Sewing Machine Operator
What you'd do
This position is in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA}, Mid Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6), Central Virginia VA Healthcare System (CVHCS) in Richmond, Virginia, in the Environmental Management Service (EMS) - Inventory & Equipment Section. The Selectee Utilizes Sewing and associated machines to repair, and mend employee uniforms, and conduct frequent inventories.
Major duties
Responsible for examining to damaged linen and uniforms to determine nature and extent of needed repairs and alters employee uniforms and patient clothing by hemming pants, shirts, smocks, lab coats; mending and repairing uniforms according to fitter's pins, chalk marks or verbal instructions making sure to match size and colors of replacement parts to original garment; replace zippers and buttons; fabricate simple specialized surgical drapes, equipment covers, and other items as needed consisting of different types of fabrics such as cotton and polyester, on instructions from the Supervisory Supply Technician/Textile Care Manager. Operates buttonhole machine to make buttonholes in shirts and trousers. Operates a commercial/industrial type sewing and embroidery machine(s) affecting economical repair, alteration and moderate fabrication of employee uniforms, linen, or fabric materials such as cushions on chairs or sofas, curtains, drapes, and other special items. Operates a heat seal machine and an industrial sewing machine. Responsible for employee uniform inventory, issue, exchange, and fitting. Issues new employees correct type and color of uniforms according to established VHA Directives, position title. Responsible for recording the transaction on customer receipt cards and/or LEAF request. Maintains a uniform card receipt file and a linen/uniform stock record to ensure adequate supply of uniforms and station purchased linen. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 6:00am to 2:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Sewing Machine Operator/PD027470 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
What you need to qualify
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/27/2026. 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. Preferred Experience: Extensive experience in tailoring of clothing and repairing garments. 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: 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: Able to stand and sit for extended periods of time with continual movement of hands, arms, and fingers, requiring excellent hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Lifts 30-40lbs (ie: boxes of materials, linen, etc.), bends and stoops as duties require. Exposed to all conditions inherent to a linen operation such as dust, lint, and noise from the sewing and embroidery machine(s). May be subjected to possible pin/needle puncture and burns from heat seal machine.
Before you apply
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