Tractor Operator - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

By the closing date of this announcement, you must meet the requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Handbook X118C, Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupation.http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/x-118c/ Although no specific amount of experience, education or training is required, applicants must meet a minimum level of ability in relation to the position and the Assessment Questionnaire in order to be rated qualified for consideration. To be qualified candidates must meet any screen out element(s) listed at an "acceptable" level, and must achieve an average rating of at least "acceptable" on all of the elements. Only education, training, or experience acquired before the closing date of this announcement will be considered. 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 for this position is the ability to perform the work of a Tractor Operator without more than normal supervision. This experience may include: (1) Operating tractors and equipment on level or rolling terrain in such areas as open fields, lawns, roadways, and ponds; (2) Operating auxiliary equipment and attachments such as cutter bars, plow, harrow, sprayers, discs, front-end loader, moveable dozer blades, and backhoes; (3) Performing preventative maintenance and making minor repairs and adjustments to tractors and equipment. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following Job Elements: Operation of Motor Vehicles Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles) Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean, and in order) Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (related to mobile equipment operation) If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone. Address your knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the areas shown in the job-related factors. Volunteer Experience: 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; religious; 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. As a Tractor Operator (WG-06) your duties may include but are not limited to the following: Operates farm type gasoline or diesel powered tractors with attachments on flat or rolling terrain Performing several different operations including planting, cultivating, and/or harvesting of crops, mowing, and hauling. Operates auxiliary equipment and attachments such as cutter bars, plow, harrow, sprayers, discs, front-end loader, moveable dozer blades, and backhoes. Physical Effort: Frequent arm and leg movements are required to operate controls on the tractor and attachments. Often lifts and handles heavy equipment attachments when connecting them to tractors. Also lifts materials such as bags of fertilizer and seed, weighing up to 100 pounds. Working Conditions: Work is usually performed outside resulting in frequent exposure to extended periods of hot sun, wind, dust, and bad weather. Severe jolting from the machinery occurs. Cuts and bruises may result from flying objects and branches, and serious injury may result from getting caught in operating equipment, or from collisions with automobiles when operating on or near public roads.