GARDENER (MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATOR)-DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY

Summary Veterans' preference does not apply to DHA recruitment. Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for more information. The primary purpose of this position is: To plan and perform seasonal gardening and grounds maintenance duties. The position requires the use of motor vehicles and tractors. Additionally, as required by the supervisor, passes instructions and assigns immediate tasks to Federal inmates. Duties Plans and carries out gardening work according to the schedule or project assignment, keeping within the framework of established gardening practices. Performs grounds maintenance work, such as mowing, weeding, watering, pruning, and trimming, selecting and applying established gardening methods. Uses and maintains a variety of hand and power operated garden tools and equipment, such as seeders, spreaders, edgers, hedge trimmers, pruning shears, sprayer, spades, hoes, rakes, and mowers. Operates a farm-type tractor and towed or attached equipment on level or rolling terrain, such as open fields, parks, orchards, lawns, and along roadways. Determines equipment operations for maneuvering over level or rolling terrain that are appropriate to the operating characteristics of the tractor and towed or attached equipment. Drives one or more types of light trucks which typically have a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of up to 10,000 pounds such as pickup trucks, panel trucks, flatbed trucks, carryalls, and sedans to transport materials and equipment. Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work environment Requirements Conditions of employment U.S. Citizenship Required Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov Selectee is expected to be granted with and/or maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the position. Relocation costs or other incentives may be available and considered by the organization. This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program This position mya require drug testing and the candidate may by subject to passing a drug test upon selection. Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays Shift work and emergency overtime may be required Disclosure of Political Appointments This position may require travel. Selectee may be required to serve a probationary or trail period This work requires the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver's license is required for the position. Recall to duty may be required of the position. Qualifications In order to qualify, you must meet the quality level of experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook X-118C. QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard Handbook X-118C for the WG-5000 Plant And Animal Work Family. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most blue-collar positions, you must meet any screen-out element listed and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time. The screen out element for this position is: Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision JOB ELEMENTS: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Technical Practices: theoretical precise, artistic Use of Measuring Instruments Ability to Interpret Instructions, specifications; other than blueprint Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Knowledge of Material Dexterity and Safety Ideal Candidate: We are looking for a team player who works well with others, a fast learner, and is accustomed to Florida's climate. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs): 1. Knowledge of seasonal gardening tasks such as preparing seedbeds, fertilizing, transplanting, laying sod, aerating, pruning, trimming, and applying chemicals to plants; and grounds maintenance, such as mowing grass and trimming trees and shrubs. 2. Knowledge of safety practices and procedures including traffic and safety regulations, practices, and procedures pertaining to motor vehicle and farm-type tractor operation, cargo handling, and load hauling. 3. Skill in using and maintaining hand and power tools, such as seeders, spreaders, edgers, hedge trimmers, pruning shears, sprayers, spades, hoes, rakes, and mowers. 4. Skill in operating one or more gasoline, diesel, or electric powered wheeled vehicles with a GVW of up to 10,000 pounds such as pickup trucks, panel trucks, flatbed trucks, carryalls, sedans, crew cab pickup trucks, jeeps, and station wagons; performing preventive maintenance on any vehicle operated; and loading, handling and hauling tools, equipment, and other cargo (while safeguarding and protecting cargo). 5. Skill in operating a variety of tractors to include manipulating equipment controls simultaneously; adjusting equipment for various job requirements; and judging clearances, heights, and turning angles of tractor and towed vehicles/equipment. 6. Ability to recognize common plant diseases, plant insects, and unusual or poor plant growth. 7. Ability to follow instructions, work orders, and specifications related to gardening, motor vehicle and tractor operation, and performing preventive maintenance. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Additional information This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in selection. This job announcement may close at any time - apply now! Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here. 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.