Serving Those Who Served: Becoming a Tractor Operator at the Los Angeles National Cemetery
The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) plays a vital role in honoring America’s veterans. As a Tractor Operator, you become a guardian of these sacred grounds, ensuring that the resting places of those who served our country are maintained with the highest standards of dignity, respect, and beauty. This is more than just a job operating machinery; it is a commitment to a noble mission.
Job Responsibilities
As a Tractor Operator, you will perform a wide range of tasks essential to the daily operation of the cemetery. Your responsibilities include:
- Safely operating tractors and utility vehicles with various attachments (mowers, aerators, seeders).
- Driving equipment over diverse, often uneven, terrain to transport materials and personnel.
- Performing first-echelon maintenance, such as checking fluids, tire pressure, and grease fittings.
- Executing minor repairs and keeping equipment clean.
- Using hand tools to assist in grounds beautification around monuments and landscaping.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet several key criteria, including:
- Holding a valid, REAL ID-compliant state driver's license.
- Having the physical capability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform repetitive motions.
- Being comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Successfully passing a drug screening test.
- Passing a 1-year probationary period.
Comparison of Key Work Environments
| Feature | Cemetery Operations | Commercial Construction |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Highly sensitive, solemn | Fast-paced, high turnover |
| Terrain | Undulating, landscaped | Generally flat, cleared |
| Equipment | Mowers, tractors, augers | Cranes, bulldozers, excavators |
| Goal | Preservation & Respect | Speed & Production |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive federal wage, with pay ranging from $27.97 to $32.66 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.
Benefits
Working for the VA provides access to comprehensive federal benefits, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Retirement benefits through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Generous leave accrual including vacation and sick time.
- Access to federal employee assistance and wellness programs.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Be specific about your experience with heavy machinery and maintenance. Vague descriptions may lead to a lower rating.
- Documentation Matters: If you are a veteran, ensure your DD-214 is attached to receive preference.
- Watch the Deadline: Applications must be submitted by October 12, 2026. Do not wait until the last minute.
If you are looking for a career that combines technical skills with a profound sense of purpose, the Tractor Operator role at the Los Angeles National Cemetery is an ideal fit. Apply today to help us continue the important work of honoring our nation’s veterans.
Why This Tractor Operator Job Matters
Join the National Cemetery Administration as a Tractor Operator and serve those who served our nation by maintaining the dignity and beauty of our sacred grounds.
Tractor Operator Job Overview
The Los Angeles National Cemetery is seeking a skilled and dedicated individual to serve as a Tractor Operator. This role is essential in maintaining the hallowed grounds of our cemetery, requiring the safe operation of heavy equipment and machinery to ensure the environment remains a place of respect and honor for Veterans and their families.
Requirements for Tractor Operator
- Must possess and maintain a valid REAL ID compliant state driver's license.
- Must demonstrate proficiency in operating equipment and machinery through experience or training.
- Ability to work without more than normal supervision.
- Must be able to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to perform duties in extreme weather conditions and on rough terrain.
- Must pass a urinalysis for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
- Must serve a 1-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Tractor Operator
- Prior experience operating tractors, excavators, backhoes, and other industrial grounds-maintenance equipment.
- Strong mechanical aptitude for performing first-echelon maintenance on assigned vehicles.
- Proven history of working safely in environments with potential hazards like noise, vibration, and agricultural chemicals.
- Ability to maneuver heavy machinery around sensitive obstacles such as grave markers, trees, and shrubs.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health insurance programs
- ✓Competitive hourly wage
- ✓Life and long-term care insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP)
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave
- ✓Career advancement and training opportunities within the Department of Veterans Affairs
💡 How to Apply Tractor Operator Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Tractor Operator Job
- Log in or create an account on USAJOBS.
- Review the full vacancy announcement and gather all required documentation (resume, DD-214, etc.).
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload your resume and any required supporting documents.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of October 12, 2026.
- Monitor your application status via your USAJOBS account dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically details your experience with heavy equipment operation and mechanical maintenance.
- Do not include personal photos or sensitive information like social security numbers on your resume.
- Check your application status regularly via the USAJOBS portal after submitting.
- Be precise when describing your hours worked, as full-time is defined as 35-40 hours per week.
- Double-check that all required supporting documents, especially veterans' preference documents, are uploaded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary responsibility of a Tractor Operator at the cemetery?
You will be responsible for the safe operation of tractors and other heavy equipment to maintain cemetery grounds, including mowing, clearing, and transporting materials, while ensuring all work is done with respect for the site.
Are there specific physical requirements for this job?
Yes. You must be able to lift 50 pounds, perform work on rough terrain, and withstand prolonged periods of standing, bending, and stooping in outdoor weather conditions.
Is a driver's license required?
Yes, you must hold and maintain a valid, REAL ID-compliant state driver's license to operate equipment on and off the premises.
Do I need a professional certification to apply?
*A: While no specific length of training is mandated, you must prove your ability to safely operate equipment and maintain machinery.*
Is the work schedule flexible?
*A: This position requires availability for Monday through Friday, but you may be required to work weekends and holidays, especially during major observances like Memorial Day.*
Job from National Cemetery Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and its National Cemetery Administration are dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." By maintaining national shrines, the NCA ensures that the legacy of our veterans is preserved for generations to come.