Washington, DC

U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Job Grading Appeal Decision
Under sections 5103 and 5346(c) of title 5, United States Code

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Robert D. Hendler
Classification and Pay Claims
Program Manager
Agency Compliance and Evaluation
Merit System Accountability and Compliance

12/24/2014

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Date

Introduction

The appellant is employed with the National Capital Region (NCR), National Park Service (NPS), at the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) in Washington, D.C.  His job is currently graded as a Laborer, WG-3502-3, and believes that his job should be graded as Maintenance Worker, WG-4749-6, or Gardener, WG-5003-6.  The appeal was received by OPM on June 11, 2014, and the agency administrative report (AAR) on July 14, 2014.  We accepted and decided this appeal under the provisions of section 5346 of title 5, United States Code (U.S.C.). 

Job information

The two major components of the appellant’s job are cleaning the iconic monuments and memorials on the National Mall and in the Memorial Parks and performing grounds maintenance duties.  To this end, he operates power equipment such as high pressure water jets, mows lawns, collects waste, cleans restrooms and office areas, clips shrubs, rakes leaves, blows snow, and assists with planting flowers.  He is also expected to regularly operate and service a gas powered utility cart (carryall) for work purposes.  The appellant’s job requires a considerable amount of physical ability and effort to accomplish the assigned tasks.  Each day he is assigned an area of responsibility with objectives that are generally set by the Maintenance Worker Supervisor responsible for his area.  The appellant identifies what needs to be done and largely carries out assignments independently.  The JD of record provides an accurate and more detailed description of his duties and responsibilities and we incorporate it by reference into this decision.

In reaching our job grading decision, we have carefully reviewed all information furnished by the appellant and his agency, including the official JD #3426-0000161, and obtained during telephone interviews with the appellant and his supervisor and from an on-site review conducted October 28, 2014.  Both the appellant and his supervisor agree that the official JD accurate.  However, our audit findings show that the appellant’s JD does not fully meet the standard of adequacy found in the Introduction to the Position Classification Standards.  The appellant’s JD fails to document that he must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's permit, as previous job description 3405-0000104 stated.  Since JD’s must meet the standard of adequacy as provided in the Introduction to the Position Classification Standards, the agency must revise the appellant’s JD to meet that standard.

Series, title, and standard determination

The appellant’s job involves work in several federal wage system occupations.  Guidance in Section III of the Introduction to the Federal Wage System Job Grading System (Introduction) states that jobs requiring the performance of work in two or more occupations are coded to the occupation that is most important for recruitment, selection, placement, promotion, or reduction-in-force purposes.  The agency assigned the appellant’s job to the 3502 occupation; however, the appellant contests this.  The appellant contends that given the variety of duties he performs, his job should be assessed under the Maintenance Mechanic, 4749, series or the Gardening, 5003, series. 

The  4749 Maintenance Mechanic Job Grading Standard (JGS) covers work involved in the maintenance and repair of grounds, exterior structures, buildings, and related fixtures and utilities, requiring the use of a variety of trade practices associated with occupations such as carpentry, masonry, plumbing, electrical, air conditioning, cement work, painting, and other related trades.  Although the appellant's work involves the maintenance of grounds, trade practices are considered skilled handicraft, as indicated in the examples contained in the JGS (i.e., carpentry, plumbing, etc.).  Our fact-finding revealed that the appellant’s work does not require knowledge of or skill in trade practices, nor is there anything in the information of record that suggests such skill requirements.  Therefore, applying the 4749 JGS to the appellant’s work is inappropriate.        

The 5003 Gardening JGS covers work requiring knowledge of gardening procedures and skill in growing and tending lawns, flowers, shrubs, and trees.  The work includes preparing soil for plants, seeding, thinning, transplanting, trimming, pruning, fertilizing, aerating, mulching, spraying, and dusting of grass, ground cover, flowers, shrubs, and trees.  Our fact-finding revealed that the appellant’s work does involve duties such as laying sod, preparing flower beds, trimming, planting, watering plants, clipping shrubs, and mulching.  However, the scope and breadth of knowledge required to perform the work associated with the 5003 series exceed that necessary to perform the appellant’s job.  We find that the limited nature of his gardening-related duties does not meet the minimum skill and knowledge requirements for the 5003 series which requires knowledge of gardening procedures such as fertilization techniques, recognizing plant diseases and reporting these conditions to the supervisor, and looking for plant insects such as leaf miners, scale, borers and slugs.  Thus, the work performed by the appellant does not meet the full intent of the Gardening occupation.  Therefore, applying the 5003, JGS to the appellant’s work is also inappropriate.       

The 3502 Laboring JGS covers work that primarily requires physical effort and ability to perform laboring duties that involve little or no specialized skill or prior work experience.  The work typically involves duties such as loading and unloading trucks, moving office furniture, mowing lawns and trimming shrubs, and clearing and digging ditches.  The appellant's job is properly assigned to the 3502 occupation as this work represents the primary purpose of his job and was the basis for recruitment and selection for the job.  Also, our fact- finding revealed that the appellant’s work involves the regular and recurring operation of a motor vehicle as defined in the 5703 Motor Vehicle Operating JGS and, therefore, we find the “Motor Vehicle Operator” parenthetical is needed. 

The appellant's job is properly titled and coded as Laborer (Motor Vehicle Operator), WG-3502.  We have used the 3502 JGS and the 5703 JGS for grade-level determination.        

Grade determination

Job Grading Standards contain job grading criteria expressed in terms of four factors: Skill and Knowledge, Responsibility, Physical Effort, and Working Conditions.  These factors provide a framework within which the occupation is structured as well as specifically applicable criteria for evaluating the level of work.

Evaluation Using the 3502 JGS

As mentioned above, the 3502 JGS covers work that primarily requires physical effort and ability to perform laboring duties that involve little or no specialized skill or prior work experience.  The work typically involves duties such as loading and unloading trucks, moving office furniture, mowing lawns and trimming shrubs, and clearing and digging ditches. 

Skill and Knowledge

This factor covers the nature and level of skill, knowledge and mental application required in performing assigned work.  Jobs vary in such ways as the kind, amount, and depth of skill and knowledge needed, as well as in the manner, frequency, and extent to which they are used. 

At grade 3, laborers have knowledge and skill in the operation, control, and cleaning of heavy power equipment (e.g., single-function power lawn mowers with one or more cutting decks and mechanical controls, chain saws, and jackhammers).  They also know how to work safely with heavy tools such as axes, picks, chain saws, etc.  Grade 3 laborers operate weight-handling devices such as electric hand trucks or lifts, pallet jacks, and dollies to move very heavy loads.  They also complete assignments involving several familiar processes which require remembering directions and/or sequences such as mixing cement or asphalt to repair walkways.  The nature of the duties and the kind of equipment used require continual care and attention both to avoid accidents and to complete work according to established schedules. 

At grade 4, the highest grade level described in the 3502 JGS, laborers have the skill and knowledge to operate and control large, complex riding mowers and similar types of specialized mowing equipment.  The nature of the duties and the types of equipment operated at this level require a higher level of skill than at the grade 3 level due to the fact that the equipment is typically operated in areas that require constant attention to working space and environment (e.g., equipment height and width when working around trees, trenches, large potholes, slopes, curbs, rocks and other visible obstacles).  Grade 4 laborers are skilled in the operation of various controls and levers to maneuver equipment and lift/lower, adjust, engage/disengage components or attached devices.  Attachments are designed to support the function of the equipment and require minimal mechanical knowledge to attach and operate.

In some work situations, grade 4 laborers may also have skills and knowledge to complete all aspects of special assignments involving several steps, phases, or detailed procedures (e.g., preparing ground, laying sod, planting flowers or shrubs, and using simple drawings to establish a planting pattern and/or design).  Assignments of this nature typically require a practical knowledge of project requirements.

An on-site review of the appellant’s job revealed that in addition to operating simple walk-behind mowers, he is also required to operate large zero-turn radius riding lawn mowers over and across the National Mall and Memorial Parks and the surrounding areas.  This area covers a great swath of green that stretches from the Washington Monument to the Potomac River.  A zero-turn radius mower is a mower that can rotate 180 degrees and move away on the same path that it came in on.  These types of mowers enable the appellant to cut large areas of grass while mowing close to landscaping and buildings.  Aside from cutting large areas of grass, these machines are also capable of accommodating a host of attachments.  One such mower the appellant operates is a Toro Groundmaster model 325-D which is a 4-wheel drive, 25- horsepower, 3-cylinder, diesel-fueled mower equipped with a 72” cutting deck.  The mower has two small swiveling front tires, two large tires in the middle, and two medium-sized tires in the back.  The appellant also operates a Grasshopper model 325-D riding mower.  Similar to the Groundmaster, the Grasshopper 325-D is also a 25-horsepower, 3-cylinder, zero-turn, diesel-fueled mower equipped with a 72” cutting deck.  Though the appellant exclusively uses the machine to mow, the grasshopper 325-D is an all-seasons machine that allows for mowing, aerating, dethatching, spraying turf, picking up leaves, and blowing snow.  These machines' size, complexity, and functionality classify them properly as large complex riding mowers.  To operate these mowers, the appellant must be skilled in the operation of various controls and levers to steer, control the ground speed, direct, and apply brakes.  Steering these mowers is controlled by changing the speed of the drive tires.  The speed is controlled by two levers that protrude on either side of the driver and extend over the lap.  Similar to the Grasshopper, the appellant also operates an Exmark S-Series riding mower with many of the same features as the Grasshopper in terms of lever control, zero-turn capabilities, and cutting deck size.  We consider these types of equipment to be large complex riding mowers and the knowledge and practices associated with the appellant’s mowing duties to be akin to the grade 4. 

Additionally, as at grade 4, the appellant possesses the skills and knowledge necessary to complete all aspects of special gardening assignments involving several steps, phases, or detailed procedures.  The appellant’s supervisor confirmed that the appellant is regularly involved with gardening duties that consist of preparing ground for planting and planting flowers/shrubs.  At the beginning of the planting season, he is required to help till the soil and plant bedding plants in designated flowerbeds.  He is often required to remove weeds by hand-pulling and using hand tools.  He pulls flowers from flowerbeds after first frost when the growing season ends.  The appellant even provided a work sample which, though not created by him, established a planting pattern which he was required to work from in order to plant flowers in beds in the Floral Library located along Maine Avenue.  Though not regular and recurring, he also has been required to lay sod on occasion.  

Given the above considerations, we find the appellant’s skill and knowledge applied to perform his work meet grade 4.

Responsibility

This factor covers the nature and degree of responsibility involved in performing work.  Positions vary in responsibility in such ways as the complexity and scope of work assigned, the difficulty and frequency of judgments and decisions made, the kind of supervisory controls, and the nature of work instructions and technical guides used.  

At grade 3, laborers are given general instructions by the supervisor.  They do not require detailed instructions or continual supervision of routine duties.  Laborers at this level receive direct supervision for special assignments and are given specific time frames for accomplishment.  They are responsible for completing work after getting initial oral or written instructions.  Grade 3 laborers are responsible for obtaining assistance or using appropriate equipment or safety devices when lifting and moving very heavy objects.  Continual care is required due to the nature of the work, the type of equipment used, and the weight handled.  The supervisor checks work on a random basis for timeliness, work practices, and compliance with instructions.

At grade 4, laborers select the most appropriate types of equipment to accomplish each phase of the work in the most productive and cost-effective manner.  Laborers at this level must perform duties in the safest possible manner to avoid creation of hazardous situations that may result in personal injuries or property damage.  Grade 4 laborers must demonstrate safe and efficient operating techniques in the operation of specialized equipment.  They regularly exercise judgment to accomplish work using this equipment. Completed work may be reviewed by the supervisor for overall accomplishment, quality, care of equipment, and fulfillment of project requirements.

Our on-site review revealed that the appellant’s grounds maintenance duties require him to perform his duties with a great deal of caution due to the fact that he typically operates in areas that require constant attention to working space and environment.  The National Mall and Memorial Parks and their surrounding areas consist of community parks, national monuments, riverfronts, scenic parkways, trails, bike paths, and historic canals.  Careless operation of the riding mowers, combined with terrain type, could lead to personal injury or worse.  The appellant must be skilled and trained in how to carefully operate the mower on hillsides, slopes, around curbs, and in areas around trees.  For example, the slopes he is required to mow along 14^th Street are considerably steep in certain areas, so much so that the mowers require a roll cage to be attached to the rear to prevent them from tipping over.  Additionally, along Maine Avenue there are sections of ground that are abundant with trees spaced closely together and lampposts which require the appellant to safely and effectively mow around to prevent personal injuries or property damage.  The grasslands the appellant is required to mow around the Tidal Basin contain retaining walls, bike trails and walking paths that must all be carefully considered when cutting.  Furthermore, every day scores of people visit the National Mall and Memorial Parks to recreate, yet the appellant is still required to carry out his grounds maintenance duties about and around these hordes of people.  Though he can at times set barricades as a safety measure, the areas still require constant attention to working space and environment to prevent collisions, mishaps, or ricochets caused by spinning mower blades which can lead to thrown object injuries.

As a Laborer, the appellant is required to operate and control high pressure water jet cleaners and steam cleaners.  While these high pressure cleaners can be effective for cleaning, the possibility of physical injury exists if they are improperly operated.  The appellant is required to demonstrate safe and efficient operating techniques of this equipment at all times, as again he is often working in areas with a high volume of people around him.  Therefore, these responsibilities also require constant attention to working space and environment.  High pressure water jet cleaners are extremely powerful and can cut skin and bones at close distances; i.e., the distances used to clean surfaces.  In order to avoid hazardous situations and to prevent injuries, generally the appellant’s work area should have warning barriers such as barricades when he is operating this equipment.       

The appellant’s supervisor assigns daily work through oral and/or written instructions that indicate the type of work to be done.  The appellant routinely carries out his mowing and cleaning assignments independently, and completed work is reviewed by his supervisor for overall accomplishment, quality, care of equipment, and fulfillment of project requirements.     

Given the above considerations, we find the appellant’s level of responsibility applied to perform his work meets grade 4.

This factor is properly evaluated at grade 4.        

Physical effort

This factor covers the physical effort exerted in performing assigned work.  Positions vary in such ways as the nature, degree, frequency, and duration of muscular effort or physical strain experienced in work performance. 

At grade 3, laborers exert very heavy physical effort in doing such tasks as frequently lifting and moving objects weighing over 23 kilograms (50 pounds), operating heavy power mowers on grades or pushing wheelbarrow loads of cement, etc.

At grade 4, laborers exert very heavy physical effort in operating large riding mowers on grades and in areas with bushes, trees, and other visible obstacles that require significant maneuvering and lever control. Employees at this level frequently lift and move equipment and components weighing over 23 kilograms (50 pounds).

According to the appellant’s official JD, his work requires heavy physical exertion primarily from lifting objects weighing up to 50 pounds, and he uses strenuous effort to push mowers and wheelbarrows up steep grades.  His work often requires extensive walking, climbing, bending, and stooping for lengthy periods of time.  The appellant is required to operate a variety of equipment which causes him to stand, crouch or stoop for extended periods.  As discussed above, the appellant operates large riding mowers on grades and in areas with bushes, trees, and other visible obstacles that require significant maneuvering and lever control. 

Given the above considerations, we find the appellant’s physical efforts applied to perform his work meet grade 4.

Working conditions

This factor covers hazards, physical hardships, and working conditions to which workers are exposed in performing assigned work.  Positions vary in such ways as the nature of the work environment; the extent to which it includes unpleasant, disagreeable, or hazardous conditions; the degree to which such conditions are experienced; the frequency and duration of the exposure; the adequacy of protective clothing and gear, safety devices, and safe trade practices; and the possible effects on the workers. 

At grade 3, laborers work inside and outside.  When working outside, they are exposed to all kinds of weather conditions.  Inside work is often accomplished in office buildings or in well lighted, heated, and ventilated areas such as warehouses, loading docks, or trade shops.  Laborers are frequently exposed to weather and temperature extremes, drafts, noise, dust, and dirt.  They are exposed to the possibility of bruises, muscle strains, cuts, and scrapes.     

At grade 4, laborers work outside in all kinds of weather, and inside in areas that may be dusty, drafty, and noisy.  The equipment, tools, and tasks involved at this level frequently require extreme care and use of safety gloves, ear plugs, safety glasses, or respirators to avoid serious injuries.     

Given the official JD of record, and our own observations, the appellant’s working conditions meet grade 4.  Similar to this level, the appellant’s work is performed outdoors during periods of high temperatures and humidity and cold and inclement weather conditions.  Work performed indoors includes noise and vibration when using power tools and dusty and drafty conditions exist at times.  The appellant is required to wear safety gear such as gloves, ear plugs, glasses, and a respirator when mowing lawn.    

This factor is properly credited at the grade 4 level.

In summary, the appellant’s laboring work is credited at the grade 4

Evaluation Using the 5703 JGS

The 5703 JGS covers work involved in the operation of gasoline, diesel, or electric powered wheeled vehicles to haul cargo and fuel, transport passengers, or to tow or recover equipment.  The vehicles are driven in restricted traffic environments on Government installations, over public roads and highways, or under cross-country conditions.  Also included are motor vehicles which have special-purpose or auxiliary devices where knowledge of such devices does not exceed the level of knowledge and skill required to operate the vehicle safely. 

Skill and Knowledge

At grade 4, drivers operate one or more motor vehicles including pickup trucks, panel trucks, flatbed trucks, carryalls, sedans, crew cab pickup trucks, jeeps, and station wagons which typically have an approximate gross vehicle weight of up to 4500 kilograms (10,000 pounds).  Vehicles are driven on the basis of either specific trip assignments or regularly established schedules and standard routes to transport personnel, supplies, materials, or equipment and tools throughout an installation or establishment under limited traffic conditions at low speeds.  Drivers perform operator maintenance, such as checking fluid levels and air pressure in tires, and cleaning and washing the vehicles.  They may use two-way radios to receive and transmit messages.  They complete trip tickets and preventive maintenance records.  Drivers at this level have basic skills for manipulating the controls for starting, stopping, backing, and driving the vehicle.  They have a knowledge of the height, width, length, and weight of the vehicle in order to operate the vehicle safely on short runs, following limited or prescribed routes throughout a Government installation.  Also, they have a knowledge of installation traffic rules and regulations, and the skill to read and understand installation maps and other locator documents for finding various buildings and facilities.  The drivers load and arrange the cargo so that it does not shift or fall and damage the material.  They have a knowledge of the operator's manual for their assigned vehicle and the skill to apply such knowledge to particular driving situations.  They have the knowledge to recognize developing maintenance problems when conducting an inspection of their vehicles, and report technical problems to the supervisor.

At grade 5, drivers operate one or more motor vehicles including pickup trucks, panel trucks, flatbed trucks, carryalls, sedans, crew cab pickup trucks, jeeps, and station wagons which typically have an approximate gross vehicle weight up to 4,500 kilograms (10,000 pounds).  At this level, vehicles are driven on the basis of specific trip assignments or regularly established schedules over public roads (or the equivalent) at highway speeds to transport personnel, supplies, materials, or equipment and tools or to tow equipment throughout rural or urban areas.  Due to operating on open roads, grade 5 drivers have skill in manipulating controls for starting, stopping, backing, and driving the vehicle in all types of traffic and road conditions. They have knowledge of the height, width, length, and weight of the vehicle in order to judge overhead and side clearances, the turning radius, braking distance, and the safest distance to be maintained from other vehicles.  They have skill to read and understand a road map, and to determine the shortest and safest route for both short and long runs. They have knowledge of defensive driving techniques, including skill to recognize developing hazardous road and traffic conditions and the judgment to select alternate routes to avoid potential problems. Drivers at this grade level have knowledge and skill to adjust their driving methods to the practices of the surrounding traffic in order to avoid accidents and to transport cargo and passengers safely. Also, they have knowledge of State and local safety rules and regulations, and the rules of other jurisdictions (e.g., surrounding States) for operating vehicles. The drivers have knowledge and skill to load cargo properly onto the vehicle, using appropriate tie-downs such as chains, binders, or straps for transit on public roads at highway speeds or under similar driving circumstances.

The appellant regularly drives a Kubota RTV 1100 utility vehicle, or carryall, which allows him to perform his duties effectively and efficiently.  The Kubota RTV has an 1123cc diesel motor that produces 24.8 horsepower.  It has four-wheel disc brakes, independent front suspension, and power steering.  It also has a cargo bed large enough to carry a four-foot pallet and strong enough to lift 1100 pounds of weight.  Regular operation of the RTV has equipped the appellant with the skills necessary to operate the controls for starting, stopping, backing, and driving the vehicle.  He drives the RTV on standard routes all about the National Mall and Memorial Parks grounds to perform his duties and get to various buildings and facilities.  The RTV allows him to transport himself, other employees, supplies such as flowers, dirt, bricks, or sandbags, materials, equipment and tools.  He is required to perform simple operator maintenance on the RTV, as evidenced by work samples provided.  Prior to each route he is required to submit a pre-operational checklist which indicates that he has checked the vehicle for an accurate meter reading, body condition, tire conditions, fuel level, oil level, horn operation, headlights operation, steering, and windshield.  Given these considerations, the appellant’s skill and knowledge required to operate the motor vehicle meet grade 4.          

The appellant’s work falls short of grade 5.  The appellant’s restricted driving routes do not allow him to meet this level.  The appellant does not operate his RTV over Federal, state, and county roads and city streets at highway speeds.  Therefore, his work does not require or permit him to use the higher level of skill required at grade 5.

This factor is properly evaluated at grade 4.

Responsibility

At grade 4, drivers receive instructions from the dispatcher or supervisor on the type of vehicle to be operated, destination, cargo or passengers to be transported, purpose of the trip, deadlines to be met, and any special information.  Grade 4 drivers are responsible for the comfort and safe transport of passengers and cargo throughout the installation or establishment.  For example, they adhere to installation traffic rules and safe operating practices for moving vehicles; drive carefully to avoid jolting or injuring passengers; and load or assist in loading, unloading, and arranging cargo correctly.  They enforce use of seat belts when the vehicle is in motion.  They may use a two-way radio to keep the dispatcher or supervisor informed on the status of job assignments and problems encountered.  The driver's work is regularly checked and evaluated for timeliness, the safe delivery of cargo or passengers, and for following instructions.  Trip tickets are examined for compliance with regulations and for completeness.

At grade 5, drivers are responsible for safely transporting passengers or cargo to their destinations throughout rural or urban areas on public roads in a full range of traffic conditions (or the equivalent).  The driver's work is regularly checked and evaluated for timeliness, the safe delivery of cargo or passengers, and for following instructions. Trip tickets are examined for compliance with regulations and for completeness.

The appellant receives specific instructions from his supervisor on the destination, cargo or passengers to be transported, purpose of the trip, deadlines to be met, and any special information.  He adheres to all traffic rules and safe operating practices of the Kubota RTV.  He loads, unloads, and arranges all cargo, materials, tools, and supplies correctly.  His supervisor will check for timeliness, safe delivery, and for following instructions.  Given these considerations, we find the appellant’s motor vehicle responsibilities meet grade 4.          

The appellant's work falls short of grade 5.  The appellant’s restricted driving routes do not allow him to meet this level, as he does not operate the Kubota RTV throughout rural or urban areas on public roads in a full range of traffic conditions. 

This factor is properly evaluated at grade 4. 

Physical Effort

At grade 4, drivers exert light physical effort in reaching, bending, turning, or moving hands, arms, feet, and legs to operate hand and foot controls.  They exert moderate physical effort in the frequent handling of objects weighing up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds), and the occasional handling of heavier objects while loading cargo, with the assistance of other workers or weight handling equipment. 

At grade 5, in addition to the physical demand described at grade 4, moderate physical effort may be required in making couplings between the vehicle and towed equipment because safety chains, towbars, and hooks must be lifted and properly secured. Considerable physical effort may be required to change tires and make limited emergency repairs, such as installing an emergency fan belt or replacing an electrical fuse on open highways.

The appellant exerts light physical effort when he is driving the Kubota RTV to operate the hand and foot controls.  He also exerts moderate physical effort in his handling of objects weighing up to 40 pounds; i.e., sandbags, dirt, and bricks, and power equipment.  He may also occasionally handle heavier objects while loading cargo, with the assistance of other workers or weight handling equipment.  Given these considerations, we find the appellant’s physical efforts meet the grade 4 level.          

The appellant's work falls short of the grade 5 level.  The appellant does not make connections between the vehicle and towed equipment, nor does he change tires and make limited emergency repairs, such as installing an emergency fan belt or replacing an electrical fuse on open highways.    

This factor is properly evaluated at grade 4. 

Working Conditions

At grade 4, drivers work mostly outside and operate vehicles in all kinds of weather in a controlled traffic environment throughout a Government installation or establishment.  Drivers are exposed to dirt and fumes, and to the possibility of cuts, bruises, and broken bones as a result of accidents while driving or from falling objects when loading and unloading the vehicle.

At grade 5, in addition to the working conditions described at grade 4, drivers operate vehicles in all types of traffic and weather on public roads (or the equivalent), and are exposed to the danger of serious accidents. They drive in heavy traffic and at highway speeds over complicated road and interchange systems.

The appellant works mostly outside and drives the Kubota RTV in all kinds of weather throughout the National Mall and Memorial Parks area.  He is exposed to dirt and fumes, and to the possibility of cuts, bruises, and broken bones as a result of accidents while driving or from falling objects when loading and unloading the vehicle.  Given these considerations, we find the appellant’s working conditions meet grade 4. 

The appellant's work falls short of grade 5.  The appellant does not drive in heavy traffic and at highway speeds over complicated road and interchange systems.    

This factor is properly evaluated at grade 4.

In summary, the appellant’s motor vehicle operating work is credited at the grade 4.

Summary

The grade of a mixed job such as the appellant’s is based on the duties that involve the highest skill and qualifications and are a regular and recurring part of the job.  The highest level of the appellant’s work equates to the grade 4 level.

Decision

Given the above analysis, the appellant’s job is properly graded as Laborer (Motor Vehicle Operator), WG-3502-4.        

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