Materials Handler

Full Job Description

This Materials Handler position is in Supply Chain Management services at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, located at the West Haven location.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 04/24/2026.

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.

Experience includes: performing warehouse work involving receiving, storing, selecting and shipping of general or specialized bulk materials and equipment; assisting in developing plans for storage and arrangement of stock; coordinating incoming and outgoing shipments and placement of materials; uses own initiative to consolidate materials, provide maximum space utilization and protection of materials.

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.

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: A current, valid state-issued Driver's License is required for this position.

NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore; please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. You may be required to provide your license at the time of interview.

Dexterity and Safety Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading) Materials Technical Practices Without more than normal supervision Work Practices Physical Requirements: Work involves considerable walking, pushing and pulling a variety of carts and materials handling equipment; offloading and loading trucks, lifting products on and off shelves, handling boxes frequently weighing over 40 pounds; handles equipment, furniture and materials of an awkward and heavier nature in excess of 100 pounds (typically using specialized equipment and/or assistance of co-workers).

Greater physical effort may be required on projects involving the movement of large quantities of products over an extended period including turn-ins, large shipments and deliveries.

While operating vehicles, may be required to exert a greater level of physical exertion while backing and turning trucks, operating forklifts, or hand trucks on uneven terrains and uncertain conditions.

Working Conditions: Required to work in storage buildings, pods, trailers, vehicles and warehouses that may be hot, cold, drafty and poor lighting; work outdoors, on docks, making deliveries in all types of weather conditions during all seasons; hazardous materials may be encountered in daily work activities; will be subject to the possibility of trips, falls, scrapes, cuts, bruises, or injury from the use of equipment; may be subject to conditions that could result in serious accidents; personal protective equipment may be required.

Major Duties:

This position is located in the Warehouse area of the Logistics Service in a Veteran Affairs Health Care System (VA HCS) and supported catchment area.

The position is located at an assigned Veterans Administration medical facility performing warehouse work.

Handles or oversees one or more product lines, a segment of a large warehouse, or may serve as the senior employee in a smaller warehouse or supply facility.

The duties include but are not limited to the following: Responsible for storage and space handling in accordance with regulations for specific commodity or equipment groups (i.e.

general supplies, construction materials, medical supplies, high value items, etc.). Lays out storage space, establishes item location and determines organization and arrangement of stock.

Utilizes regulatory requirements when receiving, storing and moving hazardous and toxic materials and substances (i.e. certain types of chemicals, radioactive materials, etc.).

Maintains warehouse in a neat, clean and orderly manner. Operates a vehicle, truck, or van not exceeding 4500 lbs. vehicular weight, with electrical or hydraulic lift.

Plans, organizes, and prioritizes daily deliveries. Handles delivering and warehousing materials including hazardous, flammable and temperature sensitive products.

Completes monthly reports and supporting benchmarks.

Reads, writes and maintains files of various government and commercial documents to include turn in requests, discrepancy reports, shipping/receiving documents, etc.

Interprets a variety of standards operation procedures (SOPs), directives, and policies.

Follows all guidance provided by various directives, handbooks, memorandum, property management regulations, supply and distribution policies, checklists, etc.

Manages discrepancy process and follow ups utilizing an electronic record and tracking program in accordance with regulations and policies.

Understands how to load supply carts, vehicles or pallets to ensure safety and most efficient process.

Understands physical distribution functions to include material receiving, safeguarding (preserving from damage or exposure), storage and issuing.

Prepares authorized materials for shipment (both small packages and bulk). Familiar with automated purchasing and inventory systems.

Handles hazardous and sensitive materials according to established procedures. Adheres to all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) operating and safety standards.

Utilizes proper safety techniques when handling a variety of material and equipment. Uses all types of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Takes all precautionary measures in an attempt to prevent serious accidents. Must possess a valid, state driver's license. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm.

Position Description Title/PD#: Materials Handler/PD00600A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station: Not authorized.

Notifications: Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

Interchange Agreements with Other Merit System: Employees who occupy medical or medical-related positions and were appointed under 38 U.S.C. 4701

or

[formerly 38 U.S.C. 4104

and

] must be serving in a full-time position without time limit and have served continuously for at least one year in this other merit system to be eligible to convert to the Title 5 System.

Some exceptions to this rule may apply if you have previously acquired tenure under a Title 5 appointment.

Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action).

The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted).

In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held. This position is an AFGE Bargaining Unit position.

The incumbent may be required to travel to other VA campuses and CBOC's.