The Tractor Operator position is located in the Engineering Department within the Facilities Management Service Line at the Des Moines VA Medical Center. The position operates tractors and related mobile equipment to transport passengers and cargo between facilities; performs grounds installation, maintenance, and repair; and conducts routine equipment adjustments and preventive maintenance to ensure safe, efficient, and dependable facility operations.
Major duties and responsibilities include: Operates a full range of vehicles and mobile equipment to support campus transportation and logistics. Drives passenger cars, sedans, station wagons, pickup trucks, 15 passenger vans, one ton dump trucks, and cargo trucks up to 24,000 pounds GVWR equipped with hydraulic or electronic lift gates. Transports self-sufficient patients, coworkers, medical records, supplies, and materials between VA locations.
Selects safe travel routes using current road, weather, and traffic conditions; complies with State and Federal driving laws and VA policies; and loads/unloads cargo following safe handling and tie down procedures. Maneuvers vehicles in congested areas and during docking/positioning to protect pedestrians, vehicles, buildings, and grounds.
Performs grounds tasks including seeding, sodding, fertilizing, planting, watering, pruning, mulching, and general landscape repair aligned to seasonal schedules and project work orders. Operates farm type tractors and implements mowers, aerators, plows, harrows, chippers, sprayers, disks, post hole diggers, front end loaders, dozer blades, and backhoes to complete assigned grounds projects.
Operates tractors and attachments on steep slopes, ravines, ditches, soft ground, and other rough/uneven terrain where overturn hazards exist. Troubleshoots operating problems with tractors, implements, and mobile equipment; identifies hazards; performs minor adjustments (e.g., belts, chains, hydraulic couplers, tire pressure); lubricates, cleans, an conducts routine preventive maintenance; and refers non routine repairs to qualified maintenance staff.
Maintains logs for equipment usage, vehicle mileage, hours of operation, fuel consumption, and minor maintenance performed. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:00am-3:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Tractor Operator/PD30490A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers.
This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community.
This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.
There is no educational component for this position.
Andrea.McGuire@va.gov · 602-277-5551 X1738
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $24.92 – $29.07/hr.
Applications close on 2026-09-23.
This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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