Laborer, Maintenance​/Cleaning, General Labor

Summary

The position is located at Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) within Facilities Management Service - Roads and Grounds Unit. The primary purpose of the position is to perform a variety of exterior maintenance on the grounds of the facility.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement – 06/26/2026.

Experience:

A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume.

Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards. Screen‑out element:
Your qualifications will be evaluated against the prescribed screen‑out element – which usually appears as 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 are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the job elements:
Dexterity, Safety Interpret Instructions – Specifications (other than blueprint reading), Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment, and Work Practices.

Preferred experience is experience in landscaping. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience – including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps – Ameri Corps) 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.

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

Requirements: A valid State driver’s license is required. A safe driving record is required.

Physical requirements:

Laborers exert very heavy physical effort daily doing tasks such as frequently lifting and moving objects weighing over 23 kilograms (50 pounds) – walking – standing – bending – kneeling – stooping – operating heavy power mowers on grades or pushing wheelbarrow with loads of rock or cement. Incumbent must be in adequate physical condition.

Working conditions:

Laborers work inside and outside. When working outside they are exposed to all kinds of weather conditions. Inside work is often accomplished in office buildings or in well‑lit, heated, and ventilated areas such as warehouses, loading docks, or trade shops. They are frequently exposed to weather and temperature extremes reaching over 100 degrees in the summer, drafts, noise, dust, and dirt. They are exposed to the possibility of bruises, muscle strains, cuts, and scrapes.

Some exposure to contagious disease is possible in handling contaminated waste.

• Perform a variety of exterior maintenance on the grounds of the facility.
• Provide occasional assistance to plumbers, carpenters, and other tradesmen in routine tasks not requiring journeyman‑level knowledge or skills.
• Mix concrete or plaster.
• Transport materials to and from the job site and perform cleanup activities during and after work.
• Break up pavement using jackhammers.
• Clear sidewalks using large industrial‑type powered blowers.
• Perform grounds maintenance on grades or slopes.
• Dig ditches and trenches with picks and shovels where dirt is hard and compact.
• Operate large industrial walking‑type power mowers, aerators, detachers, and/or simple riding‑type mowers for treating and trimming grass.
• Manually adjust blades for cutting height, prepare gasoline/oil mixtures for powered equipment, and clean and lubricate mowers.
• Cut trees using axes or chainsaws.
• Wash buildings using a high‑pressure sprayer.
• Separate, stack, carry, and load/unload materials, supplies, and packages.
• Lift and move very heavy furniture, equipment, supplies, etc., through confined spaces.
• Clean tools and equipment as well as work areas before, during, and after completion of alterations, repairs, and construction.
• Use powered equipment such as a weed‑eater, hedge trimmer, hand saw, and chainsaw.

Work schedule:

Monday – Friday – 5:00 am – 1:30 pm.