Tractor Operator

Full Job Description

This position is assigned to Engineering Service, Grounds Maintenance Shop.

The incumbent reports directly to the Engineering Equipment Operations Supervisor and is responsible for performing work involved in operating wheel mounted tractors and towed or attached equipment.

The work includes transporting materials and equipment, digging, loading, planting, spraying, fertilizing, edging, clearing, or mowing.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 03/19/2026.

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 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: Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Operation of Equipment/Machinery Safety Engineering Technical Practices Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Without more than normal supervision Work as Member of Team 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: Work is usually performed outside and may include operating in mud, rough terrain and steep slopes or other treacherous conditions which could result in injury from falls or overturned equipment.

Operator is exposed to long periods of noisy conditions, hot sun, dust, and adverse weather conditions. Cuts and bruises may result from flying objects and branches hitting the operator.

Incumbent is exposed to dust, fertilizers, etc., and may be subject to insect bites, stings, and exposure to poisonous plants such as poison ivy and poison oak.

Operator is exposed to hazardous moving parts when operating electrical or gas-powered equipment. Incumbent is subject to exposure from chemicals which can cause skin irritations and burns.

Serious injury may result from moving parts and getting caught in equipment while operating.

Injury may occur from collisions with automobiles when operating on or near various roadways and parking areas.

Incumbent will be aware of all job specific health and safety hazards and shall maintain and wear the appropriate/required personal protective equipment (PPE), (safety shoes, glasses/goggles, ear plugs/muffs, rain gear, high visibility clothing, etc.).

Major Duties:

Major Duties : Operate skid steers, forklifts, and manlifts safely around buildings and public areas. Stump grinders, augers, aerators, pressure washers, and small gas/battery hand tools.

Maintain and secure shop tools/equipment; keep shop/work areas clean and orderly. Apply fertilizers/insecticides/herbicides per instructions; ensure safe handling/storage/disposal.

Weed flower beds; trim/edge around walks/beds/walls using hand/power clippers, edgers.

Clean culverts/gutters/drainage ditches; remove hazardous/damaged trees using chain saws and chippers Perform landscaping planting transplanting cultivating irrigating fertilizing spraying and pruning.

Operate wheel-mounted tractors to maintain grounds, roads, ditches, walkways. Attach equipment (mowers, sweepers, trailers, brush hogs, planters, spreaders, sprayers).

Operate front-end loaders/backhoes to clear, dig, grade ditches; prepare landscapes for sod; haul fill dirt. Follow written/oral instructions; complete documentation and orders accurately.

Conduct periodic inspections, adjustments, and preventive maintenance on tractors/attachments. Operate trucks (1⁄2-21⁄2 tons); correctly load and secure loads for transport.

Adjust equipment settings (mower blade height, disk blade depth, sprayer application rates). Use PTO to power auxiliary equipment; manipulate controls to understand/operate accessories.

Work in steep/rough/treacherous terrain; maneuver equipment in tight spaces safely.

Use and maintain PPE (eye/ear protection, dust masks, gloves, safety shoes, rain gear, hi-vis clothing Assist other Engineering Shops with cleanup/relocation (e.g., hurricane prep or construction moves) Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm ( Subject to change based on agency needs) Position Description Title/PD#: Tractor Operator/PD03554-A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized