Blocker and Bracer (Rigging Worker)

Applicants will be rated in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standard for Trades and Labor Occupations. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required, you must meet any screen-out element listed, and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties at the level for which you are applying. Emphasis is placed on how you gained the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time, and the required ability or potential to perform the job. Applicants who do not meet the screen-out element (SOE) will be eliminated from further competition. 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, religious, 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. CERTIFICATION REQUIRED: Requires specialized knowledge through formal training of certifiable aspects of signal and rigger qualification according to all laws, rules, and regulations. Requires refresher course every 3 years with a passing grade required for retention in the position. Incumbent is required to obtain and maintain signal and rigger qualification. Physical Effort Frequently lifts and carries moderately heavy objects such as cables and chains. Worker continually reaches, bends, stoops, pushes, and pulls while attaching rigging to the object to be moved. Frequently uses entire body weight to push or pull suspended loads while moving objects into desired position. Stands and walks for prolonged periods of time, and frequently climbs on platforms or other structures. The work requires continual physical exertion such as to lift, move, and adjust equipment or machinery weighing 45 pounds and two block and brace material in large crates and conveyances. Frequent bending, stooping, standing, and reaching are required. Uses hand and foot controls while driving, turning, starting, and stopping the forklift, truck, tugs while raising and lowering the loads being moved. Strain is caused by the vibration of the forklift truck and tug. Working Conditions Work is performed inside and outside in all types of weather. The worker is subject to injury from working near crane and from handling heavy equipment. Worker is subject to cuts and burns while handling worn or fiber ropes. Worker is exposed to injury from falling while climbing and attaching rigging to the load, and while signaling the crane operator from platforms and other structures. Subject to injury from shifting loads and toppling stacks, accident or failure of other equipment, overturning, falling objects, and moving equipment. SAFETY AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Employee is required to wear safety clothing and equipment appropriate for the job and work area where assigned, as directed by the supervisor. Types of protective clothing and equipment include, but are not limited to the following: eye, respiratory, foot protection, and protective clothing (gloves, apron, coveralls, etc.). Other types may be required as deemed necessary by authorized management officials. Employees will be required to wear approved hearing protective devices and an audiometric test will be conducted, as necessary, when working near or around noise hazardous areas, machinery, or equipment.
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