Laundry Machine Operator

The Laundry Machine Operator/Washman is charged with overall operation and daily start up activities of the Textile Care Processing Facility (TCPF) located in the Textile Care Section of Environmental Management (EMS) at the Central Arkansas Veterans Health Care System (CAVHS). These activities include having basic knowledge and care to include the cleaning of all washroom equipment, chemicals and procedure, operate washers and extractors, and loads machines to rated capacities. Major duties include, but not limited to: Serve as the Laundry Machine Operator/Washman responsible for daily start-up and operation of the Textile Care Processing Facility (TCPF). Operate, load, unload, and monitor commercial laundry equipment, including washer-extractors, continuous batch washers, dryers/tumblers, overhead rail systems, lift stations, and automated cart-wash systems. Clean and perform basic care of washroom equipment; make minor equipment adjustments and report or address routine operational issues. Receive bulk soiled linen from hospitals and affiliated facilities; weigh, record, sort, and route linen for processing. Load laundry machines to rated capacity and program microprocessors with the correct wash formulas for each textile classification and soil level. Use electric lift-station and rail controls to place, store, and route soiled linen to the appropriate processing lane. Apply appropriate wash formulas, chemicals, stain-removal/spotting procedures, and specialty products based on textile type and degree of soiling. Maintain accurate written records of production output, incoming linen weights, and chemical usage for reporting purposes. Follow aseptic and infection-control procedures when handling soiled or contaminated linen. Comply with OSHA requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE), chemical safety procedures, and Joint Commission standards. Communicate with machine operators, laundry work leaders, linen clerks, and supervisors to maintain an efficient linen flow and respond to changing workload needs. Train other laundry machine operators on washer/extractor operation, wash formulas, chemical use, and proper processing procedures. Remain cross-trained in TCPF operations and assist on both the soiled and clean sides of the laundry during staffing shortages or increased workload. Serve as backup for Laundry Worker, Linen Clerk, and Truck Driver duties when needed; operate vehicles only when authorized and when holding a valid driver's license. Perform routine laundry and textile-care functions under strict production timelines to support patient care and Veteran-centered services. Work assigned holidays, weekends, or irregular shifts as needed to meet facility operational requirements. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 7:00am to 3:30pm (Subject to change based on the needs of the Agency). Position Description Title/PD#: Laundry Machine Operator/PD04522A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/01/2026. 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: Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Other Than Blueprint Reading) Dexterity and Safety Knowledge of Materials Operation of Job Family Specify Equipment, Machinery, etc. Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic) Work Practices (Including Keeping Things Neat, Clean, and in Order) 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: Needs strength and stamina for performing heavy task for long periods of time. Incumbent must be able to lift and carry fifty (50) pounds. Must be able to stand and walk consistently, perform light to moderate bending and stooping, and able to wear PPE for extended period as dictated by the work setting. Some heavy movement of laundry carts weighing up to 700 pounds and use conveyors are required. During normal day to day operations, individual will be required to perform simple grasping and dine hand manipulation, reaching above shoulder height and frequent stooping, bending, twisting and kneeling. Position routinely requires that individual operate vehicles. Electrical equipment and push or pull soiled and clean linen carts in and out of laundry truck, to and from loading docks to various locations within the TCPF and medical center. Working Conditions: Work is normally performed inside where there is ample light, heat and/or ventilation. Temperatures vary form hot in the summer to cold in the winter when moving carts into the TCPF. Incumbent is intermittently exposed to possible contagions form the handling of contaminated linens in performance of emptying laundry bags and sorting soiled linen. Potential exists for sharps exposure in soiled linen. Incumbent will be subjected to high humidity, noise and minor cuts and bruises from arts and machinery. Incumbent will be exposed to drafts form open doors and lint in the air. Incumbent will wear gown, mask, cap, shoe covers and gloves when working in the soiled linen sorting section. Is subjected to disagreeable odors and contamination associated with handling and processing of soiled linens and clothing. You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Subject to background/security investigation Pre-employment physical required 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 identification 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) Pre-employment physical required. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.