This position functions as a Tractor Operator for the Marion VA Medical Center, Marion, IL within the Maintenance and Operations section (M&O) of the Engineering Service.
MAJOR DUTIES Operates equipment used in landscape maintenance and turf management. Safely operates motorized equipment and vehicles, such as riding and push-type lawn mowers, soil aerator, sod cutter, weed eaters, power trim edgers, chain saws, hedge trimmers, axes, street cleaners, backhoe, farm-type tractor with implements, snow removal equipment, skid loaders, fork trucks, dump trucks, etc. Backhoes, and front-end loaders are used to push, pull, pile, or load materials such as sand, gravel, earth, or refuse. Uses equipment which is fitted with a front-end loader to maneuver to a specific spot to transfer material; adjusts the attachments for proper level, angle, or depth, according to the work to be done. Work is performed on rolling or sloped terrain. Performs small engine repair, sharpens blades, and performs preventative maintenance to include inspecting, maintaining, and replacing belts, hoses, filters, fuel lines, and greasing equipment. Responsible for the overall appearance and maintenance of the external grounds and facilities of the Marion VA Medical Center in Marion, IL. Performs seasonal tasks such as fertilizing, seeding, cutting grass, laying sod, aerating lawns, and general pruning and care of trees, shrubs and plants. Performs pruning trees and shrubs to maintain proper balance between root and top growth to keep natural shape. Removes defects and excess branches using man lifts for tree trimming and shaping to eliminate damage to buildings, fences and other property but maintaining natural shape. Plans and carries out gardening work based on project plans, master landscape, long-range facility plans, and supervisor guidance, making independent judgments within the framework of good gardening practices. Recommends plants for particular purposes, such as shade, boundary lines, ground cover, erosion control, or pleasing appearance. Performs gardening and grounds keeping tasks such as fertilizing, preparing seed beds, and grounds for planting, seeding, laying sod, aerating, planting, transplanting, pruning, trimming, and applying pesticides and herbicides to plants, turf, flowers and trees considering individual needs of specific plants to have a healthy growing media. Increases or decreases mineral content with lime, calcium salt, and sulfur to achieve a proper Ph balance (alkaline or acidity) in soils for specific plants. They consider weather, moisture in the soil, and stage of plant growth and calculates quantities of plants, seeds, fertilizer, and other landscaping materials. Selects and mixes fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides for the control of common plant diseases, insects, and weeds. Operates weed sprayers, both towed and handheld, to apply herbicides and other chemical treatments for weed control on lawns landscapes. Cuts vegetation and clears land via snow and bush hogging. Prepares equipment by mixing and loading chemicals according to safety procedures and manufacturer instructions. Performs heavy and burdensome labor tasks necessary for the maintenance of grounds such as building and correctly sloping plant terraces and applying sod on steep slopes with staples to prevent sod from slipping until a root base can be established. Removes debris of grass after mowing, weeding parking islands and plant beds, rakes leaves, sweeps and general clean-up of grounds. Maintains and replaces fence posts and signage as needed. Drives a pick-up truck with a dump bed which have a gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds and up to 26,000 pounds. Operates and performs routine maintenance on electric-powered wheeled vehicles, such as utility carts, lawn mowers to support grounds and facility. Responsible for snow and ice removal on facility grounds and may have to work irregular hours to ensure snow and ice is removed in a timely manner to mitigate safety risks to employees and patients. Utilizes and sets up/removes a plow attached to a truck to spread gravel across parking lots and driveways, smooth out the ground, fill holes and low spots with dirt, and plow snow. Responsible for salting or utilizing ice melt products on sidewalks and on all entrances to the main facility, to all out-buildings, and to all roads within facility grounds. Responsible for minor renovations to include asphalt topping and maintenance of curbs. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: M-F 7:00am-3:30pm Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Authorized Position Description Title/PD#: Gardener (Tractor Operator)/PD10526A
christopher.turpen@va.gov 615-225-3521
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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