Laborer - Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration : Job Details

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. Responsibilities 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. 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, 11/13/2024. 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: Attention to Detail Flexibility Follow Directions Without more than normal supervision 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 Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or 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. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. 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. Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. 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. 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.