SummaryThis position is located in the Grounds & Equipment Section of the Facilities Management Service at the VA Central Western Massachusetts (VACWM) in Leeds MA. The primary purpose of this position is to maintain the roads and grounds of the Medical Center consisting of approx. 25 buildings and 110 acres. This position is under the direct supervision of the Grounds & Equipment Supervisor. The operations and equipment are similar to what is found at a municipal Department of Public Works (DPW).
This job is open to- The publicU.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agencyALL US CITIZENSDIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.
DutiesThis is an Open and Continuous Announcement (OCA), intended for current and future vacancies at the location listed. This announcement will remain open until the closing date of 12/27/2024. Applications will be reviewed and referred at regular intervals every two weeks starting on 9/27/2024 or based on the needs of the facility.The Grounds & Equipment section is responsible for the maintenance and repair of all roads, grounds, sidewalks, parking lots, street drainage systems, rain gutters, lawns, tree's, flower beds, and other miscellaneous outside areas and activities, as well as snow removal operations. The incumbent is responsible to perform all labor and small equipment operations in order to complete the sections work assignments, including other duties as assigned in order to meet common team goals.Some duties may include:
- Accomplish the seasonal tasks of gardening, lawn mowing, snow removal and related daily tasks of a general laborer similar to a municipal DPW.
- Prepares ground, lays seed or sod, planting flowers or shrubs, using simple drawings to establish a planting pattern and/or design in accordance with project requirements.
- Knowledge and ability to use a variety of power tools, small tractors, snow blowers and mowers in order to accomplish all related duties.
- Ability to exert very heavy physical effort to frequently lift, move and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted and occasionally items weighing 100 pounds or more, with assistance or mechanized equipment.
- At entry, the incumbent must possess and maintain a valid driver's license, in any state, to operate Government vehicles.
- Understand the importance of the new Safety Data Sheet (SDS) under the new Global Harmonization System (GHS) and how it pertains to worker safety and chemical storage & use for such chemicals as: gasoline, diesel fuel, oils, grease, lubricants, de-greasers, etc
- Responsible for all equipment assigned, including but not limited to: equipment pre-checks for proper engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil levels, tire pressures, cleans radiators and air filters of debris, lubricates zerk fittings at pivot points and rotating assemblies, sharpens blades and adjusts deck heights and castor wheel clearance both manually and hydraulically, before and during equipment operation and on steep terrain.
- Support for pot hole & concrete sidewalk repairs as well as paint striping of cross walks, parking lots and fire lanes.
- Seasonal leaf removal using hand rakes, push & backpack blowers and a gas powered leaf vacuum system.
- Knowledge of proper Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) practices to ensure personal safety during equipment adjustment, maintenance, cleaning or repair.
- Use all the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure work is completed safely and in compliance with all OSHA and VA laws, regulations and requirements.
- All VA employees are required to be literate in both the English language and computer usage in order to: communicate effectively with staff and patients, complete mandatory training, email communications, to view and manage their own pay/allotments/personnel file, as well as submit their own leave requests electronically.
Work Schedule: 40 hours a Week, Monday - Friday, 6:00am - 2:30pm, EST.Position Description Title/PD#: Laborer/PD00410APhysical Requirements: The work requires long periods of sitting, walking, stopping, bending, carrying, pushing, pulling, lifting, and shoveling. Must be physically able to frequently lift, move, and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted and occasionally items weighing 100 pounds or more, with assistance or mechanized equipment. Incumbent must have the physical ability to exert very heavy physical effort in order to operate large riding mowers on on grades, shovel, rake, lift, grade, tamp, screed and bull float: asphalt, concrete, stone, earth spoils, snow and ice, loam and mulch.NOTIFICATIONS:
- This position is a NAGE Bargaining Unit position.
- Selectee must possess a Current Valid Drivers License from a State.
- Selectee must have a safe driving record.
- Current and former Federal employees must 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 job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
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.
Requirements Conditions of Employment- You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
- Subject to a background/suitability investigation
- Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
- 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
QualificationsTo qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.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:
- Dexterity and Safety
- Drive Safely
- Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)
- Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
- Without more than normal supervision
- Work Practices
Preferred Experience: Laborer Experience from a Department of Public Works (DPW) or in Commercial Landscaping.SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: To qualify you must possess a Current and Valid Driver's License.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.
EducationThis job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional informationUnder 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.Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.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.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.
- BenefitsA 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 benefitsEligibility 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 EvaluatedYou 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.
- BenefitsA 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 benefitsEligibility 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.
- Required DocumentsAs a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.Documents Accepted:
- Cover Letter
- Drivers License Current/Valid
- Other Documents
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Documents Required:- Current and Valid State Drivers License
- 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.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 - How to ApplyAll 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 12/27/2024 to receive consideration.To preview the questionnaire click 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. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details 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 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 informationEmily Wayne-LanePhone781-###-####(6764)[email protected] VA Medical Center421 North Main StreetLeeds, MA 01053USNext stepsAfter 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.
- Fair and TransparentThe Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Criminal history inquiries
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Financial suitability
- New employee probationary period
- Privacy Act
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Selective Service
- Signature and false statements
- Social security number request
Required DocumentsDocuments Accepted:
- Cover Letter
- Drivers License Current/Valid
- Other Documents
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Documents Required:
- Current and Valid State Drivers License
- 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.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
How to ApplyAll 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 12/27/2024 to receive consideration.To preview the questionnaire click 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. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details 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 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 informationEmily Wayne-LanePhone781-###-####(6764)
[email protected] VA Medical Center421 North Main StreetLeeds, MA 01053US
Next stepsAfter 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.
Fair & TransparentThe Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Criminal history inquiries
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Financial suitability
- New employee probationary period
- Privacy Act
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Selective Service
- Signature and false statements
- Social security number request
