Summary
The position is in the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6), in VA Medical Center (VAMC) Salem, Virginia, under the Facilities Management Service, Grounds/Transportation Section. The purpose of this position is to provide manual physical labor in support of the facility's Grounds/ Transportation Section in covering a wide variety of duties requiring minimal specialized skill and experience.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
Only VISN 06 eligible for this announcement
Duties
Ability to operate various types of motor vehicles including but not limited to, off-road vehicles, one- and one-half ton pick-up trucks, and/or dump trucks up to four ton load weight; with or without powered tailgate lift; up to gross vehicle weight over 10,000 pounds, but not to exceed 26,000 pounds, on a regular and recurring basis to perform grounds upkeep and maintenance. Must have the skill and knowledge to operate a variety of powered and hand equipment including power mowers, towable vacuum systems, weed-eaters, blowers, pressure washers, chainsaws, jackhammers, rakes, shovels, tractors with attachments, hand trucks, push carts, wheelbarrows, and other motor vehicles; to accomplish tasks productively and safely with specialized equipment. Also, have a general knowledge of equipment, and routine and preventive maintenance procedures for all power equipment operated including changing oil, lubrication, tightening belts, tightening loose nuts and bolts, and replacing/sharpening blades to recognize problems that may arise, uses sound judgment and working knowledge of equipment and required safety precautions for proper operation according to manufacturer guidelines; utilizes proper care to recognize and avoid hazardous conditions, to avoid accidents and injuries harmful situations that could result in personal injury to self and others, avoiding damage to equipment and property, and safely completes work according to established schedules. Must have skill and knowledge to safely operate standard commercial rounds equipment and must be familiar with all operating controls, switches, and buttons on each type of vehicle and know their purpose. The work of this position requires the operation of a government vehicle to transport oneself, co-workers, materials, and equipment to and from work sites. This position must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to operate a motor vehicle and maintain a valid standard state Driver's License (DL), and have a thorough understanding of State, Local, and VAMC laws and regulations governing the operation of equipment and vehicles.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: 7:00am - 3:30pm, Monday - Friday (The work schedule is subject to change seasonally)
Position Description Title/PD#: Laborer/PD023420
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- You may be required to serve a probationary period
- Subject to background/security investigation
- Pre-employment physical required
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/08/2024.
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 Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles)
- Mechanics
- Stamina
- Vehicle Maintenance
- Vehicle Operation
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.
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: The work of this position requires considerable bending, kneeling, climbing, crawling, kneeling, and reaching in the completion of work assignment. The work requires walking and standing for extended periods of time while operating tools and equipment. The work of this position exerts very heavy physical laboring in performing tasks such as operating a variety of small engine equipment and riding mowers on steep grades and slopes pushing wheelbarrows and spreaders with heavy loads to include areas with visible obstacles that require significant maneuvering and lever control. This position frequently lifts, carries, and moves heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds and occasionally exceeding 100 pounds may be lifted occasionally with assistance. Must not have a fear of heights. Must be able to pass an annual respirator face mask fitting test.
Working Conditions: The work of position is performed primarily outdoors, in extreme heat, cold and rainy weather. The work is also performed in dirty, dusty, and wet locations. The incumbent must observe all safety regulations to protect themselves and others. The incumbent must follow basic and specific safety procedures and use standard safety equipment such as steel-toe boots, gloves, ear, eye protection, dust masks and/or respirators in the completion of assignment. This position is required to use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and follow all safety regulations to protect themselves, the equipment, and other employees. The incumbent is subject to the possibility of bruises, cuts, and scrapes. The position requires you to work around and handle poison ivy and other plants that may cause skin irritation or rash. Incumbent is subject to serious injury when using powered equipment. Position is considered as emergency essential and is subject to being called in outside of normal duty hours.
Training Requirements: Must obtain certification as a registered technician with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDDACS) to spray pesticides within 6 months and recertify every two years. Must become certified within 6 months of employment to operate an aerial boom lift and forklift and recertify every two years.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
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.
Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.
Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Financial disclosure not required.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Other
- Performance Appraisal
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/08/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12461565.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- 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.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications 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. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
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.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and 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.
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