Tractor Operator

Summary This position provides expertise in the safe and efficient operation of tractors and related equipment to support a comprehensive grounds care program for the Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility Housing area and Clinic site throughout the Chinle Service Unit.

A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021). Duties

• Operates tractors, mowers, and related equipment to maintain grounds

• Performs mowing, trimming, brush removal, weed control, and vegetation management to maintain grounds in a clean, safe, and orderly condition.

• Performs basic preventive maintenance, including cleaning equipment, checking fluid levels, and monitoring tire conditions.

• Operates equipment in compliance with established safety procedures and applicable regulations to prevent accidents, injuries, and property damage.

• Assists with snow removal, debris clearing, and other seasonal grounds maintenance activities as assigned.

• Loads, transports, and moves soil, gravel, mulch, debris, and other materials using appropriate equipment and attachments.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.

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; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates for this position will be evaluated under the Federal Wage System (FWS) Job Grading Standards. Applicants will be rated in the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Each of the job elements must be addressed on the on-line assessment questionnaire in order for the applicant to be rated for the position. Your resume must reflect the answers to your on-line assessment questionnaire.

WG-06: Your resume must demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Experience and training that included following simple oral or written instructions and/or work orders, performing Tractor Operator duties, including operation and maintenance of equipment (lawn mowers, utility tractor, skid steers, truck, etc.), use and maintain tools and performing grounds keeping duties, read and understand work orders in order to complete assigned work.

PHYSICAL EFFORT: Exerts physical efforts in arm and leg movement to operate equipment. Work requires frequent walking, standing, bending, stooping, and frequently lifts heavy items which may on occasion weight as much as 100 pounds, climbs ladders to prune or trim vegetation.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Normally works outside where incumbent is exposed to sun and wind and frequently dusty conditions. During winter when removing snow may be exposed to slippery or icy footing

Working with equipment with moving parts, incumbent is exposed to cuts, etc. Proper personal protective equipment must be worn while performing tasks that require it and implement appropriate safety practices.

Driver's License: A valid State Driver's License is required

Time In Grade

Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).

You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement. Education There are no education requirements.

Requirements

Selectee may be subject to a probationary period

ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period

U.S. Citizenship is required

Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

On-call hours or standby duty may be required.

Physical Demands: The work involves walking, sitting, standing, reaching and bending in the assessment and treatment of patients.

Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.

You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.

Background Investigation Requirement:

This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment.

A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individual's identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service.

Upon receipt of instructions, applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the process.

Financial Suitability Requirement:

This position requires a review of the applicant's financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations prior to applying.

Individuals with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations-including, but not limited to, delinquent federal or state tax liabilities, defaulted federal student loans, court-ordered fines or fees, or child support arrears-may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the Indian Health Service (IHS).

Prior to the appointment, candidates must present two valid forms of identification. If one of the documents is a state-issued ID or driver's license, it must be REAL ID-compliant. How you will be evaluated Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.

To determine if you are qualified for this position, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against the qualifications as defined in the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement.

• Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision. (Screen-Out Element)
• Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (related to mobile equipment operation)
• Operation of Motor Vehicles
• Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean and in order)

The following links below provide information on how you may be eligible for various hiring authorities. If you are a Veteran, qualified CTAP and ICTAP eligible, or an individual with a disability, please refer to the following links below for additional guidance. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Workforce Restructuring Career Transition website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. CTAP/ICTAP documentation requirements are listed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

• Veterans, i.e. (VEOA, VRA, and 30% or more disabled) - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide-for-hr-professionals/
• Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) - https://www.ihs.gov/jobs/support-documents/
• Interagency Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/
• Schedule A Appointments for the Disabled - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/hiring/

Click here to view vacancy questions: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13087736.

All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date of, 11/03/2026, to be considered. How to apply To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.

• To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
• You will be directed to the Login.Gov screen, here will you sign in if you have an existing USAJOBS account or Create a Login.Gov account.
• If you have an account you will be directed to select a resume or create a resume. If you create an account you can create an resume. Click save and continue.
• Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or supporting documents.
• Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJOBS or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
• Read and complete all Eligibility questions.
• Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process).

For additional questions please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) found here: https://www.ihs.gov/jobs/faq/.

The IHS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources Office (Rhiannon Bailey, rhiannon.bailey@ihs.gov, and/or 9286974342.) The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis. Other information Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement.

Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.

This position is covered by a Bargaining Unit.

Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a 6 month service agreement will be required.