Summary
The USBG is comprised of nearly 70 positions across four divisions: Administrative, Learning and Engagement, Horticulture, and Operations. The USBG inspires people to appreciate, study, and conserve plants to enrich society locally and globally. The USBG provides educational experiences to 1 million visitors annually, presents horticultural displays and exhibits, strives to break down barriers to inclusion, and advances the exchange of ideas and information. Learn more: U.S. Botanic Garden.
Duties
*** The Arborist Worker/Arborist is considered an “Emergency Essential Employee” and will be required to work in emergency and inclement weather situations. ***
- A valid, unexpired driver’s license is required.
- International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification or an accredited tree expert license is required for the WG-10.
- Must possess a valid, unexpired District of Columbia Pesticide Applicator's License (or a valid State license reciprocal with D.C.) for pesticide license categories 3A, 3B and 3C to apply pesticides.
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The Arborist will be engaged in contemporary scientific methodology and practices to grow, preserve and maintain a wide variety of tropical, sub-tropical, temperate and historical trees at the full performance level. Provides leadership for the implementation of a complete arbor care program for the entire USBG public campus and production facility.
The incumbent develops and grows species, hybrids for cultivars having horticultural and aesthetic impact.
Protects and cares for threatened rare and endangered species and sensitive plants acquired under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITIES). Performs specialized gardening work involving the propagation, culture and display of a wide variety of plant species.
Prunes and assists in removal of diseased, dead, hazardous and otherwise unwanted trees. Also prunes trees and ornamental shrubs to obtain proper balance between roots and top growth and to modify or retain natural form.
Performs specialized pruning on tropical tree species such as palms and ficus located within the conservatory. Many conservatory plant species are over 50 feet tall and will often grow to reach the conservatory glass ceiling and mechanical systems at nearly 90 feet. These specimens require advanced skilled climbing, pruning and rigging techniques not often used in the trade. Therefore, the incumbent must be able to safely ascend living arbor specimens without damaging the tree and without the use of aerial lifts. The incumbent must be able to comfortably work at height while learning to overcome challenges aloft.
Creates precedent setting and artistically unique horticultural designs and exhibits and is responsible for the production of the required display crops.
Expands and/or develops large and complex living tree collections. Performs collections studies including the exchange of materials, ideas, and information with other conservatories, museums, and botanic gardens.
Adjusts the nutrient content of soil based on prescribed soil test recommendations. Propagates, grows and plants a wide variety of trees. Makes decisions with Plant Curator on which species to propagate, number of propagules and plans for long term care. Works with the Plant Recorder to ensure all plant information is accurately entered into the USBG living collection database.
Works with the Plant Health Care Specialist to diagnose and control pest infestations and diseases by selecting the proper Integrated Pest Management strategy. Many pest challenges are unique and not common to the trade.
Follows all relevant safety rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures. Complies with all OSHA safety rules and regulations to ensure that work progresses in a safe manner. Adheres to all ISA and ANSI Best Management Practices Ensures the use of any required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen.
- You must be able to pass a drug test.
- Your resume and question responses must demonstrate job-related elements.
- A valid, unexpired driver's license is required.
- ISA certification or an accredited tree expert license is required.
- Must possess a DC Pesticide Applicator's License in 3A, 3B, and 3C.
- A valid, unexpired driver’s license is required.
- Must possess a valid, unexpired District of Columbia Pesticide Applicator's License (or a valid State license reciprocal with D.C.) for pesticide license categories 3A, 3B and 3C to apply pesticides in D.C.
REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY PESTICIDES IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
The District of Columbia Municipal Regulations, Title 20, require each employee that performs pest control activities in the District of Columbia, including governmental and state agencies, progress from being a Registered Technician to a Certified Applicator and subsequently a “Licensed Pesticide Applicator".
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2016 must submit an application to become a Registered Technician to the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) within 30 days of the effective date of employment.
A Registered Technician is required to take two exams in order to become a fully Licensed Pesticide Applicator as follows:
The Registered Technician is required to take a general core exam within 180 days after submitting the application to DOEE. Registered AOC employees hired before October 1, 2014 are not required to take the “general core” exam. Employee will have the opportunity to take the test two times.
A second exam called a Category Exam must be taken within 3 years of becoming a Registered Technician. This is a requirement to become a fully Licensed Pesticide Applicator. Employee will also have the opportunity to take the test two times.
A Registered Technician who is unable to pass the category exam within a subsequent 3 year period will be ineligible to apply pesticides.
Employee will have the opportunity to re-test twice for both exams.
Within one year after becoming a Certified Applicator, an employee can apply to become a Licensed Pesticide Applicator. Employees who possess this license must complete refresher training and renew the license each year in order to retain the license.
Qualifications
You must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the job announcement.
You must meet the following SCREEN-OUT:
-- Ability to do tree work with little to no supervision.
Qualification at the WG-10 level: Is an advanced Arborist able to independently perform tree maintenance work such as pruning, trimming, removing trees and shrubs and has knowledge of ropes and knots for rigging limbs and branches and the ability to operate a bucket truck to reach large trees.
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.
A variety of health insurance plans; retirement system with investment options; paid holidays; paid sick and annual (vacation) leave; life insurance; incentive systems; subsidized transportation; training and development opportunities, etc.
The Architect of the Capitol offers eligible employees opportunity to participate in the Student Loan Repayment Program.
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.
Review your resume and responses carefully. Your eligibility for consideration and qualifications for the position will be determined based upon a review of your detailed resume and your responses to job specific self-assessment questions.
Your resume will be evaluated based on evidence of your ability to demonstrate the job elements for this position, possession of any specialized experience, and how well your background and experience relates to the self-assessment questions in the job announcement. The self-assessment questions relate to the following job elements and competencies:
(1) Ability to perform as an Arborist with little to no supervision.
(2) Advanced knowledge of technical work practices specific to the arborist trade. Specifically, ability to grow and maintain a diverse accessioned collection of living tropical, sub-tropical and arid trees to be displayed in a conservatory, in addition to temperate trees grown throughout the mid-Atlantic region.
(3) Advanced working knowledge of the operation and maintenance of equipment, tools and materials used in the arborist trade.
(4) Advanced knowledge of potential safety hazards and applicable safety precautions. Specifically:
- Ability to physically safely ascend and work at heights without the aid of aerial lifts.
- Ability to safely perform arboricultural work in a public botanic garden while working around and educating visitors.
- Experienced in ISA Tree Risk Assessment practices.
Your responses to the self-assessment questions serve as the basis for your initial rating. You will receive a numerical score based on your responses to these questions. Next, your responses will be evaluated by a Human Resources Specialist and/or a subject matter expert against the information provided in your resume and optional cover letter. Your resume must support your answers to the self-assessment questions. Falsifying your background, education and/or experience is cause for non-selection or disqualification from further consideration.
Please note that a complete application is required for consideration. (Please review the “Required Documents” section of this job announcement to see what must be included in a complete application). You may preview questions for this vacancy.
A complete application consists of:
1. A resume or any other written format you choose to describe your job-related qualifications. A cover letter is optional.
Your resume should indicate your citizenship and should list your educational and work experience including job titles, salary, employment dates, duties and accomplishments, experience and how it relates to the job elements in the vacancy announcement. Any experience claimed in a cover letter should be fully substantiated by information contained in your resume.
2. Licenses or certifications: You must provide a copy of your license or certification by the closing date of the announcement.
- A valid, unexpired State driver's license.
- International Society of Arboriculture Certification or an accredited tree expert license is desired.
- If currently possessed, a valid, unexpired D.C. Pesticide Applicator's License or a valid, unexpired State pesticide license with D.C. reciprocity.
Supporting Documentation:
You can choose ONE of the following methods to submit Supporting Documents:
1) You can upload your documents when you register or update your information on the Architect of the Capitol application site which you access through the USAJOBS site.
--OR--
2) You can fax your documents using the system generated fax cover sheet.
Your application and all required documentation must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the closing date of this job announcement.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
You MUST apply online. FORMS RECEIVED BY FAX, EMAIL OR U.S. POSTAL SERVICE DELIVERY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
If you are a new user to the USAJOBS Site and have never registered for an account; you will first need to create an account profile with your basic contact information and a resume to begin applying. You must be a registered USAJOBS user AND you must be signed-in to your account in order to apply for this position. For help with setting up an account or for general assistance in using USAJOBS, go to USAJOBS Help Page.
NEED HELP?
If you experience any difficulties with the application site, help is available! If you have problems completing your on-line application, contact the Monster Hiring Management Help Desk at 1-866-656-6831 or by e-mail at MGSHELP@monster.com. The help desk is available Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You may call and leave a voice mail message at all other times.
All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS “Saved Documents” feature.
If you are unable to apply on-line, you may visit our Employment Center for technical assistance in entering your application. The Employment Center is located at 441 Second & D Streets S.W., Washington, D.C., Room H2-178, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may call (202) 226-7000 for directions.
Next steps
You will receive a notice generated by the USAJOBS System when you have successfully submitted your application. We will review your application and transcript(s) (if you are qualifying based on education) to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements.
You can check the status of your application by logging into http://www.usajobs.gov. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application has changed by logging into your USAJOBS Account, editing your profile and changing the ‘Notification Settings’ to indicate that you want to be notified by email when the status changes. Information regarding the status of your application should be updated in the system within two (2) weeks after the closing date of this vacancy announcement.
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