The position is located within the Miami VA Healthcare System (MVAHCS) in the Environmental Management.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/20/2025. EXPERIENCE: 1 year of experience collecting, processing, packaging and preparing biohazardous, regulated medical waste, soiled waste and recycling. 1 year of experience with hospital/medical center biohazardous waste. Ability to identify varying types of biohazardous waste. Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulated Medical Waste Training Certificate. 1 year experience handing a San-i-pack machine or autoclave. 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 eligible are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Follow Directions Handle Weights and Loads Materials Operation of Equipment/Machinery 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 incumbent is frequently exposed to a variety of hazards, ranging from noxious gases, fumes, chemical vapors, skin irritants, biological hazardous, and caustic and poisonous items in the collection, treatment, and/or containment of hazardous wastes. In some work situations, the incumbent may have limited exposure to low levels of radioactivity. The incumbent works in facilities that are usually well-lighted, heated, and ventilated. They also work outside and may be exposed to all kinds of extreme weather conditions while performing their assignments. The work may be dirty and greasy, and exposed to the possibility of cuts, bruises, abrasions, and falls during collection and processing operations. The incumbents must follow specific safety procedures and use the appropriate safety equipment including respirators, face shields, safety glasses, protective clothing, gloves, boots, etc. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or gear may be required and must be worn when conducting mixing or transferring of waste.
Works independently and acts as the Waste Management Material Handler collecting, processing, packaging and preparing solid waste/hazardous waste/RMW waste for temporary storage and disposal. Provides guidance on the proper standard operating procedures for the management, handling, storage, and disposal of biohazardous waste, RMW, and recycling waste, and substances. Evaluates and make initial identification and assessments of routine biohazardous wastes to determine their nature (e.g., flammability, toxicity, bodily fluids, human/animal tissue, etc.), and containment characteristics (e.g., repercussions of long-term storage). Evaluates every solid waste to determine if it is a biohazardous waste and must determine all applicable waste codes and underlying constituents. Determines if it is exempt using regulations, knowledge of process, and analysis to make biohazardous waste determinations. The incumbent documents all waste collected and weighted. Work Schedule: 7:00AM - 3:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Materials Handler (Motor Vehicle Operator)/PD084780 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required