These positions are located within the Operating Room and Bio-Waste Sections under Facilities Management Service at the VA Portland Medical Center. This is an open continuous announcement. Qualified applicants will be referred for consideration every two weeks.

Duties

The incumbent works independently and acts as the Waste Management Material Handler collecting, processing, packaging and preparing solid waste/hazardous waste/RMW waste for temporary storage and disposal. The incumbent provides guidance on the proper standard operating procedures for the management, handling, storage, and disposal of regulated hazardous wastes and substances under the strict control of the Resources Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) 1976; and subsequent amendment established by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 40 CFR Part 265 Interim Status Standards For Owners and Operators of Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities. The incumbent must evaluate and make initial identification and assessments of routine hazardous wastes to determine their nature (e.g., flammability, toxicity), and containment characteristics (e.g., repercussions of long-term storage). He/she must evaluate every solid waste to determine if it is a solid hazardous waste under RCRA and must determine all applicable waste codes and underlying constituents. The incumbent must determine if it is exempt using regulations, knowledge of Process, and Analysis to make hazardous waste determinations. The incumbent determines if F, K, P, or U-listed waste, and determines if wastes are characteristic (i.e. Ignitability, Corrosiveness, Reactivity, and Toxicity). The incumbent documents all waste collected and weights. The incumbent collects waste as needed through observation, Sanitation Request or phone notification ensuring that all items transported and/or stored have proper waste identification labels. He/she verifies that all waste is properly packaged and containerized; identification labels include the shop of origin number, waste information, dates, categories, and type of waste. The incumbent corrects incomplete or improper labels and ensure hazardous wastes are properly stored. He/she performs specialized and nonstandard processing and disposing procedures. The incumbent may be required to repack, consolidate, and/or blend hazardous wastes into proper containers for containment and shipment. The incumbent manages container/drum usage, labeling, and storage. Ensures all RMW and hazardous waste materials shall be disposed of in containers that accept the chemical without degradation effects. The incumbent shall ensure that containers are only to be filled to 80% of capacity, so that heat and other internal pressures will not result in a leak. Containers shall be covered and/or sealed with a working, compatible lid. There shall be no damage to the container, lid or other associated parts. Wastes shall be stored safely as per their characteristics (e.g. flammable storage cabinet, refrigerator, and corrosive cabinet). The incumbent operates manual and power lifting devices, compactors, cardboard bailers, and motor vehicles to pick up, transport, and temporarily store industrial waste and other types of hazardous waste. The incumbent visually examines all types of waste containers at generation sites for leakage and other indications of deterioration. The incumbent performs safety and operational checks on inventories of all waste handling equipment such as pumps, mixing tanks, and automatic sampling devices. The incumbent will be required to assist in the containment, treatment, and cleanup operations resulting from hazardous spills. The incumbent performs other duties as assigned in the support of Health Care System mission requirements. The incumbent operates computer terminals to access databases for processing, storing, and shipping requirements, etc. The incumbent serves as the Recycling Coordinator for location assigned, handling day-to day coordination of the recycling program. Work Schedule: Various to include days, nights, weekend and holidays Position Description Title/PD#: Materials Handler/PD21598A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/13/2024. 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. The screen out for this vacancy is the ability to do the work of a Material Handler (Operating Room) without more than normal supervision performing duties such as: collects and prepares Hazardous Waste, Regulated Medical Waste (RMW), Universal Waste, recycling, and solid waste for proper disposal in accordance with a wide range of regulatory and legislative environmental requirements; weighs waste and prepares required shipping documents in accordance with Federal and State regulation; performs weekly inspections of the Waste Storage locations to ensure proper containment and physical separation of incompatible wastes; verifies that all waste is properly packaged and containerized; identification labels include the shop of origin number, waste information, dates, categories, and type of waste; collects, processes, packages and prepares solid waste/hazardous waste/RMW waste for temporary storage and disposal. 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: Dexterity and SafetyInterpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)MaterialsTechnical PracticesWithout more than normal supervisionWork 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: The incumbent performs work that requires kneeling, bending, stooping, climbing, and standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time. He/she uses hand-trucks and other types of material handling equipment to move, load, and unload large drums and various size containers from trucks and containment areas. Frequently lifts, moves, carries, and load items and equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds. Incumbent is sometimes required to lift and move items weighing in excess of 50 pounds with the help of weight handling equipment and/or with the assistance of other workers. Working Conditions: The incumbent is frequently exposed to a variety of hazards, ranging from noxious gasses, fumes, chemical vapors, skin irritants, biological hazardous, and caustic and poisonous items in the collection, treatment, and/or containment of hazardous wastes. In some work situations, he/she may have limited exposure to low levels of radioactivity. The incumbent works in facilities that are usually well lighted, heated, and ventilated. They also work outside and may be exposed to all kinds of extreme weather conditions while performing their assignments. The work may be dirty and greasy, and exposed to the possibility of cuts, bruises, abrasions, and falls during collection and processing operations. Incumbents must follow specific safety procedures and use the appropriate safety equipment including respirators, face shields, safety glasses, protective clothing, gloves, boots, etc. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or gear may be required and must be worn when conducting mixing or transferring of waste.

Education

There is not an qualifying education substitution for this position.

Contacts

• Address VA Portland Health Care System 3710 Southwest US Veterans Hospital Road Portland, OR 97239 US
• Name: Patricia Murphy
• Phone: (505) 265-1711 X3703
• Email: [email protected]