Tractor Operator

The Tractor Operator provides grounds maintenance and transportation support essential to the operation, safety, and appearance of the medical center campus. The position requires the operation of a variety of motorized equipment and government vehicles, the application of established operation, safety, and appearance of the medical center campus. The position is located in the Facilities Management Service at the Hershel "Woody" Williams VA Medical Center. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/26/2026. 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: Industrial Equipment Operation Physical Strength Standards 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: Work will involve lifting, pulling, pushing, stooping, climbing and working in cramped positions that may be dusty, noisy or dirty. May be exposed to extremes of hot and cold temperatures and all types of weather conditions while working outdoors. Special precautions must be taken to avoid and prevent injuries. Personal protective equipment such as respirators, hard hats, gloves, etc., must be worn when conditions justify their use. When driving passenger vehicles, incumbent may be exposed to long hours of driving. The incumbent is responsible for following all safety rules, regulation, and traffic signs. The Tractor Operator supports routine operations, seasonal requirements, and emergency response activities necessary to maintain a safe and functional healthcare environment. Work is performed independently within established policies, procedures, and work assignments, with completed work reviewed by the supervisor for overall quality, timeliness, and compliance with applicable standards. Major Duties include, but are not limited to: Operates, uses, and maintains VA grounds maintenance equipment including lawn mowers (push and tractor type), edgers, snow blowers, and other related equipment. Prepares equipment for summer and winter operations. Operates the equipment on gradual to steep terrain i.e., steep hills, ravines, ditches, etc. Performs laborer duties as required, including cutting grass, raking leaves, shoveling snow, and loading and unloading trucks. Maintains VA-owned motor vehicle equipment by removing and installing heavy parts, making clutch adjustments, bleeding brakes, checking lights, and inspecting other safety-related components. Performs preventive maintenance on VA or GSA equipment by checking oil, tires, batteries, fluid levels, cooling systems, fan belts, and identifying noticeable leaks in transmissions, differentials, and other components. Reports deficiencies and ensures necessary repairs are completed. Operates passenger vehicles, trucks (gross vehicle weight up to 22,000 pounds), snow removal equipment (gross vehicle weight up to 17,000 pounds), mobile air compressors, and other related equipment assigned to the unit. May transport ambulatory and wheelchair patients and operate passenger buses (gross vehicle weight up to 36,000 pounds) on scheduled or special runs between locations. Maintains tools, equipment, and assigned work areas in a clean, neat, and safe condition at all times. All other duties as assigned, pertaining to this occupation, to meet the needs of the Agency, Department, Facility, and/or Service. Work Schedule: Full-Time, Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm. May work irregular tours of duty when operational needs or emergencies arise. Position Description Title/PD#: Tractor Operator/PD03346A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. 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.