Summary This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S.
Horticulture Research Laboratory in Fort Pierce, Florida.
In this position, you will operate field type tractor having 4 wheels and up to 8 forward gears and are steered with a conventional steering wheel with multiple connections and adjustments.
Responsibilities Operate tractors that are steered by a tiller, bars, or conventional steering wheel and are equipped with appropriate attachments for row crop cultivation.
Utilize other simple agricultural implements such as silage and hay wagons and small trailers and carts used to carry out farming and grounds maintenance operations.
Make judgments concerning angles of turn of the tractor and towed vehicles and power settings on the tractor for the proper speed.
Manipulate tractor controls for smooth starting, stopping, and maneuvering the tractor and towed vehicles in congested areas.
Understand the operating characteristics of the tractor and the carrying capacity of the towed vehicles.
Observe safe operating procedures to prevent damage to equipment and materials.
Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: 04/07/2022 Qualifications will be determined under the Job Element Rating System X-118C, Qualifications Standard Handbook.
While a specific length of time and experience is not required for most Wage Grade positions, you must show through experience and training that you possess the best qualified level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of this position.
Qualification requirements emphasize the quality of experience, not necessarily the length.
The responses to the questionnaire and your resume should be in significant detail to provide the person rating your application with a good understanding of your ability to do the job, technical knowledge, work, and training experience, etc.
(For example You must have the ability to perform the duties of a, Tractor Operator without more than normal supervision (Screen Out)).
Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration.
Selective Placement Factor Ability to operate a field type 100 horse power or greater tractor with 4 wheels and 8 gears.
Physical Effort In addition to work which typically requires frequent arm and leg movements to operate tractor controls, the operator has to manipulate equipment controls.
Working Conditions Work is performed inside and outside.
Under both conditions the operator is constantly exposed to unpleasant noise levels and vibration and jolting from the tractor and towed vehicles.
Outside work often exposes the operator to long periods of hot sun and occasionally to bad weather.
May be exposed to chemical dust and sprays and may need to wear protective clothing and respirators.
Must follow prescribed safety practices and use safety equipment to avoid injury and possible hazards in the work area.
Education This position does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible.
To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors.
CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section.
When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized.
Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.
If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management.
However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed.
This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position.
This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.
This position is covered by a Bargaining Unit Agreement.
To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees.
Therefore, to the extent a Federal job announcement includes the requirement that applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to E.O.
14043, that requirement does not currently apply.
Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.