Laborer

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/31/2024. 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, 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: Attention to Detail Flexibility Follow Directions Without more than normal supervision 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 of this position requires considerable bending, kneeling, climbing, crawling, kneeling, and reaching in the completion of work assignment. The work requires walking and standing for extended periods of time while operating tools and equipment. The work of this position exerts very heavy physical laboring in performing tasks such as operating a variety of small engine equipment and riding mowers on steep grades and slopes pushing wheelbarrows and spreaders with heavy loads to include areas with visible obstacles that require significant maneuvering and lever control. This position frequently lifts, carries, and moves heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds and occasionally exceeding 100 pounds may be lifted occasionally with assistance. Must not have a fear of heights. Must be able to pass an annual respirator face mask fitting test. Working Conditions: The work of position is performed primarily outdoors, in extreme heat, cold and rainy weather. The work is also performed in dirty, dusty, and wet locations. The incumbent must observe all safety regulations to protect themselves and others. The incumbent must follow basic and specific safety procedures and use standard safety equipment such as steel-toe boots, gloves, ear, eye protection, dust masks and/or respirators in the completion of assignment. This position is required to use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and follow all safety regulations to protect themselves, the equipment, and other employees. The incumbent is subject to the possibility of bruises, cuts, and scrapes. The position requires you to work around and handle poison ivy and other plants that may cause skin irritation or rash. Incumbent is subject to serious injury when using powered equipment. Position is considered as emergency essential and is subject to being called in outside of normal duty hours. Training Requirements: Must obtain certification as a registered technician with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDDACS) to spray pesticides within 6 months and recertify every two years. Must become certified within 6 months of employment to operate an aerial boom lift and forklift and recertify every two years.
The position is in the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6), in VA Medical Center (VAMC) Salem, Virginia, under the Facilities Management Service, Grounds/Transportation Section. The purpose of this position is to provide manual physical labor in support of the facilitys Grounds/ Transportation Section in covering a wide variety of duties requiring minimal specialized skill and experience.