Tractor Operator Leader

The Tractor Operator Leader is the working leader of the section and is responsible to the Grounds Maintenance Foreman. They are a working leader that assigns daily tasks and trains employees of the Grounds shop typically leading Tractor Operators WGand Laborers WG-3502-4. They provide corrective action for problems involving plant management insect and disease control for both exterior plantings and interior plants based on the particular species. They operate large scale mowing equipment used in grounds maintenance and tractors to move materials draw implements tow trailers and pull objects.

The Tractor Operator Leader duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Responsible for the work of the unit working with Maintenance and Operations technical section to perform preventative maintenance functions and for checking work assignments and keeping abreast of the work in progress.
• Determine when corrective action is needed to improve health vigor and appearance of plants by fertilization pruning transplanting pest control etc. based on knowledge of plants and their growth habits.
• Maintains accurate up-to-date records on work performed such as fertilizer and pesticide usage schedules with the pertinent information recorded about the material applied application rate etc. and uses this data to ensure optimum plant care and for reporting purposes.
• Prepares purchase order requests for plant material equipment materials and supplies as needed and works with contractors through the completion of service contracts.
• Operates backhoes to load trucks dump trucks to plow snow spread salt and haul grounds materials and front-end loader with a backhoe to dump gravel fill potholes and perform utility-related excavation.
• Operates tractors for lawn and related grounds functions including zero-turn and PTO mowers a boom tractor for mowing post hole digger attachments a high reach and buckets to trim and decorate trees.
• Coordinates and is usually involved with the cleaning of exterior surfaces of 29 separate buildings at this Medical Center. This includes cleaning exterior walls gutters and downspout systems roof drains and other areas as defined by Engineering management.
• Responsible for the oversight and maintenance operations of the facilities above ground fuel storage tanks (AGT) and underground fuel storage (UST) tanks.
• All other duties as assigned pertaining to this occupation to meet the needs of the Agency Department Facility and/or Service.
  

Work Schedule: Full-Time Monday-Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm. Will be required to work shifts other than 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. when the situation dictates the need. These assignments will be determined by the Grounds Supervisor.
Position Description Title/PD#: Tractor Operator Leader/PD2603860
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Pre-employment physical required
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

As a condition of employment for accepting this position you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public 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 or trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.

To qualify for this position applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement 08/10/2026.

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:

• Industrial Equipment Operation
• Leadership
• Physical Strength
• Speaking
• Standards

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.

MENTAL APPLICATION SKILLS AND KNOWLEGE

The incumbent must have the knowledge skill and ability to operate a variety of large grounds maintenance equipment including industrial mowers tractors with various attachments snow removal equipment skid steer backhoe and excavator.

The incumbent must be skilled at using machines designed for lifting or hoisting when moving objects. He/she must have the ability to perform the following physical demands for extended periods of time with or without assistance: Maneuvering in around and on equipment; Climbing and working from high platforms; Operating machinery on gradual to steep slope surfaces such as grass forest roadways parking garage concrete decks.

The incumbent will require advanced knowledge of the limitations of the equipment and how to apply best practices to maximize effectiveness. He/she must possess knowledge of the different sets of controls in various equipment and the differences in the patterns of them. He/she must have a sound working knowledge of how implements are powered as well as proper safety precautions to safely operate all equipment.

The incumbent must possess a thorough knowledge and understanding of plant species and their cultural requirements. He/she must be skilled with the range of hand tools and the operation of power equipment to complete the tasks needed to maintain plants in optimum condition.

The incumbent is experienced in handling nursery stock bedding plants bulbs healthy condition prior to their installation. He/she is experienced with the various planting procedures for the planting of nursery stock bare root balled containerized and the related care needed until plants are established. He/she is skilled in plant propagation; sexual and asexual. He/she is skilled in successful transplanting of trees and shrubs that landscape renovation and/or building construction require to be relocated.

The incumbent is experienced with the use of soil amendments to improve soil quality for the culture of specific plants trees and grass. He/she is able to read interpret and implement the designs and layouts for seasonal flower beds and other plantings for optimum effect.

The incumbent has a thorough knowledge of pruning to improve plant health and all cases the natural form will be enhanced unless an artificial appearance is the goal. He/she prunes to remove dead dying diseased wood from shrubbery and trees and prepares purchase order requests for vendor services when the work cannot be performed by station employees.

He/she uses chemical controls when necessary for diseases insects and weed control. He/she is able to identify common insect pests diagnose disease problems and problems due to mineral deficiency soil pH cold damage etc. He/she records corrective procedures used and the results achieved.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
The incumbent is a licensed pesticide applicator with an approved local permit; or in possession of a license from another state; or shall obtain a West Virginia Department of Agriculture applicator license within 180 days.

RESPONSIBILITY
The incumbent serves as the first-line leader for the Grounds Section. The incumbent will coordinate work leave and maintenance schedules with the Grounds Supervisor. Once approved by the Grounds Supervisor the incumbent will be responsible for implementing and monitoring schedules as required.

The incumbent contacts vendors and salesman as a routine function of the position. This is required for maintenance and repair of grounds equipment. Incumbent orders material as necessary for the grounds section including supplies and consumables.

The incumbent performs duties under the general administrative supervision of the Grounds Supervisor. Work is checked through occasional observation for adherence to operating techniques and established procedures. Work is reviewed periodically to ensure compliance with long range plans and acceptable standards. The incumbent keeps the Grounds Supervisor informed of any problems that arise.

Incumbent must be flexible and available for rotating shifts and working alone at which time may be called upon to make emergency decisions without the assistance of a supervisor. All duties must be performed in accordance with applicable operations manuals codes and VA policies both written and verbal. Therefore the incumbent must be knowledgeable of all pertinent Engineering and Medical Center policies and memorandums.

Preferred Experience:

• Ability to organize assignments for a crew where judgment as to individual abilities is involved; able to recommend selection of employees; able to prepare production records work records and reports; able to train others in new duties; able to explain manuals and work procedures; able to stimulate employees for accurate efficient production; able to determine work procedures.
• Knowledge or grounds equipment operation maintenance and repair.
• Experience in the Department of Veterans Affairs with use of equipment.
• Experience which indicates that the applicant has performed the duties of a similar position in an above average manner demonstrating ability to lead and train co-workers. Knowledge or grounds equipment operation maintenance and repair. Ability to use measuring instruments interpret instructions use and maintain tools and equipment.