Summary These positions are located at the VA Hudson Valley Healthcare System in Montrose, NY and Castle Point, NY. The position is responsible for applying the knowledge and skills required in using heavy-duty equipment ( e.g. heavy-duty power mower, chain saw, jackhammer, forklifts, etc.). The position is also responsible for the maintenance of the grounds of the Medical Center. Responsibilities Duties include, but are not limited to, the following: Digs ditches and trenches with pick and shovel where dirt is hard and compact; Breaks up pavement with jackhammer, mixes and pours concrete, asphalt and hot mix; Operates, controls, and cleans heavy power equipment (e.g. heavy-duty power mower, chain saw, jackhammer) and works safely with heavy tools (axe, pick, etc.); Participates in the snow removal operations; Operates hand trucks, dollies, power washers, trash compactors, trash carts and pallet jacks; Loads and unloads heavy boxes, bulky supplies, and materials to and from trucks, dollies, etc.; Lifts and carries heavy objects (40-75+ lbs.) and pushes heavy equipment; Performs other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 7:00am-3:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Laborer/PD21Z81A Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK CONDITIONS: Duties require the exertion of physical effort in doing such tasks as lifting and moving objects weighing over 50 pounds, running power mowers on grades, jackhammering concrete, and pickaxing ditches. While working with various @types of tools and equipment, there is always the possibility of receiving injuries from tool slippage, handle breaking, flying objects, etc. Laborers must be able to perform repeated body movements that include, but are not limited to: reaching, lifting/lowering, bending, stooping, walking, pushing, etc. He/she may be required to climb stairs and use a ladder-@type device to perform some duties. Work is performed in an outdoor environment most times and the Laborer must work in inclement or uncomfortable weather conditions and perform snow removal operations. Laborers may be subject to the possibility of cuts, bruises, or broken bones. Duties require walking with tools and/or material from shop to job site. 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: Dexterity and Safety Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Without more than normal supervision Work Practices 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. Education Additional Information 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. Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/. 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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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. 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.
