Gardener (Motor Vehicle Operator) Job in Johnson City, TN

Vacancy No. CBTG-12761727-25-BRS Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $22.90 to $26.72 Grade 6 to 6
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/22/2025 Close Date 7/30/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Johnson City, TN


Summary

The Gardener works in the Grounds Transportation Unit of Engineering Service under the direct supervision of the Grounds Transportation Unit Supervisor with assistance from the lead gardener, who coordinates, schedules and assigns all grounds and gardening maintenance, transportation operations, equipment usage, and aerial lift work. Work includes gardening, mowing, leaf collection, snow removal according to seasonal or periodic demand, and station plans.

Duties

Major duties include but not limited to;

  • The incumbent works in -the Grounds Transportation Unit of Engineering Service under the direct supervision of the Grounds Transportation Unit Supervisor with assistance from the lead gardener, who coordinates, schedules and assigns all grounds and gardening maintenance, transportation operations, equipment usage, and aerial lift work. Work includes gardening, mowing, leaf collection, snow removal according to seasonal or periodic demand., and station plans.
  • Incumbent conducts seasonal gardening tasks including fertilizing, preparing seedbeds, transplanting, laying sod, aerating, pruning (trees and shrubs), trimming, and applying· chemicals to grounds, plants and lawn according to .schedules, project plans and regulations.
  • The incumbent make determinations pertaining to suitability, weather, percent of moisture in the soil, and stage of plant growth to maintain the horticulture and beautify the station grounds.
  • The incumbent will start and maintain seasonal nursery or cold frame beds to assist inventory of proper plants on hand for specific seasons. The gardener will select necessary fungicides, insecticides, herbicides for control of common plant diseases insects and weeds. Gardening practices also include seeding, treating soil,, mowing, removing, bra9ing, and cabling trees or plant life which are diseased or injured, edge and weed a vast lawn, leaf collection, and mulching. Gardener is responsible to maintain a mulch pile for beds and grounds.
  • The Incumbent operates vehicles grossing 5,000-22,000 pounds such as, cars, vans, trucks, buses and other vehicular means of patient transportation., The incumbent is assigned vehicles to transport patients and employees around and to and from the station.
  • The incumbent is responsible to enter vehicle usage and patient transport data into computer systems. He/she drives long distances. to swap government vehicles and provide road side assistance to other government drivers.
  • The incumbent is responsible for the operation of a tractor w/attachments (disc, tiller, gill to prepare ground for seeding, etc.), farm type vehicles, any make or model of motor vehicle or motorized equipment, skip­loader, street sweeper, backhoe/ dump-truck, ambulance or wheelchair van, lawn mowers of various sizes and configurations, four wheel tractor, aerial lift, bobcat, van or cargo vehicle and push/pulled operated equipment as assigned.
  • The incumbent is assigned to clean up all areas for trash, paper, and any items needing disposal.
  • The incumbent may load and unload patients from patient transport vehicles, cargo trucks and other conveyances; uncrates and unpacks supplies and equipment, operating hand.
  • The incumbent is required to have knowledge in securing patients and cargo to prevent damage to self and others.
  • The incumbent must poses skills in operating a variety of motor vehicles including tractors and accessories; mowers of any kind, vans, patient transport vehicles, dump trucks, busses, and cars. He/she is responsible to perform maintenance on vehicles/hand tools, tractors, lawn mowers, string trimmers, blowers, etc.

Work Schedule: Monday Thru Friday 6:00am to 2:30pm or 7:00am to 3:30pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Gardener (Motor Vehicle Operator)/PD60220A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
  • All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • You may be required to serve a probationary/trial period
  • Subject to background/security investigation
  • Pre-employment physical required
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
  • Possess a valid, unrestricted State driver's license

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/30/2025.

PREFERRED: Class B Commercial Drivers License is preferred.

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.

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:
  • Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
  • Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  • Dexterity and Safety
  • Knowledge of Materials
  • Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic)
  • Use of Measuring Instruments


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: : Work requires frequent walking, standing, bending, stooping, climbing, turning, and moving of hands, arms, feet and legs: Strain is caused by the constant vibration of the equipment arid the jerking, and jolting from operating over rough surfaces. Climbing ladders to trim, prune, cut and work on shrubs ·and trees required. Frequently lifts heavy items, such as fertilizer buckets or bags, grass seed, equipment, and furnishings up to 100 pounds. Because of the location of some of the controls and attachments, the operator is frequently required to work in awkward or strained positions.
The Incumbent will be subject to a certain degree of discomfort from having to work outside for long periods of time. Exposed to long periods of hot sun, dust, freezing temperatures, bad weather (rain, damp, snow and hail), vibrations and jolting from some equipment. Also subject to injury such as strains, fractures, cuts and bruises. from lifting and handling heavy materials and equipment. He/she is exposed to chemicals, pesticides, humus, insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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.

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.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action


The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please 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)
  • Professional Certification
  • 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.

How to Apply

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 07/30/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12761727.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

Agency contact information

Paulette Stewart
Address
James H Quillen VA Medical Center
Corner of Lamont Street and Veterans Way
Mountain Home, TN 37684
US

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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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