Laundry Machine Operator
What you'd do
This position is the Laundry Machine Operator, Environmental Management Services, VA Medical Center, West Palm Beach, Florida. The Medical Center is a large, complex and modern affiliated 269 bed facility consisting of over 2,410 employees, involving a wide spectrum of professional, technical and administrative occupants, The facility is comprised of 149 bed General Medicine, Surgical and Psychiatric Medical center, and 120 bed Nursing Home Care Unit.
Major duties
This position is a Laundry Machine Operator assigned to the Textile Care Section of the Environmental Management Section. They perform duties in the operation of large, industrial laundry equipment. Equipment is (3) 800 lb. Washer/extractors, (2) 400 lb. Washer/extractors, (1) 200 lb. Washer/extractor, (4) 85 lb. Washer/extractors, (2) 440 lb. Gas dryers, (3) 110 lb. Steam dryers, (I) 500E cart washer, and associated conveyors, hoppers and an extensive monorail system. This section of the laundry is organizationally identified as the "Wash Area". The Laundry Machine Operator regularly works with only the (2) 440 lb gas dryers, (3) 110 lb steam dryers, ( 4) 85 lb washers / extractors, and the clean side of the (1) 500e cart washer. Will provide relief of the higher graded Laundry Machine Operator during periods of annual leave or sick leave and whenever the workload indicates peak levels that would be at the discretion of the laundry Supervisor. Will perform apprentice duties that involve the classifying, washing, drying, and / or tumbling and cleaning soiled linen carts via a cart washing system. Additional Duties Include But Not Limited To: Will assist in the processing of 4,000,000 lbs. of laundry per year and for uniforms for more than 2800 employees. In addition the processing of patient personnel clothing, scrub-wear, and protective clothing will be "bundled". Load washers according to designated weights and will assure balance of loads, set controls, according to classification of workloads and designated wash formulas. Remove linens from washers after completed wash cycle and inspect to insure a high quality of cleanliness using personal judgment. Re-wash cycle may be implemented based on judgment. Process blended uniforms through the washer / extractor to dryers. Particular independent judgment is required when setting and adjusting uniform settings and formulas. Load dryers, set controls, and judge time settings according to classification of laundry. Dry some items to I00% and other items that require ironing to a moisture retention relative to the temperature and speed of the ironer. Primarily and regularly work with dryers and will move linen via the monorail into and out of the gas dryers. Load and unload dryers in a timely manner to progress items to the next workstation. Separate the assigned workload of soiled linens / uniforms from Miami VA and WPB VAMC. Required to be aware of linen flow and make on the spot adjustments to change with the fluctuating linen flow. Assist in the handling and use of thousands of pounds of caustic laundry operating supplies such as detergents, bleach, sours, and other chemicals required in the process. Is required to be constantly observant to special hazards and safety conditions associated with the operating of the various large industrial laundry equipment. Infection control issues including universal precautions, alertness to needles, broken glass and other objects must be of great concern. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 0700-1530. Position Description Title/PD#: Laundry Machine Operator/PD01193A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved. 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, 08/10/2026. 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 Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision 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: Required to stand for the entire tour of duty and is required to have quick hand and arm movement. The employee is required to handle bundles of laundry up to twenty-five pounds and occasionally up to fifty pounds. Required to utilize a monorail system with fully loaded slings. This will require pushing and pulling overhead. Must possess the limited ability to bend, stoop, climb and reach. The employee may be required to stand on hard concrete floors. Working Conditions: Is exposed to extremely noisy and usually hot and humid conditions. Will be exposed to rapidly varying climate conditions when moving from one area of the laundry to another. The employee may be exposed to contagious diseases, and grossly soiled items. The employee is required in this instance to wear protective gloves masks, gloves and gowns and any other protective clothing as is indicated.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
Don't miss the next one.
Get an email the moment a similar federal job opens — postings can close in as little as 5 days.