Machine Operator Jobs in Kingsport, TN (NOW HIRING)

Summary
The Laundry Machine Operator operates commercial-type laundry washers, tumblers, or conditioners. The work includes loading, unloading and operating controls of machines to wash, dye, starch, dry, or condition items for pressing.
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Duties
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As the Laundry Machine Operator, the incumbent's duties include, but are not limited to:

• Assist in the operation of five commercial-type washer-extractors.
• Classify and identify all patient-member wearing apparel.
• Load/Unload soiled laundry from trucks to washers, always alert to detect misclassified laundry items.
• Must have complete understanding of the loading capacity.
• Responsible for Laundry supply storeroom.
• Clean the electric photocells and reflectors on the spreader-feeder and folder-cross folder machines.
• Clean the flatwork ironer.
• Operate machinery simultaneously and maintain records of work processed.
• Must be able to perform first-echelon maintenance on all drying/tumbling equipment.
• Assist in cross-training of employees in classification of soiled linen, utilization of supplies, operation of washing and drying machinery, and other related tasks.
• Perform work in any position in the Laundry Section when designated.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 5:45AM-2:30PM
Position Description Title/PD#: Laundry Mach Operator/PD60284A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Requirements
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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.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/17/2026.
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:

• Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)
• Materials
• Operation of Equipment/Machinery
• 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/Working Conditions: This position requires constant physical activity, standing, stooping, walking, bending, pushing, pulling, reaching and lifting. Most work is performed on a concrete floor. The incumbent loads and unloads machines, pushes heavy carts of soiled and clean linen, must lift items weighing in excess of 50 pounds, and push linen carts in excess of 400 pounds.
Incumbent is subject to high levels of noise and works in a hot, humid environment. Employee works around steam-operated equipment and must exercise safety precautions to avoid burns from steam or steam-heated equipment. The incumbent must work in an environment where floors are subject to wetting and may be slippery. Employee is subjected to handling of grossly soiled linen items, some of which may be contaminated, thus requiring wearing of protective closing such as isolation gown, mask, gloves, etc. The incumbent must be able to work with patients, patient-members, work-study employees, summer students, housekeeping aids, or other persons assigned through various training programs.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
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.
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.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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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.
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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.