Environmental Engineering Trainee
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Posted: March 24, 2026 (2 days ago)
This job was posted recently. Fresh listings typically have less competition.
Veterans Health Administration
Department of Veterans Affairs
Location
Coatesville, Pennsylvania
Salary
$29.50 - $34.53
per hour
Type
Full-Time
More Engineering jobs →Closes
This job involves operating heavy machinery like backhoes, loaders, and dump trucks to maintain and repair the grounds and infrastructure at a VA medical center in Pennsylvania, including tasks such as excavating for utility repairs, grading land, fixing pavements, removing snow, and clearing leaves.
It's a hands-on role focused on keeping the facility safe, clean, and functional to support veterans' care.
A good fit would be someone with practical experience in equipment operation who enjoys outdoor work, values precision, and wants to contribute to public service without needing formal education.
Are you ready to drive your career forward with purpose and precision?
Join our dynamic team at the Coatesville VA Medical Center as an Engineering Equipment Operator and make a tangible impact on the well-being of our facilities and the Veterans we serve!
Experience a rewarding career with endless opportunities to grow, all while playing a crucial role in the upkeep of our medical center. Apply today and embark on a career that makes a difference!
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.
Major Duties:
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.
Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes