Clarification from the agency

This position is open to all U.S. Citizens or U.S. Nationals. Note: Federal employees with permanent status or individuals eligible for special appointing authorities may also apply to Job Announcement #26R-SR-313150-MPA-FM. More than one selection may be made from this announcement.

The Gardener is part of a professional team working with other full-time staff, interns, and volunteers to develop and maintain the horticultural exhibits within Smithsonian Gardens.

In this position, you will:

• Assure that proper pruning, watering, weeding, planting, fertilizing, cleaning, mulching, pest control, and equipment operation are carried out in assigned area (following industry standards).
• Assist in the establishment of procedures for landscape management including the care of annual bedding plants, tropical foliage plants, interior plants, woody plants, herbaceous perennials, new installations, fertilization, chemical weed control, pest control, and safety.
• Perform various tasks involved in the grading and seeding of lawns and/or planting beds using hand tools (i.e., picks, shovels, rakes, etc.).
• Prepare, seed, plant, and transplant by adding amendments, cultivating, and grading using knowledge of correct conditions (chemical composition, depth, moisture, temperature, humidity, and ventilation requirements to encourage germination and growth).
• Inspect all walkways, hardscaping, and signage daily and clears debris utilizing a power blower, pressure washer, brushes, rags, or other equipment, as appropriate.

Conditions of employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation
• May need to complete a Probationary Period
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.

Conditions of Employment

Physical Requirements:
This position requires the physical ability to perform moderately heavy work including lifting and carrying heavy objects up to 50 lbs.; work outside in all weather conditions with exposure to dirt, dust, pollen and insects; climb ladders and stairs; and stand and walk for extended periods.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the job opportunity announcement.

For information on the Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations, see OPM’s website.

Additional Requirements:

• All qualified applicants must possess a valid driver's license. A copy of your license must be included with your application package.
• Must obtain registered applicator status with the District of Columbia to apply pesticides within 60 days of appointment.

Qualifications

In order to be rated qualified, an applicant's overall experience and training must indicate possession of the minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the duties of this position.

Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.

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; religious; 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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applications will first be evaluated to determine whether the following screen out element is met:

1. Ability to do the work of a Gardener without more than normal supervision.

If an applicant meets the screen-out element, the following Job Elements will be evaluated:

      2. Knowledge of technical practices (i.e., theoretical, precise, artistic).

      3. Skill in the use of measuring instruments.

      4. Ability to interpret instructions and specifications (other than blueprints).

      5. Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment.

      6. Knowledge of materials.

      7. Knowledge of dexterity and safety.

Applicants who meet or exceed the screen-out element will be assigned to one of three category groups based on job-related criteria:

Best Category - Meets the screen-out element and excels in most of the job-related elements above.
Better Category - Meets the screen-out element and satisfies most of the job-related elements above.
Good Category - Meets the screen-out element but does not satisfy most of the job-related elements above to a substantive degree.

This category rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-veterans within each category. A selecting official may make selections from the highest quality category (Best Category) provided no veteran in that category is passed over to select a non-veteran in that category unless the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3317(b) or 3318(b) are satisfied.

Veterans who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher.
Applicants who have not submitted a resume in the USAjobs system and/or have not answered all of the announcement questions will not be considered for this position.

Important Note:

Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire or other assessment tool for consistency. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience.

Your resume should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.

Your application package should include the following documents:

• Resume - Your resume can be uploaded and attached to your application or created using the USA Jobs on-line resume builder. Ensure your resume contains the job title (including the occupational series and grade if it is Federal), job-related qualifications, starting and ending dates (month and year), and hours worked per week, for each employment period. It is your responsibility to ensure all information is submitted. Failure to include this information may result in disqualification for the position.

  For assistance with creating a resume, please click USAJOBS Help Center - How do I write a resume for a federal job? 
• Proof of Veteran's Preference - DD214 (Member 4 Copy), if you are a veteran. Additionally, applicants claiming 10-point preference must complete Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, as well as additional documentation required by the SF-15, such as a VA letter.
• Unofficial school transcripts, if the position has an education requirement or if you are using education to qualify. If selected for the position, you must provide an official transcript before appointment.
• Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable.
• A copy of your valid State or D.C. driver's license. 

Next steps