Material Handler Remote Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summary
This position is located within the VA Portland Health Care System. Incumbent will have supervisory oversight of material handlers and contracted services. They are responsible for oversight of daily Health Care System waste and recycling collection.
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Duties
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• Administers an ongoing waste removal and recycling program for all areas facilities within the Health Care System.
• Coordinates efforts throughout the campus to identify potentially recyclable materials and keep them out of the normal trash stream.
• Conducts cost analysis and feasibility studies to determine if it is worthwhile to recycle certain items.
• Recommends changes in items for collection when appropriate.
• Establishes procedures for and supervises the collection of all recyclables and tracks quantities collected.
• Prepares written and oral reports to management.
• Develops and implements appropriate controls for safeguarding program materials.
• Establishes and maintains contact with local area recyclers along with representatives from other medical center departments for the purpose of promoting and developing the recycling program and obtaining information on reimbursement rates for recycled materials.
• Maintains manifests, catalogs, and accounts for all hazardous, and non hazardous waste streams for shipment and disposal.
• Operates computer terminals to access databases for processing, storing, and shipping requirements.
• Works independently and with supervised staff in the collection, processing, packaging and preparing solid waste/hazardous waste/RMW waste for temporary storage and disposal.
• Acts as the Subject Matter Expert on evaluating and making initial identification and assessments of routine hazardous wastes to determine their nature (e.g., flammability, toxicity), and containment characteristics (e.g., repercussions of long-term storage).
• Verifies that all waste is properly packaged and containerized; identification labels include the shop of origin number, waste information, dates, categories, and type of waste.
• Performs safety and operational checks on inventories of all waste handling equipment such as pumps, mixing tanks, and automatic sampling devices.
• Performs other duties as assigned in the support of Health Care System mission requirements.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm PST
Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not available.
Position Description Title/PD#: Materials Handler Supervisor/PD216560
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved.
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
• 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.
• There are no physical requirements for this occupation per OCHCO Communications email to VA Handbook 5019, updated on 4/17/2026.
• 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, 06/15/2026.
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, the ability to lead or supervisor. Examples include: Supervising a group to accomplish assigned projects and daily operational functions; planning the workload, equipment, facilities, materials and tools to use; answers questions on overall work operations and issues; handles and prepares hazardous and solid waste for storage and disposal following safety and regulatory rules; independently carry out assignments and plan daily workflow of a warehouse. 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 (includes blueprint reading)
• Lead or Supervise
• Materials
• Technical Practices
• 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: Incumbent shall be physically fit and mentally alert at all times. Mental abilities are needed, such as memory, judgment, and ingenuity. Mental application is required (e.g., in planning and laying out work, in maintaining alertness and concentrated attention, or because of the nature of muscular and visual coordination needed). The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as prolonged walking, climbing, lifting, kneeling, bending, squatting, carrying, reaching over/under; and pulling, pushing, and steadying objects of varying weights, sizes, and shapes. Strain related to lack of movement such as standing in place, crouching, or stooping for extended periods of time. Works around industrial/commercial waste removal equipment. Must be able to carry items that weight up to 50 pounds. The incumbent is frequently exposed to a variety of hazards, ranging from noxious gasses or fumes to biological hazards. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or gear may be required and must be worn when conducting inspections of maintenance or repairs. Frequently works inside areas that are usually at cold or elevated temperatures, dirty, or greasy and soiling of clothing and skin surfaces. Is exposed to noise, vibration, infectious hazards, chemicals, hazardous materials, gases/fumes, and the possibility of burns, infection, and scrapes. Hazards in working above ground level, on slippery surfaces such as washing machine area, or in crowded areas near moving vehicles or cutting tools. Work is performed mainly in a hospital environment and subject to 24-hour call as work may demand.
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.