Environmental Services at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hillsborough Hospital, and the Provincial Palliative Care Centre include housekeeping, laundry, and painting services.
“We have approximately 230 people, including casuals, working in Environmental Services,” says Ken Hughes, Director of Environmental Services.
Laundry Service Workers operate large commercial laundry machines and perform manual work associated with collection, distribution, and processing laundry for most of the Provincial Healthcare facilities in Charlottetown and Summerside.
Housekeeping Service Workers are responsible for the cleanliness and sanitation of the healthcare facilities through a wide range of cleaning tasks to meet infection control standards. Painters are also part of the Environmental Services department team.
Staff titles within Environmental Services
“In Housekeeping, most staff are Service Workers 1,” says Ken. “We have two Certified Painters, an Administrative Assistant, three Supervisors, and a Manager.
“In our Laundry, we have a Manager, Service Workers 1, Service Workers 2, and a Seamstress.”
Hiring needs
“There is always some turnover in our department, and we often hold interviews for casual positions,” says Ken. “We have on-going hiring needs and there are also seasonal casual summer positions in July and August, which are always tough months to find enough trained staff,” says Ken.
“The most difficult positions to fill are painters with Red Seal Certification,” says Ken. “Our night positions are hard to fill as well.
“The minimum educational level for positions within Environmental Services is grade 12.”
Wages, benefits, and working conditions
“Casuals earn around $20 an hour, which includes an extra 10 percent in place of benefits,” says Ken. “Permanent staff earn around $18 an hour plus vacation, health and medical benefits.”
“There are year-round permanent full-time and permanent part-time positions. We are a 24/7 operation. There is a lot of standing and moving around in all jobs related to Environmental Services.”
Application process
You must apply through PEI Public Service Commission. “Most applicants are offered an interview,” says Ken. “The Public Service Commission plus managers and supervisors of requesting departments are involved in the hiring process.
“How you communicate your skills, your previous work experience, your references, and your attitude will make a difference in the hiring process.”
Typical interview questions
- What do you think is the role of the job you are applying for?
- What do you do to promote teamwork in the workplace?
- What causes you to experience stress at work and how do you deal with it?
Ken says all initial employment is for casual work. Casual workers cannot expect a certain number of hours, but will be called in depending on the needs of the department.
“To be a successful employee, display a great attitude and a commitment to being a team player, and be reliable, trustworthy and willing to do more than the bare minimum,” says Ken.
“In-house training is provided, and there are advancement opportunities depending on the position and your qualifications for the position.”
For more information on provincial government jobs, go to www.gov.pe.ca/jobs or call the PEI Public Service Commission at 902-368-4080. For tips on how to apply to the PEI Public Service, visit www.employmentjourney.com/tips-applying-provincial-government/.
April 2018 Issue
Page 10
by Stella Shepard
