Become a Sewing Machine Operator for the Veterans Health Administration

Are you a skilled professional with an eye for detail and a desire to serve those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is looking for a talented Sewing Machine Operator to join our environmental management team in Marion, Indiana. This role is more than just sewing; it is an essential part of the care we provide to our Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As a Sewing Machine Operator, your duties are vital to the daily operations of the medical center:

Garment Alterations: Mending uniforms and performing complex alterations on apparel.
Inventory Management: Ordering, storing, and issuing uniforms while maintaining precise records.
Material Handling: Managing the distribution of linens and clothing throughout the campus.
Equipment Maintenance: Operating and maintaining industrial sewing machines and buttonhole equipment.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific federal criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Physical Standards: Ability to lift up to 45 pounds and endure long periods of standing or sitting.
Vaccinations: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Security: Successful completion of a background check is required.

Comparison Table: Qualifications

Requirement Type	Detail	Status
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen	Mandatory
Experience	Industrial Sewing	Highly Preferred
Probation	1-Year Period	Mandatory
Physical	Must pass physical exam	Mandatory

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $25.94 to $30.26 per hour, commensurate with experience and the federal wage system guidelines.

Benefits

Working for the VA comes with a robust federal benefits package, including:

Generous paid annual and sick leave.
Predictable work schedules (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM).
Job stability within the federal government.
Meaningful work that directly supports the healthcare mission.

Application Tips

Follow the Length Rule: Your resume must be two pages or less.
Be Detailed: Use your resume to describe your sewing experience, including machine types and tasks.
Use PDF: Save your documents as PDFs to ensure they remain formatted correctly.
Review Everything: Check your application package before clicking submit to avoid common errors.

If you take pride in your work and want to dedicate your skills to supporting our nation's Veterans, we invite you to apply. This role offers the perfect balance of professional challenge and personal satisfaction.

Why This Sewing Machine Operator Job Matters

Join the Department of Veterans Affairs and play a vital role in supporting our nation's heroes by ensuring their uniforms and essential textiles are meticulously maintained.

Sewing Machine Operator Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Sewing Machine Operator to join our team in Marion, Indiana. This position is essential to our Environmental Management Service, ensuring that patient clothing, lab coats, and specialty linen items are repaired, altered, and managed with precision. By joining our team, you are contributing to the comfort and care of our Veterans, working within a professional healthcare environment dedicated to service and excellence.

Requirements for Sewing Machine Operator

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must undergo a pre-employment physical examination.
Must be able to pass a background/security investigation.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must successfully complete a 1-year probationary period.
Ability to perform repetitive tasks, including standing and sitting for extended periods.
Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds continuously and occasionally up to 45 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications for Sewing Machine Operator

Demonstrated experience in operating industrial sewing equipment.
Proficiency in complex sewing techniques and garment alteration.
Ability to manage inventory, record-keeping, and supply issuance.
Strong attention to detail regarding color matching and material layout.
Experience working in a fast-paced environment with high safety and infection control standards.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly salary.
✓Comprehensive federal benefits package.
✓Generous paid time off.
✓Predictable and flexible scheduling.
✓Opportunities for professional growth within the VA system.
✓Supportive and mission-driven work environment.

💡 How to Apply Sewing Machine Operator Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Sewing Machine Operator Job

Create a profile on the official USAJOBS platform.
Review the job announcement and requirements thoroughly.
Prepare a resume that is no longer than two pages.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all required supporting documents (e.g., DD-214, SF-50).
Submit your application package before the closing date of 11/02/2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit.
Clearly define your experience with dates and hours worked per week.
Focus your resume on results-oriented language and specific skills relevant to the job.
Save and upload documents in PDF format to maintain proper formatting.
Double-check your responses to the questionnaire against the details in your resume.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of this role?

The primary mission is to maintain and repair uniforms and linens for the VA Northern Indiana Healthcare System, ensuring high-quality support for our Veteran patients.

Is a two-page resume limit strictly enforced?

Yes, federal agencies now enforce a two-page limit for resumes. Submitting a resume longer than two pages may result in ineligibility.

Are there physical requirements for this position?

Yes, you must be capable of sitting or standing for long periods, and you must be able to lift up to 45 pounds occasionally.

How do I qualify for veteran's preference?

*A: You must submit a legible copy of your DD-214 showing character of service. Specific documentation is required based on the type of preference you are claiming.*

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

*A: No. Any resume exceeding two pages will result in your application being ineligible.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care to our Veterans. Working at the VA offers a sense of purpose that is hard to find elsewhere—you are helping to fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have borne the battle and their families.