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Summary This position is in Environmental Management Service (EMS) at the Martinsburg VA Medical Center, Martinsburg, West Virginia. The Laundry Machine Operator operates laundry machines used for a variety of special purposes, including industrial washer/extractor and dryer machines, automated linen folding machines, commercial steam pressers, and sheet spreaders. Responsibilities Major Duties Operating laundry machines used for a variety of special purposes, including industrial washer/extractor and dryer machines, automated linen folding machines, commercial steam pressers, and sheet spreaders. Use the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while sorting and loading washing machines, including an apron, gloves, face shield, etc., to prevent direct contact with bodily fluids, including blood, feces, bacteria, and contagious diseases and viruses. Sorts and loads washing and drying machines based on capacity of equipment, type of laundry treatment required, and type of fabric. Weighs and adjusts loads to ensure weights are within correct limits and distributed evenly. Ensures the correct cycle is selected based on type of fabric, degree of soil, etc. Sets machine controls on a variety of equipment, for cleaning and finishing purposes. Reports mechanical defects, malfunctions, and low chemical levels to the supervisor. Empties machine lint traps and maintains a clean, orderly environment by sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, sanitizing, and wiping down equipment and surfaces. Moves linens to various areas in the laundry for finishing. Folds, stacks, hangs, and stores textiles neatly and in the designated area, as appropriate. Replenishes linen carts with the correct number and type of textiles. Delivers carts to the assigned areas, while maintaining cart cleanliness standards. Responds to requests for additional linens and delivers timely. Monitors the number of clean textiles returning on carts daily. Records and reports this to the supervisor. Maintains a daily record of soiled linens, by weight, that are being processed. Ensures the supervisor receives the report for tracking purposes. Assists with the facility-wide annual linen inventory by collecting, sorting, counting, recording, and reporting on-hand amounts to the supervisor. Determines whether linens are beyond repair, assists in maintaining a separate count for each item, and documents items being salvaged. Records patient care clothing when determined to be unserviceable. Assists in the initial issue of employee uniforms. Records uniforms issued as required in VHA 1850.04. Issues and records the inventory of scrub garments. Issues replacements for unserviceable employee uniforms/scrubs and maintains records of uniforms that are salvaged. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Varies as to the needs of the service Position Description Title/PD#: Laundry Machine Operator/PD23138-A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 You may be required to serve a probationary/trial period Subject to background/security investigation Pre-employment physical required Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/12/2025. 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 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: Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision Materials Operation of Equipment/Machinery Physical Strength Without more than normal supervision Work Practices 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: Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds. Must be able to stand and walk consistently, perform light to moderate bending and stooping, and be able to wear the required PPE for extended periods of time as dictated by the work setting. Some heavy movement of laundry carts weighing up to 700 pounds and use of conveyors are required. During normal day to day operations, individual will be required to perform simple grasping and fine hand manipulation, reaching above shoulder height and frequent stooping, bending, twisting, and kneeling. Position routinely requires operating of vehicles, electrical equipment, push or pull soiled and clean laundry carts in and out of laundry truck, to and from loading docks to various locations within the TCPF and medical center. Working Conditions: Work is normally performed inside where there is ample light, heat and/or ventilation. Temperatures vary from hot in the summer to cold in the winter when moving carts into the TCPF. Incumbent is exposed to operational noises associated with an industrial laundry and may be required to use hearing protection if occupational exposure exceeds acceptable occupational exposure thresholds. Incumbent is intermittently exposed to excess humidity, chemicals and solvents, fumes, dust and noise. Individual is exposed to possible contagions from the handling of contaminated linens in performance of emptying laundry bags and sorting soiled linen. Potential exists for sharps exposure in soiled linen. Incumbent is subject to cuts, scrapes, bumps, bruises, slips, falls and other injuries, and to disagreeable odors in the performance of required duties. Education Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. 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.