Laundry Machine Operator

Summary The incumbent of this position is a Laundry Machine Operator located in the Textile Care Plant of the Environmental Management Service which processes a variety of soiled linens and textiles into clean and sanitary items for reuse by customers. Responsibilities Duties for the position include but are not limited to: - Loading and unloading machines to rated capacities. - Programming micro-processors on laundry machines for various textile classifications. - Utilizing proper wash formulas based on classification and degree of fabric soiling. - Performing spot-clean procedures to remove stains utilizing specialty chemicals. - Determining appropriate chemicals to use on a variety of textile types. - Sorting articles to be cleaned into lots, according to color, fabric, dirt content and cleaning technique required. - Maintaining written work productivity records. - Maintaining chemical usage for reporting purposes. - Maintaining incoming weight of linens for reporting purposes. - Making minor adjustments to equipment. - Operating commercial grade 2 - 400lb washers, 1 - 200lb washer and 1 - 40lb washer. - Operating commercial grade 1 - 500lb dryer and 2 - 100lb dryers-Operates 500lb overhead conveyer system, Flat work Ironer, small and medium piece steam-heated garment finisher. - Operating hoppers and an extensive monorail system. - Operating automated folding machines. - Monitoring the washers to insure the correct water level, chemical dosage and temperature level during the washing cycle. - Applying color dye to rags and other linen as assigned. - Cleaning washroom work area daily and equipment as needed. - Performing minor repairs and preventative maintenance. - Performing some hand-folding of certain linens. - Reporting damage and/or mechanical failure when detected. - Reporting deficiencies in supplies or equipment as necessary. Work Schedule: M-F 6:00am - 2:30pm. Telework: Not eligible for Telework. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: 44081-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Approved. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications 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: Dexterity and Safety Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading) Materials Operation of Equipment/Machinery 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 and/or working conditions: Incumbent is required to stand or walk continuously for entire shift on concrete floors; bend and use hands and arms constantly while concentrating on the proper manner of performing work tasks. Tasks also require quick hand and arm movements to meet production standards. Must have strength and stamina to perform heavy physical tasks such as pulling hot, wet wash from washers/extractors and/or pushing heavy carts weighing over 50 pounds. Each incumbent frequently lifts linen bundles or linen items weighing over 50 lbs. Standing in place for extended periods of time at the flatwork ironer is necessary as a laundry worker. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Education There is no education requirement for this position. 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. A supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. 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. 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 (HPT). 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. The 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/. 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.