Become a Motor Vehicle Operator for the Department of Veterans Affairs
Are you looking for a career that combines your driving skills with a deep sense of purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking compassionate and reliable individuals to serve as Motor Vehicle Operators at our facilities in Idaho and Utah. This is an essential role in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) network, ensuring our nation’s heroes have reliable transit to receive the medical care they have earned.
Job Responsibilities
As a Motor Vehicle Operator, your primary duty is to transport patients safely. You will be assigned to various vehicles—from vans and buses to emergency transport units—to ferry Veterans to hospitals, clinics, and even private residences. Your daily tasks will include:
- Following scheduled routes and navigating traffic efficiently.
- Assisting patients with boarding, including operating lifts for wheelchairs.
- Ensuring passenger safety, including proper seatbelt use and securing medical equipment.
- Performing pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections, including checking fluid levels and tire pressure.
- Maintaining communication with dispatchers via mobile devices and two-way radios.
- Documenting trip details, incident reports, and inspection checklists.
Comparison: Standard vs. Compressed Shifts
Depending on your location, you may be eligible for different scheduling structures:
| Feature | Standard Schedule | Compressed Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Shift | 8-hour daily shifts | 10-hour daily shifts |
| Weekly Cycle | Monday–Friday | 8-day cycle |
| Availability | Idaho Falls, St. George, SLC | Idaho Falls, St. George |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet several federal requirements. This includes being a U.S. citizen and possessing a valid driver’s license. Candidates will be subject to a thorough background check and pre-employment physical to ensure they can meet the physical demands of the role, such as lifting heavy medical equipment and operating controls for extended periods. As this is a testing-designated position, you must also be willing to submit to drug and alcohol testing.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive hourly wage between $23.50 and $30.58. Beyond the paycheck, federal employees are eligible for a robust benefits package, which includes:
- Comprehensive Health Insurance
- Federal Retirement System participation
- Accrued Annual and Sick Leave
- Paid Federal Holidays
- Career progression training
Application Tips
When applying, remember that the VA requires a two-page resume. Use the official USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting complies with these guidelines. Focus your narrative on your experience with vehicle operation, safety, and customer service. Always double-check your application for clarity and completeness before the deadline.
If you are a safe driver with a heart for service, this role at the Veterans Health Administration could be the perfect next step in your career. Apply today to help us support the brave men and women who served our nation.
Why This Motor Vehicle Operator Job Matters
Join the Veterans Health Administration as a Motor Vehicle Operator and play a vital role in ensuring our nation's heroes get the care they need with safe, reliable transportation.
Motor Vehicle Operator Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking dedicated Motor Vehicle Operators to join the Salt Lake City VA Healthcare System. You will be responsible for the secure and efficient transport of Veterans to and from medical appointments, utilizing a variety of vehicles including vans, buses, and emergency transport units. This position is essential to the VA mission, ensuring that patients reach their appointments on time while maintaining a safe and compassionate environment.
Requirements for Motor Vehicle Operator
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Possess a valid, current driver's license.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Must be able to pass VA and DOT drug and alcohol testing.
- Must be registered for Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959).
- Must undergo a background and security investigation.
- Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Ability to perform physical tasks such as bending, lifting, and securing passengers or medical equipment.
Preferred Qualifications for Motor Vehicle Operator
- Demonstrated experience in safe driving and vehicle maintenance.
- Strong communication skills for interacting with patients and dispatchers.
- Ability to read and interpret road maps and traffic conditions effectively.
- Experience in operating specialized transport equipment for patients with disabilities.
- Reliability and high standards of dependability in time-sensitive environments.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive federal hourly pay
- âś“Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- âś“Retirement planning and Thrift Savings Plan
- âś“Paid vacation and sick leave accrual
- âś“Federal holiday leave
- âś“Professional training and development opportunities
đź’ˇ How to Apply Motor Vehicle Operator Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Motor Vehicle Operator Job
- Create or update your account on the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a concise, two-page resume highlighting your driving experience.
- Review the job questionnaire online.
- Submit your complete application package before the deadline.
- Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview requests.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume is limited to two pages to remain eligible.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure proper formatting.
- Clearly define the number of hours worked per week for each position.
- Upload supporting documents like your DD-214 or SF-50 as PDFs.
- Double-check that all required fields in the questionnaire are completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of vehicles will I be operating?
You will operate various vehicles, including patient transport vans, buses, and specialized emergency vehicles.
Are there physical requirements for this job?
Yes, you must be capable of lifting up to 50 pounds, stooping, bending, and securing wheelchairs or medical oxygen for patients.
Is a commercial driver's license required?
The job requires a valid driver's license; specific requirements regarding CDL status will be verified during the application and interview process.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is clear: to fulfill the promise made by President Lincoln to care for those who served in our military and their families. When you work for the VA, you are part of a massive team dedicated to whole-health care, support, and dignity for all Veterans.