This Engineering Equipment Operator position is located in the Facilities Management Service at the VA Central Western Mass (VACWM) Healthcare System. This position is full-time at 40 hours per week. The incumbent may be required to work at all six Community Based Outpatient Clinics or tow the Emergency Management trailer throughout New England.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date 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. 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: Drive Safely Interpret Instructions, Specifications (mobile equipment operations) Motor Vehicles Operate Safely (Non-Motor Vehicle) Reliability And Dependability 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.
The Engineering Equipment Operator operates backhoes and other types of heavy equipment over rough terrain, on steep slopes, graded curves, shoulders and rocky or soft ground to excavate, backfill, grade, or level earth by skillful spot maneuvering for front end loader and shovel operation. Grades surfaces, compact soils, or rolls to exact specifications on flat or rolling terrain. Adjusts attachments for proper positioning and working order, making adjustments, usually, without stopping the power unit or the equipment. The incumbent steers and operates by using clutches, levers, brakes, and valves according to the slope or tilt. Operates close to buildings, trees, drop-offs, rocks, buried power lines and other utility lines, or other obstructions. The incumbent operates snow plows and maintains engineering and lawn equipment. Responsible for regular interpretation of work requests, assignments and priorities; exercises good judgment and a high degree of initiative; Expected to perform as a competent skilled journeyman, using initiative; selecting tools and materials; and lying out and planning the work and techniques for each assignment without reference to the supervisor, unless a highly unusual problem is encountered or a significant departure from normal procedure is requested. Completes required maintenance records; assembles lists of materials and supplies needed for assigned work and drafts purchase requests; assesses needs and writes clear work descriptions; and accurately accounts for time and materials used. Provides technical instruction directs and guides lower grade or less experienced workers in skilled work methods and procedures when working together or receiving on-the-job training. Performs other related duties as assigned and may be required to become familiar with some of the basic functions, procedures, methods and skills of some other related work and assist in these functions in the absence of other personnel, to the extent of the employee's competence and ability. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 6:00 am - 2:30 pm, EST Position Description Title/PD#: Engineering Equipment Operator/PD00482A Physical Requirements: Heavy physical effort is used by the operators in constantly reaching, bending, turning, and moving hands, arms, feet, and legs to handle different sets of controls to operate the equipment and attachments. Considerable strain is caused by the constant vibration of the equipment and the jerking and jolting from operating over rough surfaces. Because of the location of some of the controls and attachments, the operators are frequently required to work in awkward or strained positions.