Laundry Machine Operator

Veterans Health Administration • Waco, TX

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Laundry Machine Operator works in the Laundry Section of the Environmental Management Service at the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System. The position operates commercial laundry equipment to wash, extract, dry, dye, starch, and condition textiles and clothing. Equipment includes conventional washers and dryers, washer-extractors, continuous batch washers, tunnel systems and dryers, conveyors, overhead railing, and soil-sorting systems. Work involves processing different categories of textiles, handling soiled and clean linen, and routing finished items to the appropriate area.

The operator selects wash formulas and machine settings based on textile classification, soil level, load size, fabric type, moisture retention, and processing requirements. The role includes testing and recording chemical use and pH, maintaining production and weight records, checking linens for proper processing, and ensuring work is completed in priority order to meet quality and production requirements. The operator may train other laundry machine operators and is trained to cover other unit positions as staffing or workload requires.

After initial orientation and training, the operator performs repetitive tasks with minimal supervision while following established procedures and safety practices. The position works under the direct supervision of the Laundry Supervisor and the general supervision of the Supervisory Laundry Operations Specialist, also known as the Textile Care Manager or Laundry Plant Manager. The stated schedule is full-time, Monday through Friday, with one of several listed tours; schedules may change according to facility needs.

Requirements

• Evidence of training or experience sufficient to demonstrate the ability to perform the work; no specific length of training or experience is required.
• Ability to comprehend written and oral instructions.
• Thorough knowledge of washing techniques and formulas for processing soiled textiles and clothing.
• Knowledge of the basic chemistry of washing and stain-removal chemicals and their effects on textiles.
• Understanding of how water temperature, water levels, and cycle timing affect different fabrics.
• Knowledge and ability to apply titration procedures to ensure proper pH values.
• Knowledge of laundry equipment functions, limitations, proper uses, capacities, and potential malfunctions.
• Knowledge of appropriate drying and conditioning times and temperatures for different fabrics.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision after initial instruction and follow established procedures.
• Strength and stamina to perform heavy tasks for extended periods; ability to stand for long periods and regularly reach, stretch, and lift.
• Ability to pull wet, compacted linen from washer-extractors and move heavily loaded carts by pushing or pulling on flat surfaces and gradual inclines.
• Good reflexes and hand-eye coordination for safely handling carts in congested areas.
• Good eyesight and field of vision, with or without glasses, to move large, heavily loaded carts safely.
• Ability to seek assistance when lifting linen bags weighing more than 50 pounds; bags may weigh up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to wear provided personal protective equipment and follow safety procedures.
• U.S. citizenship is required; Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must complete applicable background/security investigation, pre-employment physical, onboarding, and required seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccination requirements, subject to legally required accommodations.

Responsibilities

• Operate commercial washers, washer-extractors, dryers, tumblers, conditioners, continuous batch washers, tunnel systems, conveyors, and related laundry equipment.
• Load and unload machines by hand or using linen holding, cart, bag, soil-sorting, and overhead railing systems; observe equipment load capacities.
• Select and program wash formulas based on textile classification, degree of soiling, load size, and fabric washability.
• Set drying and conditioning time and temperature according to fabric type and moisture retention.
• Inspect stained and categorized linen to ensure the appropriate classification and processing formula is selected.
• Test and record chemicals and check linen to ensure proper pH levels are maintained.
• Maintain written records of work productivity, chemical usage, and incoming linen weight.
• Process work according to priority to maintain an efficient flow and meet quality and quantity production requirements.
• Keep employee uniforms and patient apparel separated and route them to the proper using areas.
• Train other machine operators and instruct lower-graded operators in equipment operation and washing formulas.
• Fill in for other positions within the unit when staffing or workload requires.
• Operate laundry equipment safely and follow procedures for handling heavy items and other workplace hazards.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package, with access to benefits for employees and their families.
• Annual leave accrual based on federal service; prior work or military service may qualify for credit toward a higher annual leave accrual rate, subject to approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed