Gardener

The incumbent serves as Gardener within the Transportation & Grounds Section of Engineering Service performing a variety of tasks related to exterior and interior gardening, landscaping, and grounds maintenance in support of the mission and goals of the Medical Center. The incumbent is required to maintain a Valid State Driver's License.

Major duties include but are not limited to: Plans, propagation and cultivating a wide variety of plants in flower and shrub beds throughout the medical center campus. Prepares soil for plants, seeding, thinning, transplanting, trimming, pruning, fertilizing, aerating, mulching, spraying and dusting of ground cover, flowers, shrubs and trees. Works from landscape plans, make independent judgments and is responsible for the results of his/her work reflecting good gardening practices. Consults gardening books or catalogs regarding physical characteristics of plants and their requirements for health and growth. Determines proper conditions and methods for planting and cultivating, i.e., types and amount of fertilizer to use, amount of water, space, etc. Inspects plants, trees and shrubs for disease, insects, and/or unusual or poor plant growth. Transplants large and small trees, shrubbery and plants to areas when relocation is required due to construction or building maintenance issues. Schedules gardening tasks and may be assisted by lower level employees, volunteers and/or students in preparing planting areas. Provides guidance and direction on specific tasks to be accomplished. Duties include general grounds maintenance tasks to include lawn mowing, trimming, fertilizing, watering, weed eating, edging sidewalks, blowing leaves, ensuring entranceways are free of debris and obstacles, etc. Required to utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) provided and must be familiar with the material safety data sheets (MSDS) of chemicals that he/she utilizes. Required to maintain a valid state driver's license for the operation of motor vehicles, i.e., pick-up trucks, vans, etc. Performs other related duties in support of the Transportation & Grounds section as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 6:30am - 3:00pm. Work schedule is subject to change due to agency needs. Position Description Title/PD#: Gardener/PD077450 Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 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 identification 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) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.