Gardener(Tractor Operator)

Incumbent is charged with overseeing all gardening & gardening-related tasks at the Ft Harrison Veterans Administration Medical Center. Performs a wide range of gardening work on their own. Consults gardening books or catalogues regarding physical characteristics of plants & individual plant requirements. Recommends changes for improvement in the overall landscape plan & obtains approval on projects which require unplanned expense or significant periods of time.

Major duties and responsibilities include: Incumbent uses own initiative, makes independent judgments in working and recommends changes for improvement and directing work in accordance with VA Regulations, program guide and manuals. Performs or leads repair work on roads, sidewalks, curbs, gutter, etc. These phases of work require knowledge of aggregate, sand, cement, water-cement ratio, seal-coating and road patching materials. Leads or performs digging of water and gas mains, moving of heavy Engineering equipment and supplies, demolition work, etc. The incumbent will be operating and performing maintenance of high powered equipment, different machinery, and the upkeep of said machinery. Knowledge of Fertilization, transplanting, laying sod, preparing sod and seed beds, aerating, pruning, trimming and applying a wide range of chemicals to plants, turf, flowers, and trees. Incumbent understands the shop and the administrative processes that go together within the ordering process and other processes that have been set into place. Works well with other employees and delivers customer service as appropriate, closes out work orders in a timely fashion. Makes independent judgments and recommendations within the framework of good gardening practices. Maintain tools and equipment in an organized fashion, accountable for property inventory. Shows up to work on time and is accountable for helping ensure the grounds is safe, especially during winter weather. Incumbent understands and performs under the direction of the Maintenance Supervisor and Chief of Facility Management Services (FMS). Incumbent is under the supervision of the Maintenance & Repair Section Supervisor, and receives assistance only on new, unfamiliar and complex situations. Operates various high powered specialized lawn cutting equipment. Large agricultural type tractors, trucks from 1/2 ton to 5 ton dumps. Seeders, tillers, sprayers, loggers, gas weed eaters and various hand tools. Performs other related duties as assigned to the Grounds and Service Unit (e.g., snow/ice removal during Winter months, refueling operations, small engine repairs, transportation of equipment, etc.). Troubleshoots equipment malfunctions and failures and determines the extent of repairs and parts needed, estimated materials required, selects best work methods, techniques and trade practices and accomplishes the repair or overhaul. Operates smaller equipment like mowers, weed eaters, and leaf blowers in a safe and responsible manner. Is responsible for selecting and safely using proper tools, devices, manuals, references and efficient procedures. Must be able to operate a plow on a truck and/or side by side in a safe environment. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Position Description Title/PD#: Gardener(Tractor Operator)/PD127110 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.

There is no education substitution at this grade level.