Motor Vehicle Operator

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Mishawaka (IN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Motor Vehicle Operator to transport patients and operate various vehicles, including emergency units, to VA Medical Centers and private facilities.

The role requires safe driving, loading/unloading patients, and adherence to safety procedures. Responsibilities include following routes, maintaining vehicle readiness, and providing courteous service while complying with applicable laws and VA directives.

Qualifications

• Must have an unexpired valid state-issued driver's license.
• Ability to drive for a minimum of four hours and stay mentally alert.
• Physically able to assist patients and handle loads up to 50 pounds.
• Commitment to safety procedures and patient transport protocols.

Responsibilities

• Operates one or more patient transport vehicles including emergency vehicles.
• Drives predetermined routes or special runs.
• Reads maps and assesses road/traffic conditions to select safe routes.
• Provides friendly, courteous service to patients and staff.
• Loads and unloads patients safely using appropriate equipment.
• Keeps records of inspections, incidents, and actions.
• Follows VA directives, policies, and safety regulations.

Skills

Valid driver’s license

Patient transport experience

Safety compliance

Customer service

Job description

Summary

Operates patient transport vehicles - including emergency vehicles - patient transport vans/buses and other types transport vehicles - capable of carrying up to 8 or more passengers - to and from VA Medical Center facilities - private healthcare facilities - and other private sector areas like patient homes - railway - bus stations and airports. Incumbent drives predetermined and/or scheduled routes or special runs.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement - 09/28/2026. 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. Applicants must receive a minimum of two points on the below screen-out element to be deemed eligible for consideration. Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision. Tasks related to Transports patients using motor vehicles; Provides courteous customer service - and Implements safety practices and procedures The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Drive Safely Interpret Instructions - Specifications (mobile equipment operations) Motor Vehicles Operate Safely (Non-Motor Vehicle) Reliability And Dependability Work Practices MUST HAVE AN UNEXPIRED VALID STATE ISSUED DRIVER'S LICENSE. 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: Work requires reaching - turning - or moving hands - arms - feet - and legs to operate hand and foot controls. Incumbent will be required to assist patients with a variety of medical conditions and/or disabilities. Associated duties require stooping - bending - lifting - climbing - and securing patients - oxygen - and wheelchairs with appropriate securing devices. Lifts and carries objects weighing up to 50 pounds and heavier. Must follow prescribed safety procedures using appropriate lifting methods and body mechanics for heavy lifting or moving of heavy objects. Must be able to drive for a minimum of a four-hour period and stay mentally alert. If driver realizes they are not mentally alert - they must use good judgment in pulling over at the first safe area - road- checking vehicle with walk round inspection - and continue driving as soon as possible. Incumbent must pass a VA Physical and adhere to all VA and DOT drug and alcohol testing and guidelines. Working Conditions: Drivers work mostly outside and operate vehicles in all kinds of weather. Drivers are exposed to dirt - fumes - and to the possibility of cuts - bruises - and broken bones as a result of accidents when loading and unloading the vehicle. Must have ability to drive in rural areas - very congested Metropolitan traffic and/or construction zones. Must safely handle patients - both stretcher and wheelchair - in loading and unloading from vans and buses. The employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours - which may include evenings - weekends - and/or holidays. Shift work may be required. May be required to work overtime after normal working hours providing it is an emergency or their services are needed to transport patients.

Duties

• The duties of the Motor Vehicle Operator includes but is not limited to: Operates one or more types of patient transport vehicles - including emergency vehicles - patient transport vans/buses and other types transport vehicles
• Drives predetermined and/or scheduled routes or special runs
• Read installation maps and judges road/traffic conditions to determine the shortest and safest route
• Provide friendly - polite - and courteous service
• Abides by rules - laws and traffic regulations pertaining to state laws
• Must be able to load and unload patients safely
• Trips may require pick up from private homes - nursing homes - hospitals - and doctors' offices and in some cases housing and employment areas in a timely and courteous manner
• Follows all applicable and current laws - regulations - VA directives - policies etc
• Performs operator maintenance such as checking fluid levels and air pressure in tires - cleaning and washing of vehicles - and performing inspection checklists to ensure safe and proper operation
• Maintains records and document actions - such as operator inspection checklists/forms and accident/incident reports
• Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work environment
• Uses and assures proper fit of required safety equipment and clothing
• Participates in Service Safety activities and attends scheduled safety training as directed by supervisor
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 5:00am - 1:00pm OR Monday-Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm Position Description Title/PD#: Motor Vehicle Operator/PD99793S Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized