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Laundry Machine Operator

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Central Arkansas Veteran Healthcare System

Summary

The Laundry Machine Operator/Washman is charged with overall operation and daily start up activities of the Textile Care Processing Facility (TCPF) located in the Textile Care Section of Environmental Management (EMS) at the Central Arkansas Veterans Health Care System (CAVHS). These activities include having basic knowledge and care to include the cleaning of all washroom equipment, chemicals and procedure, operate washers and extractors, and loads machines to rated capacities.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$19.48 - $22.72 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WG 4
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Not required
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
Yes
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
CBST-13051151-26-ST
Control number
885595400

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

This vacancy is open to current permanent VA Nationwide employees, CTAP/ICTAP eligibles, and other Status Eligible Applicants-see Hiring Paths for more information.

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Duties

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Major duties include, but not limited to:

  • Serve as the Laundry Machine Operator/Washman responsible for daily start-up and operation of the Textile Care Processing Facility (TCPF).

  • Operate, load, unload, and monitor commercial laundry equipment, including washer-extractors, continuous batch washers, dryers/tumblers, overhead rail systems, lift stations, and automated cart-wash systems.

  • Clean and perform basic care of washroom equipment; make minor equipment adjustments and report or address routine operational issues.

  • Receive bulk soiled linen from hospitals and affiliated facilities; weigh, record, sort, and route linen for processing.

  • Load laundry machines to rated capacity and program microprocessors with the correct wash formulas for each textile classification and soil level.

  • Use electric lift-station and rail controls to place, store, and route soiled linen to the appropriate processing lane.

  • Apply appropriate wash formulas, chemicals, stain-removal/spotting procedures, and specialty products based on textile type and degree of soiling.

  • Maintain accurate written records of production output, incoming linen weights, and chemical usage for reporting purposes.

  • Follow aseptic and infection-control procedures when handling soiled or contaminated linen.

  • Comply with OSHA requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE), chemical safety procedures, and Joint Commission standards.

  • Communicate with machine operators, laundry work leaders, linen clerks, and supervisors to maintain an efficient linen flow and respond to changing workload needs.

  • Train other laundry machine operators on washer/extractor operation, wash formulas, chemical use, and proper processing procedures.

  • Remain cross-trained in TCPF operations and assist on both the soiled and clean sides of the laundry during staffing shortages or increased workload.

  • Serve as backup for Laundry Worker, Linen Clerk, and Truck Driver duties when needed; operate vehicles only when authorized and when holding a valid driver's license.

  • Perform routine laundry and textile-care functions under strict production timelines to support patient care and Veteran-centered services.

  • Work assigned holidays, weekends, or irregular shifts as needed to meet facility operational requirements.


Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 7:00am to 3:30pm (Subject to change based on the needs of the Agency).
Position Description Title/PD#: Laundry Machine Operator/PD04522A
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • Subject to background/security investigation
  • Pre-employment physical required
  • 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 identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
  • Pre-employment physical required.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial 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 or trial 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, 10/01/2026.

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 Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Other Than Blueprint Reading)
  • Dexterity and Safety
  • Knowledge of Materials
  • Operation of Job Family Specify Equipment, Machinery, etc.
  • Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic)
  • Work Practices (Including Keeping Things Neat, Clean, and in Order)


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: Needs strength and stamina for performing heavy task for long periods of time. Incumbent must be able to lift and carry fifty (50) pounds. Must be able to stand and walk consistently, perform light to moderate bending and stooping, and able to wear PPE for extended period as dictated by the work setting. Some heavy movement of laundry carts weighing up to 700 pounds and use conveyors are required. During normal day to day operations, individual will be required to perform simple grasping and dine hand manipulation, reaching above shoulder height and frequent stooping, bending, twisting and kneeling. Position routinely requires that individual operate vehicles. Electrical equipment and push or pull soiled and clean linen carts in and out of laundry truck, to and from loading docks to various locations within the TCPF and medical center.

Working Conditions: Work is normally performed inside where there is ample light, heat and/or ventilation. Temperatures vary form hot in the summer to cold in the winter when moving carts into the TCPF. Incumbent is intermittently exposed to possible contagions form the handling of contaminated linens in performance of emptying laundry bags and sorting soiled linen. Potential exists for sharps exposure in soiled linen. Incumbent will be subjected to high humidity, noise and minor cuts and bruises from arts and machinery. Incumbent will be exposed to drafts form open doors and lint in the air. Incumbent will wear gown, mask, cap, shoe covers and gloves when working in the soiled linen sorting section. Is subjected to disagreeable odors and contamination associated with handling and processing of soiled linens and clothing.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

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. 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.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

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.

Under 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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

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.

Veterans Health Administration

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?

The Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS) consists of two inpatient campuses located at Little Rock and North Little Rock, Arkansas. Little Rock is the capital city of Arkansas, located in the central part of the state. Little Rock has earned a reputation among history buffs, foodies and art lovers as an exciting place to live. Residents can spend their weekend exploring the historic Arkansas State Capitol, wandering through the Arkansas Art Center or enjoying, the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

Agency contact information

Shaquira Timmons
Phone
4434218496
Email
Shaquira.Timmons@va.gov
Address
John L McClellan Memorial Veterans' Hospital
4300 West Seventh Street
Little Rock, AR 72205
US

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