Summary
The primary purpose of this position is to provide gardening and laboring services to the facility; assisting with the removal or snow during the winter operations; and cleaning the parking facility by removing trash, debris, and anything that might be considered unsightly on a routine basis. The work requires knowledge of gardening procedures; skills in growing and tending lawns, flowers, shrubs, and trees; and skills in grounds maintenance.
Clarification from the agency
This is an open continuous announcement.
Vacancies may not currently exist but may become available at any point during the open period of this vacancy announcement. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received. Qualified applications will be forwarded to Hiring Managers upon request, based on the service needs. This process continues throughout the announcement period when vacancies become available.
Duties
Duties include and are not limited to:
The incumbent is responsible for maintaining the overall appearance of the grounds. They will plant/transplant specific flowers, shrubs, grass, and trees according to instructions; and shall landscape assigned areas by spreading topsoil, fertilizing, liming, seeding, planting, laying sod, and watering. They will need to compute required quantities of plants, seeds, lime, fertilizer and other materials needed for optimal growth.
- Maintains roads, grounds and walks by performing seasonal gardening tasks involving preparing planting areas, laying sod, watering, planting, transplanting, pruning, mowing, and trimming plants, shrubs, and trees. They will maintain flowers and seeded areas to ensure attractive appearance and apply fertilizers and chemicals according to instruction. The incumbent will perform grounds maintenance work, such as mowing, and weeding. The incumbent will use hand tools, basic power tools, powered (walk behind) mowers and riding type lawn mowers.
- Use approved methods to prune/trim shrubs and hedges making proper cuts; looks for obvious plant diseases, and unusual or poor plant growth and will report the conditions.
- Performs snow removal work using trucks, front-end loaders and/or tractors with hydraulic attachments; salts and sands sidewalk and parking lots; applies deicing treatment to parking structures; pushes snowbanks back with the front-end loader; and utilizes the front-end loader with snow blower attachment to move snowbanks as required. They perform earthwork for grounds maintenance and gravel parking lot repairs; fills potholes in the parking lots; and sweeps parking lots and parking structures.
- Operates the following or similar equipment in a safe manner according to the manufacturer's instructions while performing the various duties of the position: - Bobcat 5600 Utility Machine/Loader with attachments (Light material bucket, Heavy material bucket, hydraulic snow brush, snow pushing bucket, snow blower) - Bobcat 619 Telehandler - CAT 908H Front Loader with attachments (forks, buckets) - John Deer Skid Steer with attachments (snow pushing, lifting) - John Deer Garden Tractor with attachments (snow brush, snow blower, 72" mower deck) - Scag Stand-on Zero Turn Mower - 60" deck - Tennant Street Sweeper - Ford F350 Pick-up Truck with attachments (snowplow, 0.5 cubic yard box salter) - Kubota & John Deer 4x4 Utility Vehicles
- Unloads trucks, moves supplies and materials and is responsible for safe and secure storage of these items. As need arises, transports refuse and recovered scrap metal to on-campus proper disposal/recycle dumpsters.
- Determines equipment operations for maneuvering over level or rolling terrain that are appropriate to the operating characteristics of the tractor and towed or attached equipment; connects equipment to tractor by making multiple mechanical and hydraulic connections; makes numerous equipment adjustments according to established methods for various job requirements, such as setting mower blade height, depth of plow blades, rate of application for seeders, and sprayer attachments. The equipment may be powered by direct drive or power takeoff. The incumbent will select appropriate gears, power ratios, settings, and speeds, as well as lifting, balancing, braking, and turning capacity, based on various soil conditions; ensures tractor is not overloaded and load is properly and evenly distributed and secured for safety and stability; and maneuvers and turns tractor and equipment using safe operating practices.
- Performs routine, minor maintenance of the lawn tractors and their related equipment. This includes greasing, lubing, changing oil, changing spark plugs, changing hydraulic fluid and bleeding hydraulic lines, and changing filters, in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.
- Utilize safety practices and procedures by following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work environment by cleaning equipment, sweeping, straightening, and lining up tools and other property in the assigned area. The incumbent uses and assures proper fit of required safety equipment and clothing. They will also follow federal and state rules when storing, using, handling, labeling, and disposing of hazardous materials and waste in accordance with environmental standards; and performs clean-up duties to ensure a safe work environment.
Work Schedule: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Compressed/Flexible Schedule: To be discussed during interview process.
Position Description Title/PD#: Gardner - Motor Vehicle Operator/PD16239O and PD16239O
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- You may be required to serve a probationary period
- Subject to background/security investigation
- Pre-employment physical required
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.
Skill & Knowledge: (Document your experience on these in your resume)
- Knowledge of seasonal gardening tasks, such as fertilizing, preparing seedbeds, transplanting, laying sod, aerating, pruning, trimming, and applying chemicals to plants.
- Knowledge of grounds maintenance, such as mowing grass, trimming hedges and shrubs, and how to apply fertilizer evenly to avoid underfeeding or burning plants.
- Ability to recognize obvious plant disease and unusual or poor plant growth.
- Skill in adjusting equipment for various job requirements, such as setting the height of mower blades, the depth of plow blades, and the rate of application for seeders and sprayer attachments.
- Skill in operating tractor and equipment between shrubs and trees, along fence lines and curbs, in snowy or marshy areas, and in areas where tree limbs, bushes, and rocks are more likely to cause clogging or jamming of the equipment.
- Skill to cut grass on slopes while operating the tractor on level ground or along roads.
- Skill in operating front-end loading devices to move trees, load and unload soil, and perform other associated tasks.
- Knowledge of operating characteristics of the tractor and towed/attached equipment, such as tractor gears and power ratios, as well as lifting, balancing, braking, and turning capacities.
- Knowledge of operating wheel-mounted farm-type tractors and towed or attached equipment when on level or rolling terrain, in areas such as open fields, parks, orchards, lawns, and along roadways.
- Knowledge of equipment to make multiple connections from equipment to the tractor, connecting mechanical drive shafts and hydraulic lines.
- Knowledge of equipment capabilities to determine power requirements for various soil conditions to determine safe operating speeds.
- Knowledge of and skill in operation of tractor and manipulation of equipment controls together.
- Skill in using and maintaining hand and power tools.
- Ability to judge clearances, heights, and turning angles of tractor and towed vehicles.
- Skill and ability to perform operator maintenance on tractors and equipment.
SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements:
- Dexterity and Safety
- Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)
- Materials
- Measuring Instruments
- Technical Practices
- Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
- Without more than normal supervision
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Note: A full year of 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 nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: Physical effort is moderate. Exerts additional effort in operating equipment controls, making frequent arm and leg movements. The work requires frequent walking, standing, stooping, bending, reaching, climbing, and pushing carts and wheelbarrows. Frequently lifts and carries parts and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, and occasionally, moves heavier items with assistance. Occasionally, climbs ladders to prune or trim vegetation.
Works primarily outside and is exposed to all kinds of weather conditions, vibrations, and jolts from the tractor and towed equipment. Exposed to chemical dust and sprays, dust, dirt, mud, grease, and/or fumes. May wear protective clothing such as gloves, safety shoes, and boots. Follows prescribed safety practices and uses safety equipment to avoid injury and possible hazards in the work area. Minor injuries may occur such as bruises, cuts and scrapes.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.
Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Financial disclosure not required.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
This announcement will likely require applicants to provide more than one document. You will need to support any claim of status/employee status.
For example:
Active Employee - SF-50, Notice of Personnel Action
Disabled - Disability Memo from Provider
Disabled Veteran - Disability Rating Document
Veteran - DD-214, page that reflects statement of discharge, Member Copy 4
Spouse - Marriage Certificate, Spouse DD-214
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Other (1)
- PCS Orders
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Proof of Marriage Status
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/28/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12290526.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
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