This position is located at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement,01/30/2026. Candidates must demonstrate the potential to perform tasks such as transporting materials and equipment, towing aircraft, digging, loading, planting, spraying, fertilizing, harvesting, clearing, and mowing. Evidence of this potential can be shown through work, training, or education that establishes proficiency in these tasks. 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 Qualification Standard Handbook X-118C ( www.opm.gov/qualifications/x-118c). 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. The screen-out element(s) for this position are/is: Ability to do the job without more than normal supervision. Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license. JOB ELEMENTS: Those who meet the minimum level of experience and training for the screen-out element will then be evaluated in each of the following job elements: Dexterity and Safety Interpret Instructions, Specifications (mobile equipment operations) Operation of Equipment/Machinery Without more than normal supervision 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: This position required the employee to lift weights up to 50 pounds daily. Occasionally, items weighing more than 50 pounds are lifted. Most of the work involves twisting, climbing, crawling, lifting, bending, leaning stretching, bouncing, sitting, standing, stooping, and carrying. Safety equipment is available and issued to minimize the possibility of injury. Working Conditions: Work is performed outside, is subject to discomfort arising from having to work for long periods of time in the sun, heat, cold, and in damp and rainy weather. Employee will perform assigned tasks and duties in a safe manner in accordance with VA, NCA and OSHA regulations and policies. Uniforms are provided and will be worn every workday. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drugs use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary 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, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
The incumbent operates both tractor and towed/attached equipment powered equipment. Performs as the back up operator for the backhoe/loader used for digging graves. As required, operates air compressor equipped with clay spade, rock drill, and mud or frost wedges. Drives over reasonably level ground, exercising care to avoid trees, shrubs and headstones. The incumbent also performs cemetery caretaking tasks operating a variety of equipment such as gas driven trimmers, mowers, plows, tillers, etc. Plants, transplants, and performs minor pruning. Also performs incidental carpentry tasks and manual tasks relative to interment and ground maintenance. Work schedule: May be required to work Monday through Friday to include occasional weekends. Due to the mission of the National Cemetery, the cemetery cannot be closed for more than 2 consecutive days at any given time. Additionally, when a Federal holiday falls on a Monday or Friday, staff may be required to work on that holiday or a Saturday. All staff is required to work Memorial Day each year. Staff will be required to work overtime, weekends and holidays when necessary to meet the needs of the cemetery. Occasionally staff may be called back to the facility to perform emergency overtime work. Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Available Position Description Title/PD#: Tractor Operator/ PD1584507 The full performance level of this position is WG - 07. Relocation Expenses: Not Authorized Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required If interested in applying for this position you may preview the online application: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12870390