Launch Your Career as a Motor Vehicle Operator with the VA in West Haven
Are you looking for a stable career where your driving skills directly support those who have served our country? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) at the West Haven Medical Center is currently recruiting a dedicated Motor Vehicle Operator. This role is a vital component of the hospital’s infrastructure, ensuring that medical supplies, laundry, and equipment are transported safely and efficiently.
Job Responsibilities
As a Motor Vehicle Operator, your daily tasks will be diverse and mission-critical. You will be responsible for:
- Operating heavy vehicles (up to 12,800 lbs) equipped with hydraulic lifts.
- Transporting contaminated waste, medical supplies, and linen across the campus.
- Loading and unloading heavy carts by hand or using mechanical assistance.
- Maintaining sanitized conditions for vehicles following waste transport.
- Assisting the move team with heavy equipment and ladder setup.
- Performing routine maintenance checks on vehicles and cleaning machinery like floor buffers.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship status.
- A valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
- Background check clearance.
- Compliance with facility vaccination policies.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive hourly wage within the Federal Wage System:
| Position | Pay Range (Per Hour) |
|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Operator | $23.77 - $27.77 |
Benefits
Working for the VA provides more than just a paycheck. Employees benefit from:
- Robust Federal leave programs.
- Career longevity in a stable, permanent federal position.
- Opportunities for growth within the VHA.
- A collaborative work environment centered on supporting our nation's heroes.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of selection:
- Respect the Page Limit: Federal hiring plans now strictly enforce a two-page limit on resumes. Keep your content concise and results-oriented.
- Documentation is Key: Ensure your CDL and any relevant SF-50 forms (for current/former federal employees) are uploaded correctly.
- Formatting: Save your documents as PDFs to ensure they display correctly to hiring managers.
If you have a strong driving record and a desire to serve the Veteran community, this Motor Vehicle Operator position at the VA Medical Center is an excellent opportunity to build a meaningful career. Ensure your application is submitted by August 3, 2026, to be considered for this essential role.
Why This Motor Vehicle Operator Job Matters
Join the Veterans Health Administration in West Haven and play a critical role in supporting those who served our nation by ensuring the efficient delivery of essential facility operations.
Motor Vehicle Operator Job Overview
The VA Medical Center in West Haven, Connecticut, is seeking a reliable Motor Vehicle Operator to join their facility team. This position is essential to daily operations, involving the transport of vital materials such as medical supplies, linen, regulated waste, and equipment across the medical campus. You will be part of a team dedicated to the 'I CARE' values, providing a safe, clean, and efficient environment for our nation's Veterans.
Requirements for Motor Vehicle Operator
- U.S. Citizenship
- Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical examination
- Must pass a drug screening test
- Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
- Must maintain a safe driving record
- Willingness to undergo a background and security investigation
Preferred Qualifications for Motor Vehicle Operator
- Experience operating gasoline or diesel-powered heavy vehicles
- Proficiency with hydraulic tail lifts and specialized loading equipment
- Demonstrated ability to follow strict safety protocols in medical facility environments
- Strong communication skills for coordinating with facility management and work leaders
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Federal leave accrual based on tenure
- âś“Opportunities for professional growth within the VA system
- âś“Supportive work-life balance initiatives
- âś“Access to comprehensive Federal benefits packages
- âś“Predictable scheduling in a stable government environment
đź’ˇ How to Apply Motor Vehicle Operator Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Motor Vehicle Operator Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS profile
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages
- Gather necessary documentation including your valid CDL and applicable SF-50 forms
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire
- Submit your application and all required documents by the closing date of August 3, 2026
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Keep your resume to exactly two pages or less to ensure eligibility
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder for best results with federal formatting
- Clearly list all relevant experience, including volunteer work
- Ensure your CDL is active and clearly documented
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting and page limits
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of this position?
The primary focus is the safe transport of linen, furniture, regulated medical waste, and equipment across the West Haven VA Medical Center grounds.
Are there physical requirements for this job?
Yes. This position requires frequent walking, standing, climbing ladders, and lifting items that may weigh over 50 pounds.
Is a CDL mandatory?
Yes, a valid Commercial Driver's License is a core requirement for operating the heavy vehicles associated with this role.
What is the work schedule?
This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position scheduled Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Is relocation assistance offered?
No, relocation incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the nation's premier health care system for Veterans. Operating under the 'I CARE' core values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—the VA provides world-class care to those who have sacrificed for our nation. By joining the West Haven team, you become part of a massive, technologically advanced healthcare network that values its employees and offers extensive career development opportunities.