Summary The Primary Purpose of the Position is to operate commercial-type laundry washers, extractors, tumblers, or conditioners. The work includes loading, unloading, and operating controls of machines to wash, dye, starch, rough dry, or condition items for pressing.
The Organizational Location of the Position is in the Laundry Section, Environmental Management Service (EMS), at the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System (CTVHCS). Duties Incumbent operates commercial-type washer extractors, three (3) 125 - pound capacity conventional washers, three (3) 120 - pound capacity gas dryers, two (2) 600 - pound capacity washer extractors., one (1) 400 - pound capacity gas dryer, two (2) continuous batch washers with seven (7) gas tunnel designated gas dryers, two (2) 8-module tunnel systems, overhead railing system, and soil sort system with railing, which are usually in operation simultaneously processing various categories of textiles.
Incumbent uses soiled and clean linen holding systems utilizing weighed carts, or sorted linen in bags, queued to the tunnels, and soil stations, as well as loading and unloading the conventional washers by hand. Incumbent loads machines to the related load capacities. Programs computer micro-processors which are necessary for various classifications utilized. Uses proper formula programs based on classification and degree of soiling. Performs inspections to ensure proper classification is selected to remove stains from stained categorized linen. Maintains written records of work productivity, chemical usage, and incoming weight for reporting purposes.
May train other machine operators in the correct procedures of washer/extractor operation and washing formulary and use. Loads and unloads washers and dryers. Keeps employee uniforms separated and designates which using area they are to be returned to. Incumbent keeps apparel worn by patients grouped for routing to the proper using area.
Incumbent also operates conveyors from the tunnel designated dryers, which they empty into carted slings, and then place on a lift to the overhead railing system which is routed to the proper area for finishing.
The incumbent must be able to comprehend all written and oral instructions. Incumbent is trained to fill in for other positions within the unit when staffing or workload requires.
Incumbent is trained in the safe operation of all laundry related equipment. Incumbent must have a thorough knowledge of washing techniques and formulary for processing soiled textiles and clothing. Incumbent must have a thorough knowledge of the basic chemistry in the chemicals used for washing, chemicals used for stain removal and their effect on textile items.
Incumbent must understand the effect of water temperatures, water levels and timing of cycles for various fabrics processed in a textile care setting. Must always have thorough knowledge of and be able to apply titration procedures to ensure a proper pH value. Must possess a thorough knowledge of the textile Care equipment in use to know its function, its limitations, its proper uses and its capacities to maximize the use of the equipment to know when it may be malfunctioning and to teach others how to use it. Incumbent must know the proper time and temperature setting for the drying and conditioning of different types of fabrics in the dryer/tumblers.
After initial orientation and training are provided, incumbent will carry out a series of repetitive tasks in relatively independent mode. Must work according to set procedures for operating textile care equipment, such as selecting appropriate wash formulas based on the degree of soil, load size, and wash ability of fabrics; setting time and temperature controls determined but the moisture retention and type of fabric; setting time and temperature controls determined by the moisture retention and type of fabrics being dried or conditioned. Is responsible for processing work according to priority to assure an efficient flow to meet quality and quantity production requirements.
Incumbent is responsible for testing and recording of chemicals and for making frequent checks on linen to ensure the proper pH level is being maintained. Responsible for instructing lower level graded Laundry Machine Operators on how to operate the machines. Incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Laundry Supervisor and general supervision of the Supervisory Laundry Operations Specialist, aka Textile Care Manager (TCM), aka Laundry Plant Manager (LPM). Incumbent performs with minimal supervision after receiving initial instructions.
Work Schedule: Full-Time; Monday-Friday, 5:00am - 1:30pm or Monday-Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm, or Monday-Friday 11:00am - 7:30pm; Nights/Weekends/Holiday. Please note: Tours of duty may change based on the needs of the facility.
Position Description Title/PD#: Laundry Machine Operator/PD00283A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/09/2026.
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 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:
- Dexterity and Safety
- Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)
- Materials
- Operation of Equipment/Machinery
- Technical Practices
- 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/Working Conditions: Incumbent needs strength and stamina for performing heavy tasks for long periods of time. Must pull wet, compacted linen from washer/extractors. The nature of the work requires standing for long periods of time, reaching, stretching, and lifting on a regular basis throughout the day. Good reflexes and hand-eye coordination are required for safe cart handling in congested areas. Incumbent is required to move heavily loaded carts by pushing or pulling on flat surfaces as well as gradual inclines. Soiled linen bags may weigh up to 75 pounds and incumbent should seek assistance in lifting bags over 50 pounds. Incumbent is required to wear personal protective equipment provided to minimize the chance of injury; following safety procedures as taught for the handling of heavy items. Good eyesight and good field of vision is important with or without glasses to safely move carts weighing hundreds of pounds, standing over 5 feet tall and 5 feet long. Incumbent is alert at all times to avoid unsafe acts and prevent injuries to employees and/or visitors and patients. Education Education is not a qualifying factor for this position.
Requirements
- 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 period
- Subject to background/security investigation
- Pre-employment physical required
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
How you will be evaluated IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Narrative responses are not required at this time. 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.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.
Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
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.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 11/09/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13101117.
- 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.
- 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.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying for a job. Resumes should include information relevant to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of the position to which you are applying. VA is unable to make assumptions about qualifications if not clearly listed.
Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement. If initial application submission is updated and resubmitted with a new resume, only the most current resume will be reviewed for consideration.
Your resume must be 5MB or less. We recommend saving and uploading your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX). We do not accept PDF portfolio files. We recommend using a sans-serif font size like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans. Make your page margins 0.5 inches. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started.
Helpful Hints for Creating a Two-Page Resume:
- Prioritize most relevant and recent experience
- Use concise, results focused language
- Align language from the job announcement
- Focus on demonstrating skills and competencies
- Remove outdated or unrelated experience
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder
Additional guidance on this new requirement and resume building tools can be found at:
- https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/page-limit
- https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/applicant-guidance-on-the-two-page-resume-limit/
Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.
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/.Other information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: 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. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) 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.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
