Tractor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summary
This Tractor Operator (Motor Vehicle Operator) position is in the Grounds and Transportation section of the Facility Management Service (FMS), at Salem VA Medical Center (VAMC). Primary duties involve the operation of field type tractors and mowers with attached, tow and push type equipment.
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Duties
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-Primary duties involve the operation of field type tractors and mowers with attached, tow and push type equipment, while working without normal supervision.
-Operate equipment independently such as sprayers, leaf vacuum, fertilizer spreader, edgers, and mowers may be direct drive, hydraulic or mechanically operated and controlled.
-Responsible for observation and enforcement of safety regulations and must exercise care when using hand tools, power equipment, motorized equipment, motor vehicles, and machinery to prevent injury to self and/or others.
-Operation of GSA & VA owned vehicles such as sedans, station wagons, vans (including wheelchair & 15 passenger), trucks up to 26,000 lbs.
-Inspect equipment and vehicles prior to and during use to be sure they are in safe operating conditions, and shall clean equipment/vehicles of any debris which as accumulated during usage.
-Required to operate vehicles in a safe and proper manner while transporting patients, equipment, supplies, linen, mail and VAMC personnel and be able to complete all assignments in a timely and effective manner.
-Incumbent works under the supervision of the Grounds and Transportation Supervisor with guidance from the Grounds and Transportation Leader. Work in the Grounds section 60-75% of the time and in the transportation section for the remainder of the time. Primarily works in the Grounds Department but subject to being detailed to the Transportation Department as needed but generally no more than 30% of the time.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm
Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Authorized
Position Description Title/PD#: Tractor Operator/PD02058A
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Authorized
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
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• 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, 06/12/2026.
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 (mobile equipment operations)
• Operation of Equipment/Machinery
• Vehicle Maintenance

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: Daily duties include climbing into and out of vehicles in all weather, lifting of heavy freight, equipment, supplies, etc.; climbing stairs, loading and unloading patients in wheelchairs and driving long hours. Incumbent must be of good physical condition and have good coordination of eyes, hands, and feet, as well as good vision and depth perception. Incumbent must be mentally alert to traffic hazards and dangers of the highway. Physical efforts require lifting, climbing, stooping, and working in cramped positions possibly lasting long periods of time.
Incumbent is exposed to all types of weather including extreme heat and cold, wind, rain, ice, and snow. Incumbent is exposed to dust and fumes often requiring use of dust masks and/or respirators. Incumbent is also subject to cuts and falls when using hand tools, ladders, chain saws, or any type of motorized equipment. Incumbent has the potential of being exposed to patients with all types of diseases, colds, and viruses while transporting in closed vehicles. Universal infection control precautions shall be practiced. Overtime and shift changes are likely due to seasonal demands of the Grounds and Transportation Department.
Education
Mandatory Training Requirements: The incumbent must obtain certification via on-the-job training as a registered technician with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) to spray pesticides within 6 months of employment and sustain recertification every two years. Must be able to pass an annual respirator face mask fitting test. The incumbent must become certified within 6 months of employment via on-the-job- training to operate an aerial boom lift and be recertified every two years to trim trees and cut down tall trees and must not have a fear of heights. The incumbent must become certified within 6 months of employment via on-the-job training to operate a boom forklift and be recertified every two years to be able to load and unload supplies, materials, and equipment weighing over 100 pounds.
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
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.