Sewing Machine Operator

Veterans Health Administration • Fayetteville, AR

2d

About The Position

The Sewing Machine Operator works within the Environmental Management Service to fabricate, repair, and alter linen items, unlined uniforms, patient clothing, and specialty items for patient care. The role uses hand-stitching techniques and domestic and industrial sewing equipment, along with machines for buttons, marking, and hot patches.

The operator inspects and repairs operating-room and regular linen items, salvages items that are beyond economical repair, maintains item counts and salvage records, and records daily counts of inspected operating-room linens. The position may also provide linen and employee-uniform distribution services and maintain related logs and records. Routine preventative maintenance includes adjustments and minor repairs; problems requiring major repairs are reported to the Laundry Supervisor.

The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., subject to change based on service needs. Work is performed in a well-lighted, ventilated area with usually controlled temperature and humidity. Multiple operating machines create a noisy environment, and work is subject to possible needle punctures and minor tread cuts.

Requirements

• Demonstrated training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to show ability to perform the work; no specific length of training or experience is required.
• Ability to perform duties evaluated against the screen-out element and job elements, including equipment assembly, installation and repair; interpreting instructions and specifications; materials measurement and layout; technical practices; and using and maintaining tools and equipment without more than normal supervision.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Subject to background and security investigation.
• Selected applicants must complete online onboarding and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Physical ability to sit for long periods while continually moving hands, arms, and fingers to position and sew items; handle lightweight items up to 10 pounds continually and items up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Hand stitch items and operate domestic and industrial sewing machines.
• Use button, identification and marking, and hot-patch machines.
• Inspect and repair operating-room and regular linen items.
• Salvage linen items that are beyond economical repair.
• Maintain separate counts for each item and document items removed from service on salvage record forms.
• Maintain daily piece counts of inspected operating-room linens.
• Provide linen and employee-uniform distribution services as needed and maintain associated logs and records.
• Operate powered sewing, marking, and thermo-patch machines, as well as manually operated button, grommet, and snap-fastener machines.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance, including adjustments and minor repairs.
• Notify the Laundry Supervisor of problems requiring major repairs.

Benefits

• Federal employees earn annual leave at a rate based on years of federal service; selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.
• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type.

What This Job Offers

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