Maintenance Worker (Irrigation)

Summary

This position is located at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.

This job is open to

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
  
  Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
• The public
  
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

Open to all US Citizens.

Videos

Duties

The duties of this position include a variety of trade practices involved in facility/grounds maintenance, mainly in irrigation and has some responsibility for the maintenance and repair of the automotive, engineering, and grounds equipment. The incumbent performs a variety of tasks involved in the upkeep of buildings, grounds, and related structures, fixtures, and utilities as well as preventive and routine maintenance on cemetery equipment. Incumbent also serves as alternate Contracting Officer Representative. Maintains equipment and performs facilities maintenance (i.e., painting, minor construction repair) as needed and indicated by or Grounds Foreman/ Assistant Director/Cemetery Director. Operates a variety of motorized vehicles and equipment, gasoline or diesel powered. Incumbent uses rakes, shovels, spades, power tools, etc. Assists with setting headstones, sweeps streets, and removes unsightly flowers, trash and debris from cemetery grounds. Assists gardener in gardening operations performing seasonal gardening tasks such as fertilizing, laying sod, mowing, pruning, trimming and raking.

Responsible for repair and maintenance of the cemetery irrigation two-wire decoder style control system. central control computer irrigation system, pump station and weather station. Excavates the ground to repair, replace or install irrigation lines and wire of the irrigation systems and storm water systems. At times, the Incumbent will have to dig by hand in areas not able to be reached by a machine or when more practical. Operates a variety of small, motorized vehicles and equipment, such as pick-ups, dump trucks, vans, and utility equipment to transport tools and materials throughout the cemetery site to affect repairs and maintain all infrastructures. Operates various pieces of equipment, such as tractors, excavators. rototillers. trenchers, dump trucks, utility dumpers, skid steer, vehicles, forklifts, golf carts and others to assist in performing duties associated with grounds maintenance and interment operations. Operates various types of attachments that are hydraulically, power take off or electrically driven. Operates and maintains the irrigation system, pumps and control cabinets that supplies water to plant material by way of a three-phase distribution design using main lines to convey the quantities of water required. Submain lines that direct the water to separate control valve zones and lateral lines which ultimately distributes the water to plant material through sprinklers, spray heads, bubblers, and drip emitters. Coordinates, monitors, and schedules the operation of the entire water management system.

Utilizes GPS technology and equipment to perform GPS collection of points on gravesites, headstones and in the excavation casket/crypt area. Using a handheld device (iPad, tablet or Smart Phone), loads essential data for the daily interments before heading to the field. Sets up and initializes the GPS equipment in a careful and safe manner. Takes GPS survey points by holding a 6-foot-long pole with an attached GPS receiver and takes shots on headstones, ground shots and shots inside the excavation site on the casket or the crypt and take pictures with the device in the same areas. Saves these points and pictures to the handheld device. At the end of the day uploads these GPS points and pictures to a cloud-based server. Incumbent performs the duties of a Maintenance Worker responsible for repair and maintenance of the cemetery irrigation two-wire decoder style control system. central control computer irrigation system, pump station and weather station. Work includes repairing and/or replacing irrigation lines, valves, solenoids. heads, etc. using specialized tools. Often heads will need to be temporarily capped to ensure water from the irrigation system zones does not interfere with burial operations. The work includes maintaining the 75 plus acres of the irrigation system with over 600 zones and flower watering stations and maintaining the irrigation pond on the 170 developing acre cemetery.

Work schedule: May be required to work Monday through Friday to include occasional weekends. Due to the mission of the National Cemetery, the cemetery cannot be closed for more than 2 consecutive days at any given time. Additionally, when a Federal holiday falls on a Monday or Friday, staff may be required to work on that holiday or a Saturday. All staff is required to work Memorial Day each year. Staff will be required to work overtime, weekends and holidays when necessary to meet the needs of the cemetery. Occasionally staff may be called back to the facility to perform emergency overtime work.

Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Available

Position Description Title/PD#:Maintenance Worker (Irrigation)/PD1655625. WG-WG-8

Relocation Expenses: Not Authorized

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Subject to a background/security investigation.
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job.
• Pass a pre-employment medical examination.
• Must possess a valid state driver's license.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/18/2024.

Your background must demonstrate work involved in the full range of building and maintenance trades to include carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, masonry, pest control, asphalt repairs, etc. This includes repair and preventive maintenance of irrigation systems, maintaining and repairing buildings and physical structures, facilities, and utilities using hand and power tools. Qualifying experience should include skill and experience in two or more of the trades covered by this position.

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 Qualification Standard Handbook X-118C ( www.opm.gov/qualifications/x-118c).

SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line 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.

The screen-out element(s) for this position is/are:

• Ability to do the job without more than normal supervision.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.

JOB ELEMENTS: Those who meet the minimum level of experience and training for the screen-out element will then be evaluated in each of the following job elements:

• Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
• Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
• Materials
• Technical Practices
• Without more than normal supervision

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; religions; 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.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of 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 a week spent in such employment.

Physical Requirements: Requires prolonged and frequent walking, standing, bending, stooping, and pulling. Climbs ladders and lifts objects weighing over fifty (50) pounds. Occasionally items weighing more than 50 lbs. are lifted with assistance from co-workers. Must have a full range of upper and lower extremities. Moderate effort required in operating vehicles and tools of the trade. Stamina, dexterity, and perseverance are required in all aspects of incumbent duties. Heavy physical effort will be required when performing duties such as tamping gravesites, carrying caskets/urns, lifting/moving grave planks, setting headstones, etc. Incumbent must be able to walk on hilly, flat, or rolling terrain. Employee may be exposed to noise levels exceeding 85 dBA for up to eight (8) hours per day. This exposure may adversely affect hearing.

Working Conditions: Work is conducted both in and out of doors where the incumbent can be exposed to high temperatures, Irrigation spray, rain, dust, cold, wind, noise, and other harsh environmental factors. May occasionally work in dusty, dirty, cramped quarters, or poorly lighted and ventilated areas such as crawl spaces, which may be wet and muddy. Work is performed in areas where pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizers are applied. Appropriate protective equipment will be worn. Incumbent may be exposed to occupational injuries such as cuts, scrapes, and bruises, while testing equipment in performance of duties. The incumbent will at all times exercise care and caution in performing duties so as not to cause injury to him/herself or fellow employees.

Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drugs use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

• 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 that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  Review our benefits
  
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).

If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

Applicants will be ranked based on four quality groups, as follows:

• Best qualified - applicants possessing knowledge, skills and abilities that substantially exceed the minimum qualifications of the position, and who are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position.
• Highly qualified - applicants possessing knowledge, skills and abilities that exceed the minimum qualifications of the position and who are proficient in most of the requirements of the job.
• Well qualified - applicants possessing knowledge, skills and abilities that meet the minimum qualifications of the position and who are proficient in some, but not all, of the requirements of the job.
• Qualified - applicants possessing the knowledge, skills and abilities that meet the minimum qualifications of the position.

After the vacancy announcement closes, reviewed applications are evaluated against the questionnaire responses and placed in the appropriate quality group. Qualified veterans will be afforded absolute preference by being placed at the top of the best qualified group. The best qualified group is the first to be referred to the hiring facility for further consideration and possible interview.

• 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 that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  Review our benefits
  
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
  
  
  • Resume
  
  
  The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
  
  
  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • Other (1)
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript
  
  
  Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled Veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit www.fedshirevets.gov/job-seekers/veterans/veterans-preference/#content.
• How to Apply
  
  All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/18/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12539549.
  
  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
  
  NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
  
  To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  NCA Human Resources Center
  
  Phone
  
  (317)916-3660
  
  Email
  
  NCA.HRC@VA.GOV
  
  Address
  
  Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery
  
  20953 W. Hoff Road
  
  Elwood, IL 60421
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
  
  You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• Other (1)
• Performance Appraisal
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled Veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit www.fedshirevets.gov/job-seekers/veterans/veterans-preference/#content.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/18/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12539549.

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

NCA Human Resources Center

Phone

(317)916-3660

Email

NCA.HRC@VA.GOV

Address

Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery

20953 W. Hoff Road

Elwood, IL 60421

US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request