies: Inspire Trust, Oral Communication, Written Communication)

Through Emotional Intelligence, you maintain awareness of your own emotions and the emotions of those around you. Use nonverbal cues and feelings to engage others in an inclusive and responsive way. (Competencies: Active Listening, Teaming, Self-Reflection)

Having Coachability means you are engaged in relentless learning. You constantly ask questions and stay curious. You understand that the organization constantly evolves, and you should as well. (Competencies: Develop Oneself, Adaptability.