Summary This position is located in the Environmental Management Service at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center. The purpose of this position is to maintain the outdoor space of the Medical Center by ensuring that landscapes are orderly, trees are pruned, walkways are maintained, lawns are mowed, planting of seasonal flowers, and cleaning debris. Responsibilities Duties include but not limited to: Operates Materiel Handling Equipment Incumbent operates hand trucks, dollies, power washers, trash compactors, trash carts, and pallet jacks to complete his/her job duties, and maintains a wide range of power tools. The incumbent operates heavy-duty (walking-@type) power mowers, adjusts blades, cleans and oils mowers; cuts trees, using axe or chain saw. The incumbent 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.). The incumbent operates manual and electric battery-operated tools and equipment to maintain the facility, and uses a high-pressure sprayer to wash buildings. Performs Simple Tasks with Specific Instructions Performs grounds maintenance on slopes or grades; The incumbent trims hedges, trees, and collects trash throughout the station, sweeps sidewalks, plants trees and flowers. Loads and unloads heavy boxes, bulky supplies, and materials to and from trucks, dollies, etc. Work involves moderate to heavy physical effort in lifting and carrying heavy objects (50-60+ lbs.) and pushing heavy equipment. Performs Manual Tasks with Some Degree of Skill The incumbent utilizes picks and shovels to dig ditches, repair sidewalks, etc., where dirt is hard and compact; does grading and sloping; occasionally and for short periods of time, breaks up pavement with a jackhammer; mixes and pours concrete, asphalt, and hot mix; fills and levels holes in damaged roads. Work involves heavy physical effort in constantly lifting and moving objects weighing over 50 lbs., pushing heavy objects. Operates, cleans, and maintains power washing equipment. The equipment, tools, and tasks involved at this level frequently require special care to avoid serious injuries. Other Related Duties The incumbent is assigned to other than normal tours of duty as required and is subject to the performance of his duties in inclement weather conditions. The incumbent also participates in the snow removal operations, removing snow using large industrial-@type powered snow blowers as directed. He/she must keep their supervisor advised of the operational status of equipment used in completing their duties. Incumbent will be required to separate, stack, carry, and load/unload materials and supplies. Performs other related duties as assigned. Preferred Experience: Drivers License Work Schedule: 7:00am - 3:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Laborer/PD13577A Physical Requirements: See VA Handbook 501 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 Subject to background/security investigation Pre-employment physical required 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 To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/13/2026. 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: Dexterity and Safety Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading) 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. Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: Laborer exert very heavy physical effort such as frequent lifting and moving objects weighing 50 pounds or more (operating heavy power mowers on grades or pushing wheelbarrow loads of cement, furniture, sandbags, ice melt, office supplies etc.) Other physical effort regularly involves walking, bending, stooping, reaching, standing for long periods of time, and pushing heavy items on carts or dollies. Work may be performed indoors or outdoors. While working outdoors the employee may be exposed to all kinds of weather conditions including rain, snow, heat, and cold. Indoors the employee may be exposed to drafts, noise, and dust. The work involves the chance of incurring serious injuries. Education Additional Information The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. 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.
