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VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

Laborer

VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, us, 02130


Summary

This position is located within the Grounds Section of the Engineering Service at the VA Boston Healthcare System in Jamaica Plain, MA. The Laborer performs duties which involve grounds and maintenance work, including moving materials, assisting other type journeymen due to urgency of work to be accomplished, gardener's helper, policing grounds, moving furniture, truck driver's helper, loading and unloading trucks and other various duties.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation in accordance with Office of Personnel Management (OPM) approved Direct Hire Authority (DHA) VA-010, in accordance with 5 U.S.C 3304(a)(3) and 5 C.F.R. 337.205(b)(1)-(4), for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA) based on their critical hiring needs.

Duties

The incumbent performs duties which involve grounds and maintenance work, including moving materials, assisting other type journeymen due to urgency of work to be accomplished, gardener's helper, policing grounds, moving furniture, truck driver's helper, loading and unloading trucks and other various duties.

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Follows general instructions to perform work that requires moderately heavy physical effort and may involve a number of successive steps or processes;Uses common hand tools and simple power equipment such as hatchets, hand saws, clippers, buffers, grinders, screwdrivers, weed trimmers, low pressure sprayers, powered push lawn mowers, and powered pavement vacuums;Uses shovels to dig ditches where grading and sloping is required;Fills holes with dirt and levels bumps using shovels, hand tampers, and rakes;Dig holes for plants and posts;Uses simple powered push lawn mowers, edgers and trimmers, waters ground, lays sod, and clears small trees and bushes using hand tools;Performs grounds maintenance on grades or slopes;Digs ditches and trenches with picks and shovels where dirt is hard and compact;Operates large, walking-type power mowers and simple riding-type mowers with limited adjustments;Adjusts blades for cutting height, prepares gasoline/oil mixtures for powered equipment, and cleans and lubricates mowers;Uses concrete, gravel, and/or asphalt to fill and level holes in damaged roads;Breaks up pavement using jackhammers;Clears sidewalks using large, industrial-type, powered snow blowers and shovels;Cuts trees, using axes or chain saws;Washes buildings using a high-pressure sprayer;Separates, stacks, carries, and loads/unloads materials, supplies, and packages; and,Performs other duties as assigned.Work Schedule:

To be determined by management

Position Description Title/Series/Grade/Number:

Laborer, WG-3502-03/523-00655-A

Recruitment & Relocation Incentives:

Not authorized

Driving Required:

Yes - valid driver's license required to transport Government Services Administration vehicles to services

Physical Requirements:

Work requires very heavy physical effort in operating large, riding mowers on grades and in areas with bushes, trees, and other visible obstacles that require significant maneuvering and lever control. Frequently lift and move equipment and components weighing over 50 pounds.

Working Conditions : Work is performed mainly outside in varying weather temperatures and in dry, humid, and/or damp conditions. Work area may be cramped, dirty, noisy, dusty, etc. May be exposed to fumes, smoke, or gases and may work with solvents, grease, and oils. Work around machinery and moving parts and around moving objects or vehicles. The equipment, tools, and tasks involved at this level frequently require extreme care and use of safety gloves, ear plugs, safety glasses, or respirators to avoid severe injuries.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this jobSubject to a background/suitability investigationMay serve a probationary periodSelective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding processQualifications

To qualify for this position,

applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

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:

Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal SupervisionAbility to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Other Than Blueprint Reading)Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and EquipmentDexterity and SafetyWork Practices (Including Keeping Things Neat, Clean, and in Order)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.

Skills and Knowledge Required by the Position:

Must have knowledge and skill in the operation, control, and cleaning of heavy, power equipment (power lawn mowers, chain saws, jackhammers, sidewalk snow plows).Must know how to work safely with heavy tools (axes, picks, tampers, chain saws, etc.).Must be able to perform routine maintenance and adjusting power mowers, snow blowers, additional equipment assigned.The nature of the duties and the kind of equipment used also require continual care and attention both to avoid accidents and to complete work according to established schedules.Prior job experience or on-the-job training is normally required to gain this level of manual skill.Must be able to complete assignments involving several familiar processes which require reading, writing, and remembering directions and/or sequences.Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

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.

Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

The

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)

and

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)

provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.

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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.Required Documents

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

Documents Accepted:

Cover LetterDD-214/ Statement of ServiceDisability Letter (Schedule A)Disability Letter (VA)LicenseOther (1)Performance AppraisalProfessional CertificationResumeSeparation Notice (RIF)SF-50/ Notification of Personnel ActionTranscriptDocuments Required:

LicenseResumePlease review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.

Veterans' Preference:

Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.

Applications are accepted online.

Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online.

To apply for this position,

you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/26/2024 to receive consideration.To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12614618.

1. To begin, click

Apply Online

to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

2. Click

Submit My Answers

to submit your application package.

NOTE:

It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the

Application Status

link and then select the M ore Information

link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

To return to an incomplete application , log into your USAJOBS account and click

Update Application

in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Jonathan Montgomery

Phone

734-905-2529

Email

JONATHAN.MONTGOMERY@VA.GOV

Address

VA Boston Healthcare System

940 Belmont Street

Brockton, MA 02301

US

Next steps

After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.Fair and Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiriesEqual Employment Opportunity (EEO) PolicyFinancial suitabilityNew employee probationary periodPrivacy ActReasonable accommodation policySelective ServiceSignature and false statementsSocial security number request

Required Documents

Documents Accepted:

Cover LetterDD-214/ Statement of ServiceDisability Letter (Schedule A)Disability Letter (VA)LicenseOther (1)Performance AppraisalProfessional CertificationResumeSeparation Notice (RIF)SF-50/ Notification of Personnel ActionTranscriptDocuments Required:

LicenseResumePlease review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.

Veterans' Preference:

Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.

Applications are accepted online.

Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online.

To apply for this position,

you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/26/2024 to receive consideration.To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12614618.

1. To begin, click

Apply Online

to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

2. Click

Submit My Answers

to submit your application package.

NOTE:

It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the

Application Status

link and then select the M ore Information

link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

To return to an incomplete application , log into your USAJOBS account and click

Update Application

in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Jonathan Montgomery

Phone

734-905-2529

Email

JONATHAN.MONTGOMERY@VA.GOV

Address

VA Boston Healthcare System

940 Belmont Street

Brockton, MA 02301

US

Next steps

After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiriesEqual Employment Opportunity (EEO) PolicyFinancial suitabilityNew employee probationary periodPrivacy ActReasonable accommodation policySelective ServiceSignature and false statementsSocial security number request