Engineering Equipment Operator: Build a Career with the VA
Are you an experienced equipment operator looking for a stable career with excellent benefits? The VA Boston Healthcare System is currently hiring an Engineering Equipment Operator for its West Roxbury, Massachusetts campus. This role is vital to the daily operations of our medical facilities, ensuring that our infrastructure and grounds are maintained to the highest standards for our nation's Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As an Engineering Equipment Operator, your work involves more than just driving machinery. You will:
- Operate gasoline- and diesel-powered equipment including backhoes, skid loaders, and front-end loaders.
- Perform site maintenance tasks such as grading, digging, and snow removal.
- Assist with facility groundskeeping, including pruning, fertilizing, and material transport.
- Interpret technical work orders and prioritize daily tasks with high initiative.
- Maintain equipment in clean, functional, and safe condition.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, you must demonstrate the skill and aptitude to perform the work without extensive supervision. Key requirements include:
- U.S. citizenship.
- Ability to pass background and suitability checks.
- Physical capability to lift 50+ pounds and work in varied weather/terrain.
- Must secure a Massachusetts Hoist Operators License post-hire.
- Adherence to the two-page resume limit for all federal applicants.
Comparison of Benefits
| Benefit Feature | Federal (VA) Standard | Typical Private Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Paid Time Off | 37-50 days (incl. holidays) | Varies (often less) |
| Pension Plan | Yes (Federal) | Rare |
| Health Coverage | Extensive (Carrier-portable) | Varies |
| Job Security | High (Competitive Service) | Varies |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive hourly rate ranging from $33.14 to $38.66. Pay may be adjusted based on unique qualifications or agency needs, ensuring you are compensated fairly for your specialized skills.
Serving our Veterans requires a committed team in every aspect of facility management. If you possess the mechanical skills and the drive to contribute to a critical mission, we encourage you to apply. Follow the application guidelines, keep your resume concise, and join us in providing excellent care to our community.
Why This Engineering Equipment Operator Job Matters
Power your career while serving those who served. Join the VA Boston Healthcare team as an Engineering Equipment Operator and make a tangible impact on our West Roxbury campus facilities.
Engineering Equipment Operator Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Engineering Equipment Operator to join the Facility Management department at the VA Boston Healthcare System in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. This full-time, 40-hour-per-week position involves operating a wide range of gasoline- and diesel-powered construction and utility equipment. The successful candidate will play a vital role in maintaining our campus grounds, handling material logistics, and ensuring our facilities remain safe and accessible for our nation's Veterans.
Requirements for Engineering Equipment Operator
- U.S. Citizenship (with limited exceptions for non-citizens when qualified citizens are unavailable).
- Must be able to pass a background investigation for federal employment suitability.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service System.
- Must obtain a Massachusetts Hoist Operators License after hiring.
- Ability to perform moderate to heavy physical labor, including lifting over 50 pounds.
- Must be able to endure regular bending, kneeling, and exposure to equipment vibrations.
- Submission of a two-page maximum resume per federal merit hiring guidelines.
- Completion of a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Engineering Equipment Operator
- Documented experience in operating heavy earth-moving equipment such as backhoes, front-end loaders, and skid loaders.
- Proven track record of safe operation of commercial-sized vehicles and hydraulic attachments.
- Demonstrated ability to follow technical specifications and construction site instructions.
- Experience in grounds maintenance, including soil preparation, pruning, and seasonal material handling (snow, salt, sand).
- Evidence of strong mechanical aptitude and equipment maintenance skills.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive hourly pay with potential for step increases.
- âś“Generous paid leave (13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year).
- âś“11 paid federal holidays annually.
- âś“Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
- âś“Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance plans.
- âś“Traditional federal pension and 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with employer matching.
- âś“Childcare subsidy for eligible families with income below $144,000.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Engineering Equipment Operator Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Engineering Equipment Operator Job
- Create or log into your account on the official USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, including your most recent SF-50 if you are a federal employee.
- Submit your final application package before the closing date of September 11, 2026.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; any document longer than two pages will disqualify you automatically.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet all formatting and length requirements.
- Highlight specific equipment you have operated to help the agency assess your qualifications accurately.
- Save your resume as a PDF to ensure all formatting is preserved during the upload process.
- Check your application status regularly via the USAJOBS dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary equipment used in this role?
You will operate various facility-owned or rental equipment, including wheel skid loaders, front-end loaders, forklifts, backhoes, trench diggers, and mowers.
Is a commercial driver's license required?
While you must obtain a Massachusetts Hoist Operators License after being hired, the role emphasizes the operation of construction equipment, and you must maintain general safety standards for motor vehicle operation.
What is the work schedule?
The position operates on a standard Monday through Friday schedule, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class care to those who have served in the military. Our "I CARE" core values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—guide everything we do. As part of our team, you contribute to a mission-driven environment that values professional development and long-term career stability.