Sewing Machine Operator.

Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed Tier 1 background investigation. This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and annual examinations thereafter to ensure continued physical health and ability to perform the duties. Appointment is subject to a one-year probationary period unless previously met under 5 CFR Part 11.

Responsibilities

• Operate standard high-speed industrial sewing machines to manufacture garments, including cadet dress coats and overcoats.
• Operate specialized machines such as blind stitch, edge baster, felling, cylinder, bar tack, buttonhole, and blind stitch embroidery machines to attach silk cord ornamentation to full-dress coats.
• Mark curved sections of design using a stencil prior to blind stitching and bar tack finished ends of cord by hand sewing to the interlining of the coat.
• Perform non-sewing functions such as marking and trimming.

Requirements

• Only applicants who meet one of the following employment authority categories are eligible:
  • 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
  • Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
  • Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)
  • Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
  • Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
  • Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI)
  • Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
  • People with Disabilities, Schedule A
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • Reinstatement
  • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998
  • Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA)
• Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).

Qualifications

There is no specific length of training or experience required. You must demonstrate through experience in your written application materials that you possess sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work without more than normal supervision.

• Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a Sewing Machine Operator without more than normal supervision, including:
  • Operating standard high-speed industrial sewing machines to make, fit, and/or alter clothing items.
  • Performing fittings and/or markings for alteration determinations.
• Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Other Than Blueprint Reading)
• Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
• Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
• Knowledge of Materials
• Measurement and Layout
• Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)

Physical Efforts

• Sit for long periods with continual movement of hands, arms, and fingers for positioning items and sewing.
• Handle heavy and bulky pieces of fabric or clothing articles.

Working Conditions

• Shop is adequately lighted, ventilated, and heated.
• Subject to cuts, punctures, scratches, and minor injuries from handling sharp tools.
• Exposure to allergens from dyes, dust, and lint from fabrics.
• Exposure to noise from sewing machines.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position held and whether the position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on specific benefits offered.