Job Listing: Cemetery Caretaker

Duty Locations

 1 vacancy - Natchez, MS

 

Vacancy Identification Number (VIN):  RP192169 (Include on all documents)

 

Mission, Vision, and Purpose

The National Cemetery Administration honors veterans with final resting places in national shrines and with lasting tributes that commemorate their service to our nation.  The National Cemetery Administration will serve all veterans and their families with the utmost dignity, respect, and compassion.  Every national cemetery will be a place that inspires visitors to understand and appreciate the service and sacrifice of our Nation's veterans.

For more information regarding the National Cemetery Administration, visit www.cem.va.gov.

As a Cemetery Caretaker will have the opportunity to perform a variety of grounds, equipment and building maintenance and participate in interment operations.

NOTE:  In order to view and/or print the entire announcement, please scroll to the bottom of this page and click on "Print Preview"; then "Print".  Otherwise, you may miss important instructions on how to apply for this position.

APPLICANT CHECKLIST:  Please use this checklist to ensure compliance with all application requirements.  We recommend that you print a copy of this checklist for reference while completing your application package.  Detailed instructions of the application process are included after the checklist.  Be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully.

_____ Responses to the Assessment Questionnaire. (see Step 1)

_____ Resume (see Step 2 for the information you should include on your resume) or Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612).

_____ If you are faxing your documentation, the United States Application Cover Page must be used in order to link your documents with your on-line questionnaire.  Failure to provide this cover page - or the use of a different cover page - will prohibit your documentation from being processed.  (see Step 3 for url)

_____ If a particular level of education/certification is required OR if you are asking us to qualify you based upon your education, you must submit a copy of your college transcript or an appropriate course listing. (see Step 3)

_____ Veterans must provide a legible copy of DD-214(s) showing all dates of service as well as character of service (honorable, general, etc.).  Note:  More than one DD-214 may be needed to show all dates of service. (see Step 3)

_____  Disabled veterans and other veterans eligible for 10-point preference must also submit an SF-15 (version December 2004) with required proof as stated on the form. (see Step 3)

Major Duties

The incumbent performs tasks relative to maintenance of cemetery grounds, as well as operates varying types and sizes of equipment in maintenance of cemetery grounds to include; power mowers (riding and walking) with leaf  mulcher and lawn sweeper attachments; ½ ton dump truck to transport dirt, sand, leaves, equipment and/or supplies within the cemetery; electric driven grass and shrubbery trimmers and shears, together with portable electric generator to supply power; gasoline powered saw in cutting felled trees; gasoline powered plow rotiller; electric carborundum wheel to sharpen tools; performs mechanical repairs and operator maintenance on equipment. The incumbent plants, transplants and performs minor pruning on trees and shrubbery, and applies compound to trees where limbs are removed; sprigs and sods grass, broadcasts seeds, fertilizer and lime; following instructions on products labels or as directed by supervisor, measures and mixes insecticides and herbicides and applies to lawn and plantings by hand or by mechanical  means. Performs incidental carpentry tasks such as replacing handles on tools, door knobs, hinges, making wooden boxes, post signs, etc.; uses hammers, drills, and other common carpentry tools; brush paints such items as doors, benches, signs, and fence; performs incidental spray painting. Perform mechanical repair tasks: performs repairs to tractor, power  mowers, pick-up truck, dump truck, mulchers, power tools, etc., which typically requires minor repairs to include; removing and  replacing generators, starters,  tail lights, seal beam lights, stop light switches, fan belts, cleaning and/or replacing spark plugs, installing fuel pumps and tie-rods, diagnosing and repairing shorts and similar mechanical failures; performs and preventive maintenance on all equipment before and after use.  Frequent heavy physical effort is required in performing tasks involving lifting and moving objects weighing over 45 pounds or more. Work is performed primarily outside and subject to extreme heat and inclement weather conditions.  Performs other related duties as assigned.

 ***RELOCATION EXPENSES AND/OR INCENTIVES ARE NOT AUTHORIZED*** 

How to Apply

PLEASE NOTE: 

It is your responsibility to insure that all application materials are RECEIVED by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date of the announcement (Thursday, June 19, 2008) in order to be considered.  We cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, interruptions in internet service, etc. 
You must submit a complete application package.  Failure to provide complete information may result in your not receiving consideration for this position.
You must submit your assessment questionnaire online (through Application Manager) or  on OPM Form 1203-FX (and faxed).  Do not send printouts of your Application Manager Questionnaire Answers.  If you fax your application and/or documentation, please keep a copy of your fax transmittal receipt for future verification, if necessary.
You will not be contacted for additional information.  DO NOT contact our offices for verification of receipt or status reports - we do not provide this information.
Your application materials will not be returned.  Do not submit original documents that you may need in the future.
Your application must be completed on-line or faxed. This office does not accept applications by electronic mail (e-mail), regular mail, or in person. 

Applying for this position is as easy as 1, 2, 3...

Just by following three steps, you will submit a complete application package and receive consideration for this position.  Be sure to follow the steps carefully and complete all three.  Each step is described in detail below.

Your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire, (which may be completed electronically or on the OPM Form 1203FX and faxed), 
Your resume or OF-612  (which may be completed electronically, uploaded, or faxed), and
Other documents specified in this job announcement (which may be uploaded or faxed).

Use Application Manager for convenience and quickest processing.  Track your progress to a Complete Application Package using My Application Packages checklist and status displays in Application Manager.  Your Application Package status must be Complete by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2008.

STEP 1: 

Complete and submit the Assessment Questionnaire. The questionnaire must be completed and submitted in order to receive consideration for this position.

PLEASE NOTE:  We highly encourage you to complete the Assessment Questionnaire online as it is the most efficient way to process your responses.  Using paper application forms may delay the processing of your application.  If you are unable to complete the Assessment Questionnaire online, go to STEP 3 of this announcement and refer to the alternatives described under "Alternative Methods for Completing the Application Package" 

You must provide responses to all required questions. Be sure to double check your application before submission and click on "SUBMIT" when it is complete.  Your application is not transmitted to us until you submit it.

To complete your Assessment Questionnaire online, click the following link:

Online Questionnaire

or enter https://ApplicationManager.org  You can save your work and come back later.  To return to Application Manager at any time by simply going back to this web address. 

The Assessment Questionnaire must be completed and submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2008.

ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE

Social Security Number

Enter your Social Security Number in the space indicated.  Providing your Social Security Number is voluntary, however we cannot process your application without it.

Vacancy Identification Number

RP192169

 

1. Title of Job

Cemetery Caretaker 

 

2. Biographic Data

3. E-Mail Address

Please enter your e-mail address in the space provided.  If you do not provide an e-mail address you may not receive a notice of your results. 

4. Work Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

5. Employment Availability

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

6. Citizenship

Are you a citizen of the United States?

7. Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

8. Other Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

9. Languages

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

10. Lowest Grade

Enter the lowest grade (05) you will accept for this position.

05
11. Miscellaneous Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

12. Special Knowledge

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

13. Test Location

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

14. Veteran Preference Claim

15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service

16. Availability Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

17. Service Computation Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

18. Other Date Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

19. Job Preference

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

20. Occupational Specialties

The specialty code(s) for this position is (are):
001 Cemetery Caretaker
21. Geographic Availability

The location code(s) for this position is (are):

 

0049 Natchez, MS
22. Transition Assistance Plan

23. Job Related Experience

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

24. Personal Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

25. Occupational/Assessment Questions:

1. From the descriptions below, choose the one letter beside the statement that best describes the highest level of experience that you possess and that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of a Cemetery Caretaker without more than normal supervision. This is a screen-out element. Example: experience in grounds, equipment and/or facilities maintenance. Failure to meet a minimum level will result in an ineligible rating. Select only one letter.

A. I have no vocational training or experience working in grounds, equipment and/or facilities maintenance.
B. I have experience performing the duties of a grounds, equipment and/or facilities maintenance worker under close supervision.
C. I have experience performing the duties of a grounds, equipment and/or facilities maintenance worker under normal supervision.
D. I have experience performing the duties of a journeyman Cemetery Caretaker independently under limited supervision.
E. I have experience as a Cemetery Caretaker Supervisor or Foreman, or I am consulted by journeyman Cemetery Caretakers in difficult situations because of my expertise in this area.

2. I have a valid state driver's license.

A. Yes.
B. No.

For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. Darken the oval corresponding to that statement in Section 25 of the Qualifications and Availability Form C. Please select only one letter for each item.

A- I know little or nothing about this.
B- I have had study or training in this.
C- I have used my knowledge or ability, but I have been closely supervised.
D- I have used my knowledge or ability on my own, under normal supervision.
E- I am consulted by other journeypersons in difficult situations, or I am called on to do unusually difficult jobs.

3. Prepare and maintain graves for burial (i.e., tamping and leveling graves, and setting and aligning headstones).

4. Remove sod and set aside for replacement on closed graves.

5. Place outline marker(s) around grave.

6. Set up and maintain committals shelters.

7. Place and remove chairs and casket carrier, as necessary.

8. Transport remains and flowers to gravesite.

9. Position casket carrier/lowering device or hand straps.

10. Lower casket into grave with a lowering device or hand straps.

11. Backfill and tamp graves according to policy.

12. Deepen existing graves.

13. Repair sunken graves.

14. Set and align headstones and markers.

15. Remove water from graves.

16. Prepares graves for seeding and plants seeds.

17. Digs and squares graves using pneumatic equipment, picks and shovels.

18. Locates and prepares gravesites.

19. Trim, prune and transplant trees and shrubbery.

20. Perform seasonal gardening tasks such as fertilizing, laying sod, and raking.

21. Paint interior and exterior surfaces using a brush or roller.

22. Perform minor carpentry tasks such as replacing handles on tools, replacing hinges, or replacing doors.

23. Perform general maintenance such as patching plaster, replacing window glass, etc.

24. Apply sealer to asphalt drives.

25. Perform janitorial duties.

26. Perform minor equipment maintenance and repairs such as, checking and changing oil, and checking water, tire pressure, grease, etc.

27. Perform required scheduled maintenance on vehicles.

28. Removes trees, clears undeveloped areas with chainsaws, pickaxe etc.

29. Mow and trim grass using a riding mower with up to a 60" cutting deck.

30. Mow and trim grass using a walk-behind mower.

31. Maintain lawn using power edger, trimmers, and weed eaters.

32. Operate a variety of gasoline and electric powered equipment.

33. Operate garden or farm tractors with hydraulic attachments such as carts, buckets, diggers, blades, spreaders, edger, mowers, and snow blades.

34. Operate self contained power units, i.e. air compressors, tampers, pumps, generators, etc.

35. Operate garden or farm tractors with non-hydraulic attachments such as carts, buckets, diggers, blades, spreaders, edger, mowers, and snow blades.

36. Use rake or sweeper to remove grass, leaves, and weeds.

37. Use a hand operated distributor to apply fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides to lawn, trees, and shrubs.

38. Use a power distributor to apply fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides to lawn, trees, and shrubs.

39. Operate motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of, up to, and including 22,000 pounds, capable of carrying loads weighing up to and including 3 tons.

40. Clean headstones and markers using pressure washer.

41. Interpret and follow established procedures.

42. Interpret and follow written instructions.

43. Follow oral instructions.

44. Read written instructions on the use and maintenance of tools and equipment.

45. Follow written directions and work plans.

46. Determine building repairs needed based on verbal descriptions of problems (i.e., complaints from customers).

47. Using shop math, determine the length of wood, pipe, wire, etc. needed to complete a job.

48. Wears protective clothing and equipment.

49. Work safely in hazardous situations.

50. Operate equipment safely in adverse weather conditions, i.e. rain, snow, ice, etc.

51. Operate equipment safely with other workers present.

52. Ability to lift objects weighing over 50 pounds.

53. Ability to maneuver safely large vehicles such as dump trucks, and in hooking up equipment attachments to tractors.

54. Operate motor vehicles, passenger cars, pick-up trucks, stake trucks, carry-all, and or forklift.

You must now complete and submit additional application materials (by Thursday, June 19, 2008) as required by this vacancy announcement via uploading or faxing this information.  To fax application materials, refer to the instructions in Alternative Methods for Completing the Application Package after Step 3 of this vacancy announcement. 

STEP 2: 

Submit your choice of a Resume or an OF-612 - Optional Application for Federal Employment available at www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of612.pdf .  We must receive a complete resume or OF 612 in order to determine your qualifications for this position.

Your RESUME must include the following information:

Vacancy Information: Announcement Number (RP192169), Position Title (Cemetery Caretaker), and grade (05/05);
Personal Information:
Your full legal name and mailing address
Day and Evening telephone numbers including area code
Country of citizenship
Social Security number
Work experience (NOTE:  You must include the following information in order to receive credit for your experience):
Name and address of employer
Your job title
The beginning and ending month and year of your employment
The average hours worked per week.  Full-time work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week.  Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities.  Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the number of hours a week spent in such employment
Your supervisor's name and phone number (indicate if we may call your supervisor);
A description of your duties that is sufficiently detailed to document the level of your experience.  If the position is (was) with the Federal government (military or civilian), state the series and grade or pay grade (rank) and the date of last promotion
Education:  Name, location, and dates of attendance for colleges attended (if required). Type and date of degree received (if any);
Other:  Training, license(s), or certification(s) relevant to the position

Do not submit letters of recommendation, performance appraisals, position descriptions, examples of your work, etc.  This additional information will not be forwarded to the hiring facility.

STEP 3: 

Submit other required application materials, as applicable.

- If you are using education to qualify, you must submit copies of college transcripts or a course listing that identifies for each course completed: the college or university, semester or quarter hours earned, grade, and grade-point average received.

- If you are applying for Veterans’ Preference, you must submit evidence of eligibility, such as: DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), or Standard Form 15 (Application for 10-Point Veterans’ Preference version dated December 2004), and the proof requested on the form.   For Access to DD214 and military records click on this link -  Military Information.  To print a copy of the SF15 go to www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf . 

 

Be sure to complete all THREE STEPS of the application process described above in order to submit a complete application package and receive consideration for this position. 

 

ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR COMPLETING THE APPLICATION PACKAGE

To Complete the Assessment Questionnaire manually, you will need a copy of the answer sheet, referred to as the Occupational Questionnaire - OPM Form 1203-FX which can be obtained electronically at

http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/opm1203fx.pdf ;

or by calling USAJOBS at 703-724-1850; follow the instructions given;

or by visiting the Human Resources Management Service of the VA Medical Center at the duty location. 

You will also need a copy of the vacancy announcement to use as a guide in answering the questions.  You must provide responses to all required questions. Some questions may request an additional written response to support your answer, such as "Please explain or provide additional information to support your response to the above question."  When additional information is requested, please provide your answer(s) on a separate sheet of paper with the corresponding questionnaire number indicated, and type or print your answers legibly.  You may omit any sections marked “optional” and be sure to double check your application before submission.  NOTE:  The Questionnaire answer sheet is six pages long -- all six pages MUST be submitted even when the number of questions does not exceed page 5.  In this case, please complete the top of Page 6 with your social security number and the vacancy ID number. 

You may submit the Form 1203-FX, resume and any supporting documents by fax.

If you are faxing a Form 1203-FX, do not use a separate cover sheet.  Simply make sure the Form 1203-FX is on top of any other documents you are faxing.

If you are faxing any documents without the Form 1203-FX on top, always use the official cover sheet which is here - http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf .  Be sure to fill it out completely and clearly.  Place your documents in the following order: US Government Application Cover Page;  Resume or OF 612 (Application for Employment); Other required application materials.

The fax number is 1-478-757-3144.  Feed all documents into your fax machine top first so that we receive them right-side up.  If you fax your documents using any other cover sheet, you may not receive consideration.

Mailed, e-mailed or hand delivered applications will not be accepted.  If you are unable to upload your documents after completing the Occupational Questionnaire online, you may FAX your documents (resume, transcripts, etc.) as instructed above.

Required Documents:

All of the government forms mentioned in the above statements can be downloaded from the following web address:  www.opm.gov/forms or obtained at the Human Resources Management Office of the duty station.

Contact Information:
NCA HRC DEU-SAC

Phone: (317)226-0219

Fax: (478)757-3144

Email: NCAHRC@va.gov


Or write:
NCA Human Resources Center Indianapolis
PLEASE DO NOT MAIL APPLICATIONS
APPLY ONLINE OR BY FAX ONLY
THANK YOU, IN 00000

Fax: (478)757-3144


What To Expect Next:

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire.  The questionnaire is designed to capture the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.  The evaluation you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire and is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of this position.

If your application does not support your responses to the questionnaire, or if you are not able to provide verifying documentation, it may affect your evaluation or result in your name being removed from further consideration.

If you are eligible for veterans' preference, you will be given preference based on the documentation you submit.  Please see the "Veterans Information" section of this announcement for details.

This office will not contact you to discuss missing or illegible documents. 

Once your qualifications have been evaluated, your application will be assigned a numeric score.  Candidates will be ranked in score order with appropriate points added for veterans' preference. 

An ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION LETTER will be sent to applicants who provide an e-mail address.  If you do not provide an e-mail address, you will receive a notification letter via the U.S. Postal Service.  Normal processing time is 4 - 6 weeks.  This office is responsible for initial evaluation ONLY.  Facilities are responsible for contacting eligible applicants thereafter.