What are the responsibilities and job description for the Materials Handler position at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs?
Summary
Position(s) are located within the VA Portland Health Care System in Portland, OR.
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Duties
The Materials Handler is responsible for the collection and preparation of Hazardous Waste, Regulated Medical Waste (RMW), Universal Waste, recycling, and solid waste for proper disposal in accordance with a wide range of regulatory and legislative environmental requirements to include Veteran Health Administration (VHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Washington Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and local regulations.
Major duties and responsibilities include:
Work Schedule: Multiple Tours Available. To be discussed at interview.
Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved
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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element. The screen out for this vacancy is the ability to do the work of a Material Handler without more than normal supervision performing duties such as: includes collecting, processing, packaging, and preparing for Hazardous Waste, Regulated Medical Waste (RMW), Universal Waste, recycling, and solid waste for temporary storage and disposal; handling day-to-day coordination of the recycling program; maintaining manifests, catalogs, inventory logs and accounts; preparing shipping documents; collecting, removing, and maintaining control of all recyclables and wastes generated in the health care facility.
PHYSICAL EFFORT: Performs work that requires kneeling, bending, stooping, climbing, and standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time. He/she uses hand-trucks and other types of material handling equipment to move, load, and unload large drums and various size containers from trucks and containment areas. Frequently lifts, moves, carries, and load items and equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds. Incumbent is sometimes required to lift and move items weighing in excess of 50 pounds with the help of weight handling equipment and/or with the assistance of other workers.
WORK CONDITIONS: Is frequently exposed to a variety of hazards, ranging from noxious gasses, fumes, chemical vapors, skin irritants, biological hazardous, and caustic and poisonous items in the collection, treatment, and/or containment of hazardous wastes. In some work situations, he/she may have limited exposure to low levels of radioactivity. Works in facilities that are usually well lighted, heated, and ventilated. They also work outside and may be exposed to all kinds of extreme weather conditions while performing their assignments. The work may be dirty and greasy, and exposed to the possibility of cuts, bruises, abrasions, and falls during collection and processing operations. Must follow specific safety procedures and use the appropriate safety equipment including respirators, face shields, safety glasses, protective clothing, gloves, boots, etc. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or gear may be required and must be worn when conducting mixing or transferring of waste.
Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualifications. For this position, the job element method is used to match what you, the applicant, can do against what the work calls for. Your knowledge, skills and abilities will be compared to the knowledge, skills and abilities (called job elements) needed for success. Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element (WG-2 and higher only; screen-outs are not applicable to WG-1). Applicants who appear to meet the screen out element are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated from consideration. The potential eligibles are rated against the remainder of the job elements. While a specific length of training and experience is not required, your responses to the questionnaire must be supported by detailed descriptions of your experience on your resume.
You will be rated on the following Job Elements as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position:
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.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit for 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.
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 an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Position(s) are located within the VA Portland Health Care System in Portland, OR.
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Duties
The Materials Handler is responsible for the collection and preparation of Hazardous Waste, Regulated Medical Waste (RMW), Universal Waste, recycling, and solid waste for proper disposal in accordance with a wide range of regulatory and legislative environmental requirements to include Veteran Health Administration (VHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Washington Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and local regulations.
Major duties and responsibilities include:
- Acts as the Waste Management Material Handler collecting, processing, packaging, and preparing solid waste/hazardous waste/RMW waste for temporary storage and disposal.
- Provides guidance on the proper standard operating procedures for the management, handling, storage, and disposal of regulated hazardous wastes and substances.
- Evaluates and makes initial identification and assessments of routine hazardous wastes to determine their nature (e.g., flammability, toxicity), and containment characteristics (e.g., repercussions of long-term storage).
- Collects waste as needed through observation, Sanitation Request or phone notification ensuring that all items transported and/or stored have proper waste identification labels.
- Verifies that all waste is properly packaged and containerized.
- Corrects incomplete or improper labels and ensure hazardous wastes are properly stored.
- Performs specialized and nonstandard processing and disposing procedures.
- Manages container/drum usage, labeling, and storage.
- Ensures that containers are only to be filled to 80% of capacity, so that heat and other internal pressures will not result in a leak.
- Wastes shall be stored safely as per their characteristics (e.g. flammable storage cabinet, refrigerator, and corrosive cabinet).
- Operates manual and power lifting devices, compactors, cardboard bailers, and motor vehicles to pick up, transport, and temporarily store industrial waste and other types of hazardous waste.
- Examines all types of waste containers at generation sites for leakage and other indications of deterioration visually.
- Performs safety and operational checks on inventories of all waste handling equipment such as pumps, mixing tanks, and automatic sampling devices.
- Assists in the containment, treatment, and cleanup operations resulting from hazardous spills.
- Operates computer terminals to access databases for processing, storing, and shipping requirements.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Multiple Tours Available. To be discussed at interview.
Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved
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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- 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
- Pre-employment physical required
- Subject to background/security investigation
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- 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.
SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element. The screen out for this vacancy is the ability to do the work of a Material Handler without more than normal supervision performing duties such as: includes collecting, processing, packaging, and preparing for Hazardous Waste, Regulated Medical Waste (RMW), Universal Waste, recycling, and solid waste for temporary storage and disposal; handling day-to-day coordination of the recycling program; maintaining manifests, catalogs, inventory logs and accounts; preparing shipping documents; collecting, removing, and maintaining control of all recyclables and wastes generated in the health care facility.
PHYSICAL EFFORT: Performs work that requires kneeling, bending, stooping, climbing, and standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time. He/she uses hand-trucks and other types of material handling equipment to move, load, and unload large drums and various size containers from trucks and containment areas. Frequently lifts, moves, carries, and load items and equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds. Incumbent is sometimes required to lift and move items weighing in excess of 50 pounds with the help of weight handling equipment and/or with the assistance of other workers.
WORK CONDITIONS: Is frequently exposed to a variety of hazards, ranging from noxious gasses, fumes, chemical vapors, skin irritants, biological hazardous, and caustic and poisonous items in the collection, treatment, and/or containment of hazardous wastes. In some work situations, he/she may have limited exposure to low levels of radioactivity. Works in facilities that are usually well lighted, heated, and ventilated. They also work outside and may be exposed to all kinds of extreme weather conditions while performing their assignments. The work may be dirty and greasy, and exposed to the possibility of cuts, bruises, abrasions, and falls during collection and processing operations. Must follow specific safety procedures and use the appropriate safety equipment including respirators, face shields, safety glasses, protective clothing, gloves, boots, etc. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or gear may be required and must be worn when conducting mixing or transferring of waste.
Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualifications. For this position, the job element method is used to match what you, the applicant, can do against what the work calls for. Your knowledge, skills and abilities will be compared to the knowledge, skills and abilities (called job elements) needed for success. Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element (WG-2 and higher only; screen-outs are not applicable to WG-1). Applicants who appear to meet the screen out element are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated from consideration. The potential eligibles are rated against the remainder of the job elements. While a specific length of training and experience is not required, your responses to the questionnaire must be supported by detailed descriptions of your experience on your resume.
You will be rated on the following Job Elements as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position:
- Dexterity and Safety
- Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)
- Materials
- 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; 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.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit for 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.
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 an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
Read more
- Help A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Salary : $27 - $31
