Tractor Operator Leader

The Tractor Operator Leader in Facilities Management has the responsibility to lead the grounds maintenance team at the Huntington VA Medical Center. The incumbent provides comprehensive management for the grounds program, including gardening, lawn maintenance, cleaning and support of VA-owned outside areas. In this capacity, the incumbent is an advisor to Facilities Management and shares with other staff members responsibility for total Medical Center planning, programming, and budgeting.

Qualifications:

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 06/26/2026.

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 Leadership Physical Strength Speaking 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.

MENTAL APPLICATION, SKILLS, AND KNOWLEGE

The incumbent must possess a thorough knowledge and understanding of plant species and their cultural requirements. He/she must be skilled with the range of hand tools and the operation of power equipment to complete the tasks needed to maintain plants in optimum condition. The incumbent is experienced in handling nursery stock, bedding plants, bulbs, etc. , in healthy condition prior to their installation. He/she is experienced with the various planting procedures for the planting of nursery stock bare-root, balled, containerized and the related care needed until plants are established. He/she is skilled in plant propagation; sexual and asexual. He/she is skilled in successful transplanting of trees and shrubs that landscape renovation and/or building construction require to be relocated. The incumbent is experienced with the use of soil amendments to improve soil quality for the culture of specific plants, trees, and grass. He/she is able to read, interpret and implement the designs and layouts for seasonal flower beds and other plantings for optimum effect. The incumbent has a thorough knowledge of pruning to improve plant health and appearance. In all cases, the natural form will be enhanced unless an artificial appearance is the goal. He/she prunes to remove dead, dying, diseased wood from shrubbery and trees and prepares purchase order requests for vendor services when the work cannot be performed by station employees.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

The incumbent is a licensed pesticide applicator with an approved local permit (or in possession of a license from another state). He/she uses chemical controls when necessary for diseases, insects and weed control. He/she is able to identify common insect pests, diagnose disease problems and problems due to mineral deficiency, soil pH, cold damage, etc. He/she records corrective procedures used and the results achieved. The incumbent must have a valid state driver's license plus a CDL Class "C" to drive all types of vehicles on this station, including GSA and VA owned vehicles and equipment. The class "C" CDL qualifies as "Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 26,001 pounds of any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a gross weight not in excess of 10,000 pounds comprising vehicles designed to transport 16 of more passengers including the drive". Additionally, the incumbent's CDL license must possess the following endorsements : Passenger Air Brake

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OVER THE POSITION

The incumbent serves as the first-line leader for the Grounds Section. The incumbent will coordinate work, leave, and maintenance schedules with the Maintenance and Operations Supervisor. Once approved by the Supervisor, the incumbent will be responsible for implementing and monitoring schedules as required. The incumbent contacts vendors and salesman as a routine function of the position. This is required for maintenance and repair of grounds equipment. Incumbent orders material as necessary for the grounds section, including supplies and consumables. The incumbent performs duties under the general administrative supervision of the M&O Supervisor. Work is checked through occasional observation for adherence to operating techniques and established procedures. Work is reviewed periodically to ensure compliance with long range plans and acceptable standards. The incumbent keeps the M&O Supervisor informed of any problems that arise. Incumbent must be flexible and available for rotating shifts and working alone, at which time, may be called upon to make emergency decisions without the assistance of a supervisor. All duties must be performed in accordance with applicable operations manuals, codes and VA policies, both written and verbal. Therefore, the incumbent must be knowledgeable of all pertinent Engineering and Medical Center policies and memorandums.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

Physical Effort:

Work will be performed over the entire 107-acre campus. The campus, by its nature, has flat ground and hills with steep grades that will be difficult to navigate. This position requires walking, standing, bending, sitting, crawling and climbing. Incumbent must have good vision, with or without glasses. May lift or carry tools, equipment, ladders, scaffolding, parts and supplies up to 50 pounds. May occasionally lift and carry items over 50 pounds. Physical activity in response to emergency situations and call backs is expected.

Working Conditions:

The majority of work is done outdoors. The incumbent will be subject to discomfort from long periods of heat and humidity, cold, wind, rain and snow, and will perform responsibilities with minimum interruption under these conditions. He/ she will be exposed to chemical sprays and dusts. He/she will be provided protective clothing and equipment such as gloves, respirator, safety shoes and boots.