Heavy Mobile Equipment Operator

Summary

See below for important information regarding this job.

Responsibilities

Operates tracked and wheeled combat military vehicles over paved and unpaved surfaces, in all weather conditions, and through a full range of driving situations, including heavy civilian traffic, stoplights, and active rail crossings.

Operates wheeled heavy tow tractors, low-speed crawler tractors, truck tractors, wreckers, and recovery vehicles to move tracked combat vehicles, tactical and non-tactical wheeled vehicles, trailers, stacked vehicles, and other Class VII equipment.

Moves equipment for re-warehousing, transfer between processing and storage areas, and to and from loading docks for receipt or shipment.

Ensures towing connections are made in the proper sequence based on the type and condition of the vehicle, connects cables and tow bars, and uses a chain hoist to lift, hook, and unhook tow bars.

Operates a bridge crane to lift and move vehicles and equipment into, onto, or off rail cars or heavy haulers where close tolerances are required and precision is essential for safety.

Operates a boom crane to load, unload, and/or stack equipment in areas where maneuverability is not restricted.

Performs operator maintenance on vehicles before, during, and after operation, reports malfunctions or safety concerns to the supervisor, and prepares required trip tickets and accident reports.

Qualifications

This position requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain a CDL without airbreak restrictions to perform essential functions of the position. Selectees without a valid CDL at the time of onboarding will have 90 days to obtain the CDL without airbreak restrictions. Failure to do so will be considered failure of a condition of employment which may result in termination. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standard for Trades and Labor Occupations. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required, you must meet any screen-out element listed, and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties at the level for which you are applying. Emphasis is placed on how you gained the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time, and the required ability or potential to perform the job. Applicants who do not meet the screen-out element (SOE) will be eliminated from further competition. The SOE and minimum qualifications for this position is: Ability To Do The Work Of a Heavy Mobile Equipment Operator Without More Than Normal Supervision (SOE): Performs the common tasks of the job to be filled but under close supervision, such as operating heavy equipment used in towing operations, as well as the vehicles being towed and operating cranes and equipment during loading and unloading operations using multiple controls simultaneously to ensure smooth, precise movement of equipment. 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, 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. Physical Effort: Work involves constant reaching, bending, turning, and movement of the hands, feet, and arms. The work is frequently performed in awkward and strained positions and requires climbing on and off vehicles. Vehicle operations result in frequent jerks and jolts, which expose employees to bruises, cuts, and strains. The employee is required to lift up to 70 pounds; if an item is heavier, assistance is requested or equipment is used. Working Conditions: The work is typically performed outdoors and is subject to intense heat, cold, humidity, dirt, dust, grease, and fumes. The temperature of bare metal during the summer months can cause serious burns to exposed skin. During rainy weather, vehicles are often bogged down in mud and become slick, exposing the employee to falls and potential broken bones. Care must be taken when opening vehicles in storage because snakes or other critters may be found inside.