Tractor Operator Leader - Veterans Health Administration

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, etc., in 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 appearance. In 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 p