The Wage Grade 03 Laundry Machine Operator position is located at the VA Portland Health Care System - Vancouver Campus. VA Portland is a multi-divisional system with inpatient facilities in Portland, OR, Vancouver, WA and seven CBOC's. The Consolidated Laundry provides laundry services to all Campuses and various out-patient clinics.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/09/2025. 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, the ability to perform the duties of the Laundry Machine Operator without more than normal supervision. Related experience includes, safely and efficiently operate washer/extractors to include daily system checks, maintenance, cleaning and ensuring production standards and products are available for processing on the production floor; using correct drying cycles and temperatures for various fabrics to ensure efficient operation of machines; performing end user required care and safe maintenance of laundry facility machines and equipment; maintaining work area, equipment, and carts to sanitary standards; keeping written records of work processed; and understanding and following written and verbal instructions. 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 Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading) Lead or Supervise Materials Operation of Equipment/Machinery Technical Practices (Electrical Electronic) Work Practices 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: Strength and stamina for doing heavy physical task for long periods, e.g., pulling wet laundry form washer, pushing heavy carts, and lifting bundles weighing up to 11 to 23 kilograms (25 to 50-pounds). Moving heavy bags of soiled and clean linen overhead. Intermittent bending and twisting while lifting items out of buckets. Pushing linen into washers and dryers from buckets or sling bags. Stand and walks continuously on concrete floor. Also, bending, stooping, and climbing under equipment for cleaning, inspections and clearing stuck commodity. Working Conditions: Laundries are very noisy and usually hot and humid. Constantly exposed to the possibility of bruises from moving carts or falls on wet floors in the washing area. A typical hospital laundry setting in summer is high humidity, heat, odors, and congestion and infection possibilities. In the winter incumbent could be exposed to cold temperatures while unloading trucks.
Major duties include but is not limited to: Operates commercial-type laundry washer/extractors, and dryers, flatwork ironing systems, blanket folding equipment, small piece folders and garment finisher. Loads, unloads, and controls the operation of the machines. Helps in unloading soiled linen from delivery trucks, soiled sorting, and maintaining specialty items per hospital. Monitors weight carts, and weigh items on floor scale. Maintains daily records of items washed and poundage. Selects proper program depending on type of fabric being washed. Unloads clean linen and directs it to the flatwork ironer or to the dryers. Monitors chemical dispensing system, and when low on supplies move full barrels over to replace empty. Maintains work area, equipment, and carts to sanitary standards. Follows current EMS procedures regarding proper use and application of various cleaners and germicides. Reports the need for equipment maintenance to supervisor or mechanic. Ensures load data for all wash systems is properly input to ensure proper dosing, dry cycle, and to ensure accurate tracking of pounds processed. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 6:00am to 2:30pm PST Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not authorized. Position Description Title/PD#: Laundry Machine Operator/PD21716A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.