Summary This position is within the Environmental Management Service (EMS) at the Hershel "Woody" Williams VA Medical Center in Huntington, WV. The position functions at the full journeyman level for sewing machine operation and performs a variety of duties related to textile care operations. This position will report to the Laundry Supervisor. Responsibilities Major duties will include but may not be limited to the following: Laundry Machine Operations Operates laundry machines used for a variety of special purposes, including industrial washer/extractor and dryer machines, automated linen folding machines, commercial steam pressers, and sheet spreaders Uses the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while sorting and loading washing machines, including an apron, gloves, face shield, etc., to prevent direct contact with bodily fluids, including blood, feces, bacteria, and contagious diseases and viruses. Sorts and loads washing and drying machines based on capacity of equipment, @type of laundry treatment required, and @type of fabric. Weighs and adjusts loads to ensure weights are within correct limits and distributed evenly. Ensures the correct cycle is selected based on @type of fabric, degree of soil, etc. Sets machine controls on a variety of equipment, for cleaning and finishing purposes. Reports mechanical defects, malfunctions, and low chemical levels to the supervisors. Empties machine lint traps and maintains a clean, orderly environment by sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, sanitizing, and wiping down equipment and surfaces. Moves linens to various areas in the laundry for finishing, Folds, stacks/hangs, and stores textiles neatly and in the designated area. Replenishes linen carts with the correct number and @type of textiles. Delivers carts to the assigned areas, while maintaining cart cleanliness standards. Responds to requests for additional linens and delivers timely. Monitors the number of clean textiles returning on carts daily. Records and reports this to the supervisor. Maintains a daily record of soiled linens, by weight, that are being processed. Ensures the supervisor receives the report for tracking purposes. Assists with facility-wide annual linen inventory by collecting, sorting, counting, recording, and reporting on-hand amounts to the supervisor Textile/ Uniform Operations Determines whether linens are beyond repair, assists in maintaining a separate count for each item, and documents items being salvaged. Records patient care clothing when determined to be unserviceable Assists in the initial issue of employee uniforms. Records uniforms issued as required in VHA 1850.04. Issues and records the inventory of scrub garments. Issues replacements for unserviceable employee uniforms/ scrubs and maintains records of uniforms that are salvaged. Work Schedule: Full-time, 7:00am-3:30pm, Monday-Friday Position Description Title/PD#: Laundry Machine Operator/PD20279A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized 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 Subject to background/security investigation Pre-employment physical required Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/19/2026. 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: Materials Operation of Equipment/Machinery Technical Practices 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: The work requires lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, and standing for long periods. 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. 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. Whole Health is an approach to health care that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their life to the fullest. The VA is committed to Whole Health and values Veteran and Employee health and wellbeing. As a VA employee, you will practice Whole Health in an environment that supports personalized and proactive care.
