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.

As an Engineering Equipment Operator within our Facilities Engineering Service (FES), you will be at the forefront of maintaining and enhancing our critical infrastructure. Your role will be pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation of our medical center by supporting essential maintenance tasks. From excavating to uncovering vital utilities for timely repairs, to regrading and improving our grounds, your expertise will directly contribute to the safety and functionality of our facilities.

But that's not all! You'll command powerful heavy equipment to carry out pavement repairs, operate large machinery for efficient snow removal, and manage leaf removal to keep our premises clean and orderly. Your skillful handling of these tasks ensures that our environment remains pristine and accessible in all seasons. If you are passionate about operating heavy machinery, dedicated to maintaining vital infrastructure, and eager to support our mission to serve those who have served our nation, WE WANT YOU ON OUR TEAM!

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Operates heavy equipment, such as a backhoe, loader, and 10-ton dump truck to excavate, backfill grade or level earth to rough, or fine specifications as required; must also operate a roller.
• Operates plow trucks and loaders for snow removal, salting and snow moving operations.
• Operates skid loaders, drive-around leaf blowers, leaf vacuum tractor and trailer, tractor mowers and a street sweeper.
• Operates fork lifts for moving equipment, steel plates, bleachers, park benches, etc.
• The incumbent must be able to operate and adjust all attachments to the heavy equipment during operations. They will steer and operate the equipment utilizing clutches, levers, brakes and valves, affected by the terrain, soil condition, and slope of land.
• The incumbent must conduct operations around various pavement conditions and in close proximity to vehicles, fire hydrants, signs and rails; close to buildings, trees, rocks, sidewalks and roads, light poles, overhead power lines, electrical equipment and other obstructions
• Operates, as necessary, pick-up trucks, mini vans, and sedans for emergency runs.
• Follows general oral and written instructions, independently, without close technical supervision.
• Responsible for the safe operation of equipment to prevent injury to self and others, and to prevent damage to the equipment.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:00 am - 3:30 pm or 7:30 am - 4:00 pm.
Position Description Title/PD#: Engineering Equipment Operator/PD001260
Physical Requirements: Heavy physical effort through continual arm and leg manipulations are required of the incumbent to operate the complex and sensitive equipment controls so as to achieve safe and expert operation over rough and difficult terrain. Alertness and good observation abilities, including quick head and neck movements, are necessary to assure equipment balance and operation stability at the controls. The incumbent must be in satisfactory physical and mental condition at all times. S/He will be required to bend, stoop, crawl, walk, climb, jump and lift heavy objects for moderate time durations.
Working Conditions: The incumbent is frequently subject to very uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous working conditions. They will be required to work in all types of climate/weather conditions (hot, cold, humid, wet, etc.), often in an open driver's seat on hills, slopes, grades and rolling surfaces. Sometimes, the incumbent works on steep slopes and rough terrain, with the potential of the equipment overturning. The incumbent is constantly exposed to unpleasant noise levels, vibrations, dirt, jolting; and is often exposed to long periods of hot sun and bad weather.

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
• 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 Services Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License with Air-Brake Endorsement
• Must possess and maintain a current OSHA 30-hour Construction Safety Training certificate
• Must complete a pre-employment physical examination.
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

To 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:

• Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without more than normal supervision (screen-out element)
• Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Related to Mobile Equipment Operation)
• Drive Safely
• Motor Vehicles
• Work Practices (Including Keeping Things Neat, Clean, and in Order)

Preferred Experience: Experience with all equipment types listed in the Duties section is preferred.

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.

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.