Tractor Operator

Summary This position is located with USDA, ARS, Pacific West Area, Northwest Irrigation & Soil Research Laboratory, Location Support Staff in Kimberly, ID. and will provide land management support to the Lab through the operation of heavy tractors and farm equipment. Responsibilities The incumbent operates heavy tractors and equipment including plows, discs, hay balers, and forage harvesters. Incumbent will be expected to combine the use of self-propelled hay bines, sprayers, hydraulically controlled planters and drills, cultivators and ensilage cutters. The above skill will be used in land preparation and seeding, cultivating, harvesting and storing a variety of general crops. Operates trucks up to and including five-ton stakes, used for hauling supplies, materials, equipment, crops, soil, gravel, etc., to and from fields, orchards and experimental plots. Performs the more difficult assignments involving laying out experimental plots and large fields where a high degree of skill is required. 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: 07/18/2024 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. Physical Effort: Requires frequent arm and leg movement to manipulate tractors and allied equipment controls. Laboring aspects of the work involves very heavy physical effort in lifting and moving object over 80lbs. e.g. bags of fertilizer, grain, tractor attachments and implements, etc. Working Conditions: Works outside in all kinds of weather in a research farm setting; is subject to noise and severe jolting from tractors and equipment. Equipment and tools require special alertness and care to avoid serious injury. Incumbent may be subject to dirt, dust, standing or sitting on a tractor for long periods of time. Incumbent must wear all safety clothing and devices that are required by product label or established BARC safety regulations. 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.