Summary This Tractor Operator position is located in the Facility Management Department of the Facility Support Directorate located In the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC) in North Chicago Illinois. The employee works independently under the general supervision of the Operations Supervisor. Responsibilities The purpose of this position is to operate a tractor and other equipment as needed for gardening, grounds maintenance, and snow removal. Duties include but may not be limited to: Operates diesel and gasoline powered tractors. Operates a variety of heavy equipment with attachments or towing equipment, bulldozers, backhoes, snowplows, dump trucks, street sweeper, etc. Operates select pieces of snow removal equipment to remove snow from sidewalks, walkways and roadways during periods of inclement weather. Performs routine maintenance to vehicles and heavy equipment including maintaining oil levels, water, tire pressure, adjusting blades, tightening screws, bolts and lubrication. Operates lifting devices, such as forklifts, lift beams and swivel-hooks, hoists, and elevating platforms, to load, unload, and stack material. Operates lifting devices, such as forklifts, lift beams and swivel-hooks, hoists, and elevating platforms, to load, unload, and stack material. Utilizes knowledge of soil and terrain to determine the proper approach according to the condition of surface and subsurface. Follows established methods or special instructions such as mowing grass at standard heights or preparing seed beds according to specific instructions. Operates pneumatic hammers, augers, high ranger and other related equipment. Performs excavation, backfilling and trenching in support of project related work. Assists with planting of trees, shrubs and bushes, as directed. Maintains ornamentals by trimming, pruning and irrigating. Applies various fertilizers during season planting time. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 You may be required to serve a probationary period Pre-employment physical required Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications DRIVER'S LICENSE REQUIREMENT: This position requires a current, valid state commercial driver's license. Do not upload a copy of your license at this time. If an interview is requested, you may be required to provide a copy of your current, valid, and unrestricted commercial driver's license. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Performs moderately heavy lifting, pulling, and carrying of equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds Independently. Occasionally, may be required to lift or pull heavy equipment weighing more than 50 pounds with the help of weight handling equipment or with assistance from other workers. Work requires crouching, standing, kneeling, climbing, bending and stooping to accomplish assigned duties. Works in variable heights from 8 feet and above through the use of ladders, scaffolding or aerial equipment. Must have good hearing (corrected with an aid), good eyesight (corrected with glasses) and acceptable color vision. WORKING CONDITIONS: Performs majority of work assignments outdoors in varying temperatures, oftentimes under conditions of dampness, excessive heat and/or cold, or during other disagreeable climatic and environmental conditions. May also be assigned to work in poorly ventilated areas and/or under inclement weather conditions. Frequent exposure to moving objects and sharp edges and to noise and vibration from mechanical equipment. Occasionally climbs and works from ladders, scaffolding or aerial equipment where possibility of serious injury from slipping and falling exists. Various protective devices such as hard hats, gloves, safety shoes and glasses are used. On occasion, may be required to perform assigned work in asbestos-restricted areas. Whenever this occurs, incumbent will be required to be entirely dressed in the proper attire before entering the restricted area and to follow established safety procedures applicable to the exposed environment. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualifications. For this position, the job element method is used to match what you, the applicant, can do against what the work calls for. Your knowledge, skills and abilities will be compared to the knowledge, skills and abilities (called job elements) needed for success. Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element (WG-2 and higher only; screen-outs are not applicable to WG-1). Applicants who appear to meet the screen out element are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated from consideration. The potential eligibles are rated against the remainder of the job elements. While a specific length of training and experience is not required, your responses to the questionnaire must be supported by detailed descriptions of your experience on your resume. SCREEN-OUT: The applicant must have the ability to perform the duties of a Tractor Operator without more than normal supervision. Related experience includes operating heavy equipment such as tractors to maintain grounds and perform snow removal duties; and performing maintenance and/or preventive maintenance on equipment. (Your related experience must be detailed in your resume to receive credit). You will be rated on the following Job Elements as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Drive Safely Interpret Instructions, Specifications (mobile equipment operations) Motor Vehicles Operate Safely (Non-Motor Vehicle) Reliability And Dependability Without more than normal supervision Work Practices IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. 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. 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; religious; 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. Education Additional Information Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.