Sewing Machine Operator

Veterans Health Administration • Madison, WI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in the ESS Laundry Service at VA Madison, Wisconsin, and operates under the direction of the Work Leader. Duties may vary from day to day depending on the amount of linen and uniforms received for processing and the clean items to be distributed. The operator uses commercial and industrial sewing and laundry-related machines to make and repair linen and uniforms, alter and issue uniforms, and perform uniform exchange duties. The role also includes fabricating special items for patient care, monitoring supplies and equipment, maintaining records, and helping ensure the work area is clean and sanitary.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Work is normally performed in a well-lighted and ventilated area, though temperatures may fluctuate from hot to cold. Employees may encounter uncommon odors, broken glass, needles, and other instruments found in laundry. Infection-control procedures must be followed while processing laundry, linen, and uniforms.

Requirements

• Demonstrate training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to perform the work; no specific length of training or experience is required.
• Provide detailed descriptions of relevant duties and responsibilities on the resume.
• Meet the position's screen-out qualification requirement and demonstrate the job-related competencies evaluated, including computer skills, interpersonal effectiveness, organizational awareness, and technical competence.
• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Complete a background/security investigation and a pre-employment physical.
• Complete the online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Meet physical demands that include walking, lifting, stooping, reaching, bending, standing, sitting, pushing, and pulling; regularly lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift up to 45 pounds.
• Have the hand/eye coordination and manual dexterity needed to operate machines and maintain acceptable production levels.
• Follow infection-control procedures while processing laundry, linen, and uniforms.

Responsibilities

• Operate commercial and industrial sewing machines, a button machine, a marking machine, and a heat patch machine.
• Make or repair sheets, bedspreads, pillowcases, and other regular linen items.
• Alter uniforms as needed when they are initially issued and issue uniforms to employees according to VA and hospital policies.
• Maintain accurate employee uniform inventory cards and provide record information to the supervisor as required.
• Sort and hang clean uniforms and operate the Uniform Exchange Room.
• Examine linen and uniforms and make necessary repairs.
• Determine whether items should be salvaged and maintain accurate records of salvaged items.
• Estimate supplies and materials needed for sewing operations and inform the supervisor about supply levels.
• Fabricate special patient-care items, including oversized pajamas and bathrobes, special surgical linens, and restraints.
• Adjust machinery when adjustments do not require special tools or new parts.
• Monitor the work area to ensure it remains clean and sanitary.
• Provide relief in the laundry production area when necessary.

Benefits

• Federal employees receive a benefits package that includes access to benefits for employees and their families.
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

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