Tractor Operator (Motor Vehicle Operator)

Full Job Description

This Tractor Operator (Motor Vehicle Operator) position is in the Grounds and Transportation section of the Facility Management Service (FMS), at Salem VA Medical Center (VAMC).

Primary duties involve the operation of field type tractors and mowers with attached, tow and push type equipment.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 03/16/2026.

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.

SCREEN-OUT ELEMENTS: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out elements, which appears as question 1, 2, and 16 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: Interpret Instructions, Specifications (mobile equipment operations) Operation of Equipment/Machinery Vehicle Maintenance 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: Daily duties include climbing into and out of vehicles in all weather, lifting of heavy freight, equipment, supplies, etc.; climbing stairs, loading and unloading patients in wheelchairs and driving long hours.

Incumbent must be of good physical condition and have good coordination of eyes, hands, and feet, as well as good vision and depth perception.

Incumbent must be mentally alert to traffic hazards and dangers of the highway.

Physical efforts require lifting, climbing, stooping, and working in cramped positions possibly lasting long periods of time.

Incumbent is exposed to all types of weather including extreme heat and cold, wind, rain, ice, and snow. Incumbent is exposed to dust and fumes often requiring use of dust masks and/or respirators.

Incumbent is also subject to cuts and falls when using hand tools, ladders, chain saws, or any type of motorized equipment.

Incumbent has the potential of being exposed to patients with all types of diseases, colds, and viruses while transporting in closed vehicles.

Universal infection control precautions shall be practiced. Overtime and shift changes are likely due to seasonal demands of the Grounds and Transportation Department. Major Duties:

-Primary duties involve the operation of field type tractors and mowers with attached, tow and push type equipment, while working without normal supervision.

-Operate equipment independently such as sprayers, leaf vacuum, fertilizer spreader, edgers, and mowers may be direct drive, hydraulic or mechanically operated and controlled.

-Responsible for observation and enforcement of safety regulations and must exercise care when using hand tools, power equipment, motorized equipment, motor vehicles, and machinery to prevent injury to self and/or others.

-Operation of GSA & VA owned vehicles such as sedans, station wagons, vans (including wheelchair & 15 passenger), trucks up to 26,000 lbs.

-Inspect equipment and vehicles prior to and during use to be sure they are in safe operating conditions, and shall clean equipment/vehicles of any debris which as accumulated during usage.

-Required to operate vehicles in a safe and proper manner while transporting patients, equipment, supplies, linen, mail and VAMC personnel and be able to complete all assignments in a timely and effective manner.

-Incumbent works under the supervision of the Grounds and Transportation Supervisor with guidance from the Grounds and Transportation Leader.

Work in the Grounds section 60-75% of the time and in the transportation section for the remainder of the time.

Primarily works in the Grounds Department but subject to being detailed to the Transportation Department as needed but generally no more than 30% of the time.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Authorized Position Description Title/PD#: Tractor Operator (Motor Vehicle Operator)/PD02058A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Authorized Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized