Qualifications
Applicants will be rated in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standard for Trades and Labor Occupations. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required, you must meet any screen-out element listed, and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties at the level for which you are applying. Emphasis is placed on how you gained the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time, and the required ability or potential to perform the job. Applicants who do not meet the screen-out element (SOE) will be eliminated from further competition.
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, religious, 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.
Physical Effort: Frequently required to lift, pull, hold and carry cargo for distances up to 15 feet and weighing up to 40 pounds. Forklifts, winches, cranes, slide boards, conveyor rollers, snatch blocks, draglines, hand trucks, chain falls, or other MHE are use to move heavier weights. Works at a rapid pace for long periods with heavy exertion required. Mandatory overtime, with ten to twelve hour shifts are not uncommon. During times of national emergency, military exercises, or when cargo is in distress, incumbent may be required to work for periods in excess of sixteen hours. Frequently climbs ladders on ships, stoops, nails, crouches, bands, walks, and works in strange positions. Lifted aboard ship or on top of containers in safety boxes to heights in excess of 70 feet. While working container ships, frequently works at heights 70 feet or more above the water line.
Working Conditions: Work is performance in non-climate-controlled warehouses, on ships, or outdoors in all types of weather; in the confines of transporting vehicles and ships holds where poor lighting conditions often exist and temperature extremes are encountered for prolonged periods of time under fatiguing conditions. Temperatures range from 100 degrees Fahrenheit to below 0 degrees Fahrenheit with 1/2 hour acclimation period. Exposed to smoke, dust, dirt, noise, vibrations, poor illuminations and ventilation, unpleasant odors, and dampness. Continually exposed to danger or falls from elevations in excess of 70 feet, swinging objects, toxic fumes, and moving industrial equipment. Required to handle hazardous materials. Subject to cuts, bruises, abrasions, burns, hernia, back strain, and broken bones. From time to time, may be assigned to prepare for clean up after destructive weather, such as hurricanes. Incumbent wears gloves, safety shoes, hard hat, eyeglasses and ear protection.