Required Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience performing cleaning, sanitation, or custodial work in a clinical, laboratory, or hospital setting.
Ability to work independently and follow established cleaning, biosecurity and infection control protocols.
Physical ability to stand, walk, lift up to 50 lbs., and perform repetitive cleaning tasks throughout the shift.
Comfortable working in environments with cleaning chemicals, animal odors, noise, and fur/dander.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Reliable attendance and strong work ethic.
Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a clean and safe veterinary healthcare environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience in a veterinary, medical, or research facility.
Knowledge of aseptic techniques and infection control standards.
Experience handling biohazardous materials and chemical disinfectants safely.
Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and initiative in a fast-paced work environment.
Interest/willingness to pursue central service technician certification (CRCST, CSPDT, CER)
The University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as an OR and Suite Cleaner. This full-time position (Monday–Friday, 11:00am.– 7:30 p.m.) plays an essential role in maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient environment that supports exceptional patient care within the hospital.
The Environment Services Aid is responsible for ensuring all surgical, procedure and anesthesia areas are properly cleaned and disinfected in accordance with hospital infection control standards. This position provides consistent, reliable coverage to help maintain the sterility, biosecurity and safety of the Veterinary Medical Center.
Maintaining proper cleanliness helps prevent cross-contamination, supports aseptic technique, and reduces the risk of healthcare-associated infections. By keeping work areas organized and sanitary, this role directly contributes to the efficiency of the surgical and anesthesia teams and the overall quality of patient care.
In addition to cleaning and environmental support duties, this position will require cross-training in Central Sterilization Reprocessing (CSR) to assist with maintaining and preparing sterile instruments and supplies as needed, as well as helping to wash, dry, and fold laundry essential for patient care.
Work Location
This position is based on campus.
Per University of Minnesota policy, work may be performed remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager.
All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.
Job Responsibilities
40%- Maintain Cleanliness in Sterile Environments
Help maintain a sterile environment in the operating rooms. Including removing gross debris and disinfecting surfaces and floors with chemical disinfectants.
Follow infection prevention and biosecurity procedures to minimize the spread of pathogens and microbial life in sterile spaces. This includes facilitating routine cleaning, wiping down surfaces, emptying trashes and laundry receptacles along with regular deep cleaning.
Adhere to hospital policies and procedures regarding cleanliness, biological and hazardous materials and infection control.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a safe and sterile environment.
Properly use personal protective equipment (PPE), donning and Doffing appropriate PPE including gloves, masks, surgical bouffant, gown, tyvek suit, and shoe covers.
40%- Maintain Cleanliness in Non-Sterile Environments
Adhere to hospital policies and procedures regarding cleanliness, biological and hazardous materials and infection control.
Clean kennels, remove garbage, replace linen bags, and restock cleaning and disinfection supplies as needed.
Follow infection prevention and biosecurity procedures to minimize the spread of pathogens and microbial life in non-sterile spaces such as anesthesia prep, ICU, post anesthetic care unit (PACU), out-patient surgery, oral surgery (dentistry), interventional radiology, and other locations where procedures may take place. This includes facilitating routine cleaning, wiping down surfaces, emptying trashes and laundry receptacles along with regular deep cleaning of procedure spaces and PACU on a monthly basis and ICU on a quarterly basis.
Clean and disinfect animal cages, runs, litter boxes, food and water bowls, and bedding.
Collect and dispose of trash, medical waste, and biohazard materials in accordance with regulations.
Sweep, mop, vacuum, dust, and maintain all hospital floors and surfaces.
Restock cleaning supplies, paper products, and other necessary materials.
10%- Knowledge of Cleaners, Equipment and Team
Understand the differences between cleaning chemicals and their appropriate uses.
Identify and report maintenance concerns, damaged equipment, or safety hazards promptly.
Ensure cleaning equipment is properly maintained and stored.
Restock cleaning supplies, paper products, and other necessary materials.
Monitor inventory levels and notify supervisors when supplies need replenishment
Contribute to a team-oriented and collaborative work environment focused on efficiency and patient safety.
Other duties as assigned for other services as needed.
10%- Assisting CSR
Cross-train in Central Sterilization to assist with instrument cleaning, packaging, and autoclaving as needed.
Wash, dry, fold and distribute laundry essential to patient care, ensuring adequate availability of clean linens (towels, blankets, scrubs, and animal bedding) and surgical gowns.
Who we are:
Established in 1947, the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine is Minnesota's only veterinary college. Fully accredited, the college has graduated nearly 4,000 veterinarians and hundreds of scientists. The college is also home to the Veterinary Medical Center, the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, the Leatherdale Equine Center and The Raptor Center.
One Health:
The college embraces the "One Health" concept, which aims to transform new knowledge into better health for animals, people, and the environment. The college also plays an important role in the health of the community by assuring food safety, conducting biomedical research, preventing zoonotic diseases, and enhancing our physical and psychological well-being through the care of companion animals and the protection of Minnesota’s wildlife natural resources.
Our focus is building a globally diverse and inclusive community to improve the health of animals, people, and the environment. This will be accomplished by discovering and disseminating new knowledge and skills, educating current and future veterinarians and scientists, and providing innovative veterinary services.
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-8647.
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.
