Motor Vehicle Operator

Operates straight-in-line trucks, tractors with semi-trailers or full trailers, and/or motor coaches with an approximate gross vehicle weight of more than 32,000 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Connects and disconnects the air brakes and electrical lines.
• Maneuvers vehicles within close tolerance when driving and backing over uneven ground; in narrow or congested areas; between buildings and other vehicles; and when positioning vehicles at loading docks.
• Directs the arranging of cargo or assists in the operation for proper weight distribution and loading/unloading sequence.
• Performs operator maintenance tasks: checks gasoline, oil, water, air pressure, steering gear, horn, brakes, etc.
• Completes trip tickets and fills out reports in case of accident.
• May perform materials handling and packing duties to include receiving, storing, issuing, picking, and packing a variety of materials.
• May operate material handling equipment (MHE) such as forklifts to load/unload and move materials.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination; unfavorably adjudicated background checks will be grounds for removal.
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Non-Exempt.
• Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
• Pre-Employment Physical: Required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain licenses and/or certifications required by the installation, federal, state, and local laws, including:
  • Material Handling Equipment (MHE) license.
  • Class A CDL license.
  • Valid state driver’s license/certification to operate government vehicles.
  • Required hazardous materials handling certifications.

Qualifications

Applicants will be rated based on the Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standard for Trades and Labor Occupations. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required, you must meet any screen-out element listed and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties at the level for which you are applying. Emphasis is placed on how you gained the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time. Applicants who do not meet the screen-out element will be eliminated from further competition.

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.

Physical Effort

• The employee exerts moderate physical effort due to the handling and maneuvering of large vehicles and heavy loads, requiring upper body strength to turn the steering wheel.
• Numerous hand and foot controls (e.g., clutch, accelerator, gearshift, levers) are often used simultaneously.
• Dual braking systems must be manipulated to avoid jackknifing.
• Effort is required when entering and exiting the vehicle due to the cab's height above ground level.
• Bending, reaching, lifting, pulling, stooping, and exertion of physical effort are involved when attaching/detaching trailers and securing cargo.
• Performs work on hard surfaces and in work areas that require standing, stooping, bending, and working in tiring and uncomfortable positions.
• Frequently lifts and carries items weighing up to 70 lbs.
• Moderate physical effort is used in operating hand and foot controls when using materials handling equipment.

Working Conditions

• The employee typically operates a vehicle while sitting behind a steering wheel in an enclosed or covered cab, which may or may not be equipped with a heater and/or air conditioning.
• Occasionally works outdoors or in an enclosed structure for safety inspections, minor emergency repairs, observing loading/unloading of cargo, and filling fluid levels.
• Vehicles are operated in all types of prevailing weather conditions, including:
  • Congested areas of a supply depot/center with frequent vehicles, materials handling equipment, rail, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic.
  • Public roadways during the day or night, in traffic and at highway speeds.
• Exposure to dirt, grease, fumes, and noise.
• Possibility of life-threatening accidents, cuts, bruises, abrasions, and broken bones.
• Work may be performed inside/outside a warehouse, which may be cold, damp, or hot.
• May be exposed to injury from mechanical equipment, falling objects, shifting loads, or collisions.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.