Tractor Operator

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Saginaw (MI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Saginaw, MI, seeks a Tractor Operator in the Grounds Section of the Facilities Management Service to maintain grounds and perform snow removal under supervision.

The role requires operating heavy equipment, mowing lawns, trimming trees and bushes, planting landscape beds, and performing routine maintenance of grounds tools, all while working outdoors in all weather conditions.

Qualifications

• Evidence of training or experience in grounds maintenance and equipment operation.
• Ability to perform duties with minimal supervision and under supervision as required.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions and lift heavy objects.

Responsibilities

• Operate tractors and grounds equipment with attachments.
• Adjust blades and perform maintenance on mowers.
• Operate loaders and other heavy equipment with hydraulic controls.
• Perform tree trimming using manlift and place banners on light poles.
• Use hand tools including an axe and perform snow removal.

Skills

Grounds keeping

Equipment operation

Heavy equipment operation

Vehicle pre/post checks

Snow removal

Lawn mowing

Tools

Power mowers

Loader operation

Chainsaw operation

Job description

Summary

This position is assigned to the Grounds Section in the Facilities Management Service (FMS). This section is responsible for fulfilling all grounds maintenance and snow removal needs in support of the Saginaw VA Medical Center. Incumbent receives work assignments from and is under the supervision of Grounds Supervisor - Facilities Management Service or in his absence the work leader.

This position is assigned to the Grounds Section in the Facilities Management Service (FMS). This section is responsible for fulfilling all grounds maintenance and snow removal needs in support of the Saginaw VA Medical Center. Incumbent receives work assignments from and is under the supervision of Grounds Supervisor - Facilities Management Service or in his absence the work leader.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement - 09/23/2026. 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: 1. Ability to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision. Related experience includes: Operating heavy equipment (i.e. tractors - mowers - chainsaws - portable generators - etc.) - maintaining and repairing all outside grounds equipment including large front-end loaders - tractors - mowers - trimmers - spreaders - sprayers - portable generator - concrete saw - mason saw - chain saws - as required; completing a pre and post operator check of vehicles and equipment for proper fluid levels (water - windshield washer - oil - brake - and transmission) whenever required for use; performing a variety of duties involving maintenance and up-keep of the ground to include mowing lawns and wooded areas - pruning and trimming of trees and bushes - planting and developing and creating landscape areas and flower beds as well as removal of debris - grass - limbs - and other trash - and snow removal; have working knowledge of the tools used for safe operation in the moving - cultivating and grounds work - and general knowledge concerning snow removal and de-icing - installing and maintaining paver and brick patios - and repairing and installing retaining walls using landscape brick and concrete. (NOTE: You must list your experience on your resume). Applicants must receive a minimum of two points on this screen-out element to be deemed eligible for consideration. JOB ELEMENTS. The below job elements (skills - knowledge - abilities - and personal characteristics considered necessary for success on the job) are approved by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management for individual occupations as well as for jobs having common requirements. Drive Safely Interpret Instructions - Specifications (mobile equipment operations) Motor Vehicles Operate Safely (Non-Motor Vehicle) Reliability And Dependability Without more than normal supervision Work Practices Preferred Experience: Experience with Grounds Keeping and equipment operating. 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: Frequent arm and leg movement is required. The incumbent exerts very heavy physical effort in operating equipment controls and performing tasks that require frequent lifting - bending and moving objects weighing over 50 pounds. The incumbent may occasionally work from ladders - lifts and high places. The incumbent may be asked to extended hours due to weather conditions. Working Conditions: The incumbent works primarily outside in all kinds of weather conditions and is exposed to temperature extremes - vibrations - and jolts from equipment. Operators are exposed to dust - dirt - grease - fumes and chemical sprays and be subjected to insect bites and probably bee stings. The incumbent is subject to cuts and bruises from flying objects - tree branches and the usual hazards associated with power equipment.

Duties

• The duties of the Tractor Operator includes but is not limited to: Tractor & Equipment Operation Uses various power mowers to cut grass including tractors with mower attachments


• adjusts blades and cleans and oils mowers


• Operates 172 HP heavy - 28 -000+ LB Loader with several attachments controlled by hydraulics and complex electronic controls Cut down trees and uses a manlift for tree trimming and banner placement on light poles


• Uses various hand tools including an axe


• shovels snow by