Laborer (Groundskeeper)

Summary

This position is located within the Environmental Management Service of the West Texas VA Health Care System in Big Spring, Texas. This position is under the direct supervision of the Gardener Foreman or designee. Incumbent will routinely perform grounds maintenance and move office furniture, equipment, and supplies as well as operate motor vehicles, utility vehicles, forklifts, lawn mowers, and on occasion, will operate an excavator/backhoe and a tractor with brush cutter.

Duties

Major duties include: Operates an excavator/backhoe with bucket weighing more than 16,000 pounds; a tractor with brush cutter weighing more than 3,700 pounds; and a forklift weighing more than 3,200 pounds. Responsible for the placing of the avenue of flags on flag days. Moves furniture to and from the Medical Center and at each of the Community Based Outpatient Clinics. Maintains the grounds free of litter and trash. Prunes trees and shrubs Removes snow/ice from parking lots, sidewalks, steps, and entrances and applies ice melt or sand where needed. Cleans the smoking shelter, outer entrances to the Medical Center, and the grounds shop and office. Applies proper fungicide to shrubs, plants, and trees for insects and disease. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 7:00am-3:30pm, Monday-Friday Position Description Title/PD#: Laborer (Groundskeeper)/PD00670A Physical Requirements: Work requires very heavy physical effort such as frequent lifting and carrying objects weighing 50 pounds. Occasionally, the incumbent will be required to lift and carry items over 50 pounds and push/pull loads weighing up to 500 pounds. Incumbent stands, walks, crouches, and kneels most of the working day. Operates heavy equipment on grades. Occasionally, incumbent climbs ladders, and balances to prune branches. Incumbent pushes and pulls such equipment such as lawn mowers and cultivators. Color vision is involved in determining colors of plants. Working Conditions: Work is both indoors and outdoors. While working indoors there is adequate temperature, light and ventilation. There may be exposure to drafts, noise, and dust. While working outdoors the incumbent may be exposed to all kinds of weather conditions and temperature extremes, including rain, snow, heat, cold, dirt, mud, chemical sprays, and dust. Work is often dirty and dusty. Frequently exposed to the possibilities of minor injuries such as bruises, cuts, and scrapes as is subject to falls from ladders and trees.

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) Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment 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.