Motor Vehicle Operator

Summary This position is located in the Police Service at the James J. Peters, VA Medical Center. he work includes the operation of gasoline, diesel, or electronic powered wheeled vehicles to haul cargo and fuel, transport passengers, patients, or to tow or recover equipment. The vehicles are driven in restricted traffic environments on Government installations, over public roads and highways, or under cross-country conditions. Responsibilities The purpose of this position is to operate 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. Performing operator maintenance, such as checking fluid levels, replacing air filters and interior lights, checking tire pressure and hose connections and washing vehicle. Operating (10-53) passenger buses, ambulette and passenger ambulance buses regardless of gross vehicle weight with a lift modified for wheelchair patients. Trips are made in the New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Philadelphia area, at times in heavy traffic to transport authorized VA personnel on long and short hauls. Operating platform, van, stake and dump trucks, fuel trucks, and trash removal trucks which have a gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds up to 32,000 pounds. All vehicles are equipped with air brakes. Vehicles are operated over uneven terrain, over improved/unimproved roads and through congested areas on both short and long hauls. The incumbent will perform snow removal duties on an as needed basis. Receiving work assignments and direction regarding work methods, procedures and schedules from either the Transportation Coordinator and/or the Mobility Manager. Arriving at and departing from pickup and discharge points at scheduled times. Reading installation maps and judges road/traffic conditions to determine the shortest and safest route. Enforcing passenger safety and seatbelt use. Using multiple variations of Mobile Data Computer (MDC) in and out of the vehicles for assigned trips and duties daily. Loading and unloading patients and medical supplies. Performing 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. Maintaining records and document actions, such as operator inspection checklists/forms and accident/incident reports. Using two-way radios (or other device) to maintain communications with dispatcher/supervisor on assignments and locations. Possessing Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsement is required for the position. Performs other related duties as assigned. DESIGNATED DRUG-TESTING POSITION: 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. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test result is received. Work Schedule: Regular tour of duty 8am to 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not applicable Position Description Title/PD#: Motor Vehicle Operator/PD55641A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Requirements 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 You may be required to serve a probationary period Subject to background/security investigation Pre-employment physical required Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/20/2023. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualifications. For this position, the job element method is used to match what you, the applicant, can do against what the work calls for. Your knowledge, skills and abilities will be compared to the knowledge, skills and abilities (called job elements) needed for success. Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out elements. Applicants who appear to meet the screen out elements are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated from consideration. The potential eligible are rated against the remainder of the job elements. While a specific length of training and experience is not required, your responses to the questionnaire must be supported by detailed descriptions of your experience on your resume. Driver's License Requirement: Must possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsement to operate a motor vehicle. (Please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. You will be required to show your valid commercial driver's license at the time of your interview.) You will be rated on the following Job Elements as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: · RELIABILITY AND DEPENDABILITY (SCREEN OUT) · MOTOR VEHICLES · WORK PRACTICES · INTERPRET INSTRUCTIONS, SPECIFICATIONS (MOBILE EQUIPMENT OPERATION) · DRIVE SAFELY PHYSICAL EFFORT: 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-around 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. WORK 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. 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: Drive Safely Interpret Instructions, Specifications (mobile equipment operations) Motor Vehicles Operate Safely (Non-Motor Vehicle) Reliability And Dependability 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: The employee exerts moderate physical effort in operating, turning, backing, controlling and coupling vehicles which carry heavy loads and a large number of people. Considerable effort may be required to change tires and take limited emergency repairs. Operators frequently handle objects weighing up to 20 pounds and occasionally handling of objects weighing over 50 pounds. Education There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. 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.