Materials Handler

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/13/2024. 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. The screen out for this vacancy is the ability to do the work of a Material Handler (Operating Room) without more than normal supervision performing duties such as: collects and prepares Hazardous Waste, Regulated Medical Waste (RMW), Universal Waste, recycling, and solid waste for proper disposal in accordance with a wide range of regulatory and legislative environmental requirements; weighs waste and prepares required shipping documents in accordance with Federal and State regulation; performs weekly inspections of the Waste Storage locations to ensure proper containment and physical separation of incompatible wastes; verifies that all waste is properly packaged and containerized; identification labels include the shop of origin number, waste information, dates, categories, and type of waste; collects, processes, packages and prepares solid waste/hazardous waste/RMW waste for temporary storage and disposal. 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) Materials 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: The incumbent performs work that requires kneeling, bending, stooping, climbing, and standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time. He/she uses hand-trucks and other types of material handling equipment to move, load, and unload large drums and various size containers from trucks and containment areas. Frequently lifts, moves, carries, and load items and equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds. Incumbent is sometimes required to lift and move items weighing in excess of 50 pounds with the help of weight handling equipment and/or with the assistance of other workers. Working Conditions: The incumbent is frequently exposed to a variety of hazards, ranging from noxious gasses, fumes, chemical vapors, skin irritants, biological hazardous, and caustic and poisonous items in the collection, treatment, and/or containment of hazardous wastes. In some work situations, he/she may have limited exposure to low levels of radioactivity. The incumbent works in facilities that are usually well lighted, heated, and ventilated. They also work outside and may be exposed to all kinds of extreme weather conditions while performing their assignments. The work may be dirty and greasy, and exposed to the possibility of cuts, bruises, abrasions, and falls during collection and processing operations. Incumbents must follow specific safety procedures and use the appropriate safety equipment including respirators, face shields, safety glasses, protective clothing, gloves, boots, etc. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or gear may be required and must be worn when conducting mixing or transferring of waste.
These positions are located within the Operating Room and Bio-Waste Sections under Facilities Management Service at the VA Portland Medical Center. This is an open continuous announcement. Qualified applicants will be referred for consideration every two weeks.