Motor Vehicle Operator

Summary

The purpose of this position is to operate patient transport vehicles—including emergency vehicles, patient transport vans/buses, and other types of transport vehicles capable of carrying up to 8 or more passengers—to and from VA Medical Center facilities, private healthcare facilities, and other private sector areas such as patient homes, railway, bus stations, and airports. The incumbent drives predetermined and/or scheduled routes or special runs.

To qualify for this position applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Experience:

A specific length of training and experience is not required—however, you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to perform the duties of this position. Evidence must be supported by detailed descriptions on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.

Driver’s license:
The position requires a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with passenger endorsement. Photographs of your license are not accepted; however, if an interview is requested you must provide a copy of your current, valid state‑issued driver’s license.

Screen‑out element:
Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen‑out element—usually question 1 in the online questionnaire. 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 eliminated.

The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the job elements: ability to do the work without more than normal supervision; ability to drive safely (motor vehicles); ability to interpret instructions—specifications—etc. (related to mobile equipment operation); operation of motor vehicles; reliability and dependability as a motor vehicle operator; work practices (including keeping things neat, clean, and in order). Experience may include paid and unpaid work such as volunteer service through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, Ameri Corps) and other organizations.

Volunteer work can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. A full year of work is considered to be 35–40 hours per week. Part‑time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours per week spent in such employment.

Working conditions:

Drivers work mostly outside and operate vehicles in all kinds of weather. Drivers are exposed to dirt, fumes, and the possibility of cuts, bruises, and broken bones as a result of accidents when loading and unloading the vehicle. Must have ability to drive in rural areas, very congested metropolitan traffic, and/or construction zones. Must safely handle patients—both stretcher and wheelchair—in loading and unloading from vans and buses.

The employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Shift work may be required. Overtime may be required after normal working hours for emergencies or when services are needed to transport patients.

• Receiving work assignments and direction regarding work methods, procedures, and schedules from either the Transportation Coordinator and/or the Mobility Manager.
• Arriving at and departing from pickup and discharge points at scheduled times.
• Reading installation maps and judging road/traffic conditions to determine the shortest and safest route.
• Enforcing passenger safety and seatbelt use.
• Using variations of the Mobile Data Computer (MDC) in and out of the vehicles for assigned trips and duties daily.
• Loading and unloading patients and medical supplies.
• Performing operator maintenance such as checking fluid levels and air pressure in tires, cleaning and washing of vehicles, and performing inspection checklists to…