Engineering Equipment Operator

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking an Engineering Equipment Operator at the VA Boston Healthcare System to operate various heavy machinery. This full-time position supports grounds maintenance and requires knowledge of equipment operation, landscaping practices, and safety regulations. The role involves physical labor, exposure to varying weather conditions, and the necessity for specific training related to equipment handling.

Qualifications

• Must complete Massachusetts Hoist Operators course for hydraulic equipment operation.
• Experience operating heavy equipment, including dump trucks and landscaping machinery.
• Knowledge of erosion control techniques and safe operation within various terrains.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy machinery for landscaping and maintenance tasks.
• Perform snow and ice removal using various hand tools and equipment.
• Maintain safety standards while operating equipment in diverse weather conditions.

Skills

Knowledge of vehicle operation

Coordination

Soil and terrain management

Knowledge of plant species

Knowledge of erosion control techniques

Heavy equipment operation

Ability to move equipment

Education

Massachusetts Hoist Operators course

Job description

This Engineering Equipment Operator position is located in Engineering Service with VA Boston Healthcare System at the West Roxbury, MA campus. This position is full-time at 40 hours per week.

***This is an open and continuous job opportunity announcement and may close at any time once all positions are filled.***

Duties

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2025. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be June 12, 2025. Eligible applications received after the initial cut-off date will be referred as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.

The position reports to and is accountable to the Grounds Supervisor for the quality and quantity of work performed by the work unit.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• May serve a probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Continuing Education: Must complete Massachusetts Hoist Operators course for operation of hydraulic equipment.

Skills and Knowledge Required by the Position:

• The operator must know how to use all the various attachments on the various vehicles.
• The operator must have foot, hand, eye coordination to-handle the various controls on the vehicles.
• The operator is required to have a basic knowledge of the nature of the soil and features of the terrain to determine the proper approach according to the condition of the surface and subsurface.
• The operator must be able to move the equipment about in confined areas.
• The operator must be knowledgeable and skilled in the operation of heavy equipment, i.e., dump trucks, and be knowledgeable of State motor vehicle regulations.
• The operator must have knowledge and ability to propagate and cultivate a wide variety of plants, trees, and grasses.
• The operator must have knowledge and skill to test the soil and decide corrective action to promote growth and Ph balance required for each species with the use of chemicals or natural remedies insuring plants survival.
• The operator must have knowledge to select the correct plant for the best results considering the soil conditions, sun/shade, adverse climate conditions, moisture, foliage at various stages of growth, flowering periods, weed control, insect control, drainage, and wild animal control, as well as for low maintenance.
• The operator must be skilled in the installation of material for borders and to use materials and equipment needed for installation.
• The operator must have knowledge of erosion control techniques and practices.

Physical Requirements: This position requires moderate to heavy physical effort with reaching, bending, turning and moving hands, arms, feet and legs to operate different controls on various types of equipment. Work requires frequent bending stooping, kneeling, walking and exposure to constant vibrations and jolting caused by movement of equipment over uneven and rough terrain and running of other power tools. Position may require lifting and moving weight exceeding 50 pounds with or without assistance.

Working Conditions: Work is performed in all types of weather, ranging from hot and humid to wet, windy and cold. Working conditions also include dust, dirt, mud and water. Wearing of safety shoes always and personal protective equipment as required by the labels of these products is mandatory. Employee may be exposed to noise levels exceeding 85dBA for up to eight (8) hours per day. This exposure may adversely affect hearing. Wearing of hearing protection that will contain the noise level of 85dBA or below is mandatory while operating equipment. While wearing hearing protection devices, the employee must still be able to hear at a level to perform duties in a safe manner.
The position shall assist in snow and ice removal using hand tools and other equipment in addition to chemicals of various types without injury to plant material.

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:

• Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
• Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles)
• Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Related to Mobile Equipment Operation)
• Ability to Operate Safely (Non-motor Vehicles)
• Operation of Motor Vehicles
• Reliability and Dependability
• Work Practices (Including Keeping Things Neat, Clean, and in Order)

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.