Gardener

Summary This position is at the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG). The USBG is a public garden in the legislative branch and was established by Congress in 1820. The Garden inspires people to appreciate, study, and conserve plants to enrich society locally and globally. We provide educational experiences to 1 million visitors annually, present horticultural displays and exhibits, strive to break down barriers to inclusion, and advance the exchange of ideas and information. Learn more:  U.S. Botanic Garden. Duties This position is located in the United States Botanic Garden (USBG), Horticulture Division, Gardens and Grounds Section. The Gardener will be responsible for assisting other gardeners in the section to propagate and cultivate a wide variety of plants and will perform routine maintenance and specialized horticultural tasks. * This position is essential--Employee is required to report to work during emergencies and inclement weather situations* Tour of duty will be other than Monday through Friday and may include weekends, evenings and holidays on a regular and recurring basis.  The position may be filled at the Gardener journey-level or worker-level. Developmental assignments will be given with the goal of attaining the full performance level.  Duties quoted below are at the WG-08 level.  Major Duties: Transplants, Aerates, Prunes and Trims Plants Plants, transplants and cares for trees, shrubs and flowers. Uses knowledge of seasonal schedules, project plans, weather suitability, soil moisture and plant growth stages to aerate, trim, and prune a variety of plants, seeds, and plant materials. Plants seedlings, bulbs, shrubs and trees in patterns, beds and in selected locations to achieve a pleasing appearance of the gardens and grounds. Cares for and maintains decorative plants in various rooms and courtyards of the Botanic Garden.  Trims and prunes hedges, shrubbery and other related plants. Uses gas, electric and hand shears, and pruning cutters to trim and prune plants according to instructions. Prunes plants to obtain the desired configuration for the type of shrubbery within the garden plan. Propagates and Cultivates Soil and Plants The incumbent uses various foliage feeding, root feeding, and soil additive techniques to propagate and cultivate soil and plants. Recognizes and controls cold damage, mineral deficiencies and plant diseases. Selects, measures, mixes and applies appropriate chemical control agents to control weeds, common plant diseases and insects. Follows all relevant safety rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures; Utilizes knowledge of and must comply with all OSHA safety rules and regulations to ensure that work progresses in a safe manner; Provides or receives training, either on-the-job or through classroom training, to ensure that all safety practices and equipment are fully utilized; Uses required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Prepares, Roots, Grafts, Layers and Documents Plants and Beds Using knowledge of correct conditions (chemical composition, depth, moisture, temperature, humidity and ventilation requirements) to encourage germination and growth, prepares, roots, grafts, layers, and documents soil beds, plants, seedlings, cuttings, and seeds. Performs other related duties as assigned. *Applicants will be required to register for a DC pesticide applicators license within the first 30 days of their employment if they do not possess a license. To apply pesticides in the District of Columbia (D.C.), employee must possess a valid D.C. pesticide applicator’s license in categories (3A) exterior ornamental plants, (3B) interior plant-scapes and/or (3C) turf grass, dependent upon the pesticides used.* IMPORTANT NOTE: Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license. If the required licenses or registration are not obtained within the time periods specified, the employee will be terminated for failure to meet the conditions of continued employment. Requirements Conditions of employment You must be able to pass a drug test. Your resume and question responses must demonstrate job-related elements. Must possess and maintain a valid and unexpired State driver's license. A citizen of the United States; A person who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence and is seeking citizenship as outlined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)(B); A person who is admitted as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157 or is granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1158 and has filed a declaration of intention to become a lawful permanent resident and then a citizen when eligible; A person who owes allegiance to the United States (nationals of American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and nationals who meet other requirements described in 8 U.S.C. 1408); or A person who is currently an officer or employee of the Government of the United States. 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 Gardening Work Without More Than Normal Supervision. Qualification at the WG-06 level: Assists with gardening projects and has a working knowledge of gardening practices in order to maintain a diverse group of plants. Qualification at the WG-08 level: Is able to work gardening projects independently and has knowledge of methods for propagating and cultivating a diverse group of plants. Education . Additional information Welcome Veterans. The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) gives veterans' preference rights in the legislative branch to certain veterans as applied by the Congressional Accountability Act. Veterans' preference is applied on this vacancy announcement. If you are a veteran and have been separated under honorable conditions, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility; SF-15, if applicable; and Department of Veterans Affairs documentation of disability, if applicable. For more information, please visit OPM vet guide If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System.  If you are exempt from registration under Selective Service Law, you must provide appropriate proof of exemption. Please visit the Selective Service System website for more information. DRUG TESTING: The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is a Drug Free Workplace. As part of the AOC’s suitability assessment, a candidate tentatively selected for a position who is not currently an AOC employee is required to submit to screening for illegal drug use. Satisfactory completion of a drug test is a condition of employment with the Agency. A candidate must test negative prior to being eligible for appointment into a position. We will schedule, provide and cover the cost for the drug test.   The selectee(s) under the vacancy announcement for this position is subject to a criminal record check by the U.S. Capitol Police and satisfactory adjudication to be eligible for employment at the Architect of the Capitol.   The Architect of the Capitol is an E-VERIFY Participant. E-VERIFY is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment authorization in the United States. If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the DHS Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-VERIFY" electronic system. For more information on E-Verify, please visit http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc_1185221678150.shtm The Architect of the Capitol is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information and/or disability. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.   Moving expenses are not authorized.   Relocation expenses are not authorized.   Probationary Period - A newly appointed selectee is subject to the completion of a one-year trial/probationary period, regardless of whether or not a trial/probationary period has been completed previously with the Architect of the Capitol or another Federal agency. This vacancy announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies in any of the jurisdictions of the Architect of the Capitol. All application materials become the property of the Architect of the Capitol. 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. 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. Selected applicant(s) may be eligible to earn a higher annual leave accrual rate credit towards annual leave accrual based on prior non-Federal or uniformed service work experience. The amount of service credit will be based on specialized experience or qualifying experience that is provided on the applicant profile submitted. As such, if you are a new employee to the Federal Government or a rehire, it is important that you provide a work history that lists all directly related positions held, and it must include the dates of employment (month/day/year). 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.