Engineering Equipment Operator Job in West Roxbury, MA

Vacancy No. CBTD-12737654-25-JM Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $32.24 to $37.62 Grade 8 to 8
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/29/2025 Close Date 9/30/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
West Roxbury, MA


Summary

This Engineering Equipment Operator position is located in Engineering Service with VA Boston Healthcare System at the West Roxbury, MA campus. This position is full-time at 40 hours per week.

***This is an open and continuous job opportunity announcement and may close at any time once all positions are filled.***

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.

Duties

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2025. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be June 12, 2025. After this date, qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. Eligible applications received after the initial cut-off date will be referred as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.

The position reports to and is accountable to the Grounds Supervisor for the quality and quantity of work performed by the work unit.

  • This position is located at an assigned Veterans Affairs medical facility performing work to handle different sets of controls to operate the equipment and attachments involved in the operation of gasoline- and diesel-powered engineering and construction equipment with wheeled traction. This includes the operation of all facility owned or rental equipment to perform such functions as cutting, moving, digging, grading, and rolling earth, sand, stone, snow, and other materials. Equipment utilized includes:
    • A770 all wheel steer skid loader with buckets and blades to remove paving, concrete, construction debris, or cut back soil to prepare for horizontal construction (roadways, sidewalks, parking areas).
    • Volvo front-end loaders with bucket and backhoe implements to move earth and various materials. Additionally, utilize various implements to include hoisting bars for equipment and material, utilizing all terrain forklift attachments to place material on difficult terrain, operation with personal cage for aerial work. Loads dump trucks or 30-yard dumpsters with refuse. Fills dump trucks and equipment with material such as salt, sand, loam, and mulch.
    • Utilization of backhoes and trench diggers to excavate buried utilities requiring repair by in house labor such as water and sewer main lines. Operation of tractor mounted hydraulic hammers to break and remove concrete and asphalt surfaces.
    • Operation of commercial dump truck (highway sized) with hydraulic attachments including highway rated plow and sander.
  • Required to safely operate all types of equipment utilized in grounds operations including the ability to obtain and maintain Massachusetts Hoist Operators License.
  • Adjusts the attachments for proper level, angle, or depth, according to the work to be done and the type of equipment used.
  • Work is generally performed on flat or rolling terrain and paved roads.
  • Performs work near buildings, trees or shrubs.
  • Performs preventative maintenance prior to, during and after operation.
  • Prepares the soil for plants, seeds, thins, transplants, trims, prunes, fertilizes, aerates, mulches, sprays, and dusts grass, ground cover, flowers, shrubs and trees using independent judgment and decision making. Prepares new planting areas for propagation of wildflower beds, domestic flowers beds, trees, shrubs and grasses. Prunes shrubs, trees and other plants to remove obvious defects and excess branches to obtain a proper balance between roots and top growth, and to modify or retain the natural form of the tree, shrub, or plant. Installs landscaping materials.
  • Operates mowing and trimming equipment routinely used in the maintenance of high-quality stand of turfgrass. This equipment includes aerification and thatch removal devices, woody plant trimming and tree pruning equipment, and automatic turfgrass irrigation systems.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Position Description Title/PD#: Engineering Equipment Operator/PD523-02869-A
Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station: Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required

Notifications:
  • This position is in the Competitive Service.
  • Current Federal employees may submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.
  • This position is NAGE Bargaining Unit.
  • This position is covered by locality-based comparability pay.
  • Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
  • Selectee may be required to work at any VA Boston Healthcare System campus or CBOC, as needed.
  • Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
  • Subject to a background/suitability investigation
  • May serve a probationary period
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Continuing Education: Must complete Massachusetts Hoist Operators course for operation of hydraulic equipment.

Skills and Knowledge Required by the Position:

  • The operator must know how to use all the various attachments on the various vehicles.
  • The operator must have foot, hand, eye coordination to-handle the various controls on the vehicles.
  • The operator is required to have a basic knowledge of the nature of the soil and features of the terrain to determine the proper approach according to the condition of the surface and subsurface.
  • The operator must be able to move the equipment about in confined areas.
  • The operator must be knowledgeable and skilled in the operation of heavy equipment, i.e., dump trucks, and be knowledgeable of State motor vehicle regulations.
  • The operator must have knowledge and ability to propagate and cultivate a wide variety of plants, trees, and grasses.
  • The operator must have knowledge and skill to test the soil and decide corrective action to promote growth and Ph balance required for each species with the use of chemicals or natural remedies insuring plants survival.
  • The operator must have knowledge to select the correct plant for the best results considering the soil conditions, sun/shade, adverse climate conditions, moisture, foliage at various stages of growth, flowering periods, weed control, insect control, drainage, and wild animal control, as well as for low maintenance.
  • The operator must be skilled in the installation of material for borders and to use materials and equipment needed for installation.
  • The operator must have knowledge of erosion control techniques and practices.
Physical Requirements: This position requires moderate to heavy physical effort with reaching, bending, turning and moving hands, arms, feet and legs to operate different controls on various types of equipment. Work requires frequent bending stooping, kneeling, walking and exposure to constant vibrations and jolting caused by movement of equipment over uneven and rough terrain and running of other power tools. Position may require lifting and moving weight exceeding 50 pounds with or without assistance.

Working Conditions: Work is performed in all types of weather, ranging from hot and humid to wet, windy and cold. Working conditions also include dust, dirt, mud and water. Wearing of safety shoes always and personal protective equipment as required by the labels of these products is mandatory. Employee may be exposed to noise levels exceeding 85dBA for up to eight (8) hours per day. This exposure may adversely affect hearing. Wearing of hearing protection that will contain the noise level of 85dBA or below is mandatory while operating equipment. While wearing hearing protection devices, the employee must still be able to hear at a level to perform duties in a safe manner.
The position shall assist in snow and ice removal using hand tools and other equipment in addition to chemicals of various types without injury to plant material.

EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.

SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements:
  • Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
  • Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles)
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Related to Mobile Equipment Operation)
  • Ability to Operate Safely (Non-motor Vehicles)
  • Operation of Motor Vehicles
  • Reliability and Dependability
  • Work Practices (Including Keeping Things Neat, Clean, and in Order)


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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.

Resume Reminder: Your resume must include the following information each job listed:

  1. Job title
  2. Duties (be as detailed as possible)
  3. Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
  4. Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.

An incomplete application will receive a rating of IFFM (ineligible due to missing forms). Requests for reconsideration will not be considered for applicants who fail to submit a complete application package. We cannot be held responsible for incompatible software or fax transmissions.

Required Documents

Documents Accepted:

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

Documents Required:
  • Resume

Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.

Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.

Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online.

To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/30/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12737654.

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Julia Murdoch
Address
VA Boston Healthcare System
940 Belmont Street
Brockton, MA 02301
US

Next steps

After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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