Motor Vehicle Operator

Summary

This position, located at the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System, operates patient transport vehicles, including emergency vehicles, patient transport vans/buses and other types of transport vehicles, capable of carrying up to 8 or more passengers, to and from VA Medical Center facilities, private healthcare facilities, and other private sector areas like patient homes, railway, bus stations and airports.

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Duties

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Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Knowledge of and skill in operating patient transport vehicles, patient transport vans/buses and other types of transport vehicles, capable of carrying up to 8 or more passengers.
• Knowledge of the height, weight, width, and length of the vehicles in order to judge overhead and side clearance, the turning radius, braking distance, and safe distance to be maintained from other vehicles.
• Knowledge of safe braking distances of buses considering the extra load of passengers.
• Skill in applying this knowledge to maneuver vehicles in congested areas and when backing vehicle to loading docks/station.
• Knowledge of vehicle safety and traffic rules and regulations for operating various type vehicles.
• Must demonstrate proficiency in safely operating wheelchair lift and ramp and the proper use of vehicle device restraint/lock down mechanisms to safely transport wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs, and scooters.
• Must be capable of detecting probable mechanical problems to the vehicle during operation and report to the garage mechanic any unusual noises or operating conditions.
• Skill in reading and understanding maps and other locator documents, and in determining the shortest and safest route, considering the weight and size of the vehicle and any road restrictions.
• Knowledge required to use a Mobile Data Computer (MDC) for GPS directional services, register Veterans boarding and unloading the vehicle, communicate via the MDC with the scheduler/dispatcher as needed, record on the MDC and keep accurate records related to fuel, maintenance and other vehicle documentation as may be required by the VA or the stated restrictions.
• Knowledge of the standards of universal precautions and general principles of infection control in working with the patients being transported.
• Must be able to perform; CPR, patient transfer principles, utilization and maintenance of equipment and lifting principles, transfer/transport patients using portable oxygen tank, and follow infection control guidelines.
• Must be able to appropriately manage patients with behavioral problems
• Knowledge to recognize developing maintenance problems when conducting operator inspections and report problems to the supervisor.
• Knowledge of passenger safety rules including the use of seatbelts and tie-downs for wheelchairs.
• Must possess and demonstrate good customer service skills.
• Must Have a Current Valid Drivers License (REAL-ID)

Work Schedule: 8:30am- 5:00pm, Monday - Friday

Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Authorized

Position Description Title/PD#: Motor Vehicle Operator/PD12359A

Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• 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 ( 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)

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.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/21/2026.

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 Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles)
• Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Related to Mobile Equipment Operation)
• Ability to Operate Safely (Non-motor Vehicles)
• Operation of Motor Vehicles
• 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: Work requires reaching, turning, or moving hands, arms, feet, and legs to operate hand and foot controls. Incumbent will be required to assist patients with a variety of medical conditions and/or disabilities. Associated duties require stooping, bending, lifting, climbing, and securing patients, oxygen, and wheelchairs with appropriate securing devices. Lifts and carries objects weighing up to 50 pounds and heavier. Must follow prescribed safety procedures using appropriate lifting methods and body mechanics for heavy lifting or moving of heavy objects. Must be able to drive for a minimum of a four-hour period and stay mentally alert. If driver realizes they are not mentally alert, they must use good judgment in pulling over at the first safe area, road- checking vehicle with walk-around inspection, and continue driving as soon as possible. Incumbent must pass a VA Physical and adhere to all VA and DOT drug and alcohol testing and guidelines.

Note: Requires a current and valid state-issued class "C" driver's license to operate cars, vans, pickup trucks, 2- 1/2 tons trucks, buses (15 passenger or less), forklift and small tractors with hydraulically operated power take off and three-point hookups.

Working Conditions: Working Conditions: Drivers work mostly outside and operate vehicles in all kinds of weather. Drivers are exposed to dirt, fumes, and to the possibility of cuts, bruises, and broken bones because of accidents when loading and unloading the vehicle. Must have ability to drive in rural areas, very congested Metropolitan traffic and/or construction zones. Must safely handle patients, both stretcher and wheelchair, in loading and unloading from vans and buses. The employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. Shift work may be required. May be required to work overtime after normal working hours providing it is an emergency or their services are needed to transport patients.

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.

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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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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.

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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.