Summary This position is located at VA Madison, WI in the ESS Laundry Service. The incumbent operates under the direction of the Work Leader. The individual may be assigned any of the described duties on a give day as the laundry production/ distribution/ uniform exchange is dependent on the amount of linen and uniforms received for processing and the clean linen and uniforms to be distributed. Responsibilities Major duties includes but not limited: Operate a commercial and industrial sewing machine, a button machine, a marking machine, and a heat patch machine. Required to make or repair sheets, bedspreads, pillowcases, and all other regular linen items. Alters uniforms as necessary at the time of initial issue; issues uniforms to employees according to VA and hospital policies. Maintains accurate employee record uniform inventory cards; provides record information to the supervisor as is required. Sorts and hangs clean uniforms received and operated the Uniform Exchange Room. Is responsible for examining all linen and uniforms making all necessary repairs. Determines if items should be salvaged and maintains accurate records of all salvaged items. Estimates supplies and materials needed in the sewing operation; keeps supervisor informed of the supply levels to ensure that these are adequately maintained. Must be able to fabricate special items required for patient care, such as oversized pajamas and bathrobes, special surgical linens, and restraints. Adjusts the machinery which does not require special tools or new parts. Monitors work area to assure a clean and sanitary condition. Provides relief in the laundry production area when necessary. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 07:00am-3:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Sewing Machine Operator/PD012760 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, 11/09/2026. 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: Computer Skills Interpersonal Effectiveness Organizational Awareness Technical Competence 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: Incumbent's duties require walking, lifting, stooping, reaching, bending, standing, sitting, pushing, and pulling. Continually lifts to ten (10) pounds and may occasionally be expected to lift to forty-five (45) pounds. Excellent hand/eye coordination and manual dexterity is necessary to operate the machines and maintain acceptable productive levels. Work is normally performed in a well-lighted and ventilated area. Temperature in the work area is not well controlled and may fluctuate from hot to cold. The employee may be exposed to uncommon odors, broken glass, needles, and instruments found in linen when working in the laundry plant. Employee must follow all infection control procedures while processing laundry, linen and uniforms. 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.
