This position is located in the Laundry and Linen Distribution service of Environmental Management at the Northport VA Medical Center. The Laundry Machine Operator operates multiple commercial-type laundry washers, dryers and extractors and instructs Laundry Worker on their operation. This includes loading, unloading, and operating controls of machines to wash, dye, starch, roughdry, or condition items for pressing, ensuring the facility has required laundry and linen for daily operations.

Duties

Major duties and responsibilities include: Completing necessary work in the Laundry washing department by operating the following computer-controlled washers (the wash cycle is pre-programed with the correct wash formula, correct water temperatures, and correct water levels): one 600 lb. washer/extractor; two 150 lb. washers/extractors; and four 50 lb. washers/extractors, two 250 dryers, 100 lb. dryer, 50 lb. dryer and 450 lb. dryer. Loading the washer/extractors by use of the overhead rail system and documenting the pounds being processed according to the type of linen. Accomplishing dyeing, stain removal, manual and automatic loads of fabrics requiring special handling such as mops, dust mops, buffer pads, plastics and uniforms. Starching and treating articles with water repellent and flame retardant. Performing work in accordance with established aseptic techniques for handling soiled and contaminated linens. Routinely cleaning washroom area, including vacuuming, scrub down, dusting, washing windows, carts machines, etc. Deciding priority or order of textiles to wash based on need of facility, which is done daily; Deciding which of the four washers to use for each textile based on priority and wash formula. Deciding how much of each textile can be used in each pocket within each washer (washers have at least two pockets each) based on the washer's capacity, the chemicals used in the wash formulas and the amount of moisture retention desired for post-wash processing (ironing, drying, etc.). Adding compounds, such as alkali, soap, bleach, bluing and sour during the proper cycle when the machine signals at various stages after setting machine in operation for laundering. Ensuring a series of safety protocols including doors shut, locks in place, timers engaged, etc., are in place and that the desired wash formula and timer is set, so that the correct process ensues throughout the duration of the wash. Performing other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Work schedule will be discussed during the interview. Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved.

Requirements

Qualifications

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK CONDITIONS: Strict attention is required to coordinate completion of all tasks with precision and without loss of quality or violation of safety practices. All duties are performed while standing, walking, bending or stooping on a concrete floor. Heavy lifting of bundles weighing over 23 kilograms (50 pound), and pulling are required while loading or unloading machines, heavy laundry bags, handling washroom supplies, etc. Physical condition must be good, as muscle strain, constant use of both hands, good footwork and eyesight are required. Employee is exposed to high temperatures and close, steamy or drafty conditions and subject to disagreeable odors and excreta from soiled or contaminated linens. Constantly exposed to the possibility of bruises from moving carts or falls on wet floors in the washing area. Employee is exposed to constant noise from moving equipment and danger exists from working near steam pipes, moving equipment, chemicals and close quarters. 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 element (WG-2 and higher only; screen-outs are not applicable to WG-1). Applicants who appear to meet the screen out element are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated from consideration. The potential eligibles 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. You will be rated on the following Job Elements as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)Operation of Equipment/MachineryProduction and ProcessingTechnical PracticesWork Practices IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. 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. 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.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Northport VA Medical Center 79 Middleville Road Building 200 Northport, NY 11768 US
• Name: VHA National Recruitment Center
• Phone: (844)456-5208
• Email: [email protected]