The employee serves as gardener within the Facilities Management Section at the Orlando V AMC in Orlando, FL. He/she is required to work with minimal supervision to perform a wide variety of duties to improve and maintain the appearance of lawns, trees, shrubs, plants, walkways, recreational areas, roads and parking lots at this facility. Gardner will report to Maintenance & Operations Supervisor WS-07.

Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to: Serves as a Contracting Officers Representative (COR) for overseeing the grounds contract for the Lake Nona, Lake Baldwin, and Lakemont campuses. Inspects the contractor's work, keeps the contractor informed of all issues that deal with but are not limited to grounds, tree, parking lot, and sprinkler maintenance. Works with the Contracting Officer on any issues dealing with the grounds contract. Coordinates between each campus contractor to resolve any needed repairs and additional work to be performed to the grounds. Responsible for doing seasonal gardening tasks such as fertilizing, preparing seedbeds, transplanting, laying sod, aerating, pruning, trimming and applying chemicals to plants according to directions. Responsible for lawn mowing of the VA grounds and ensures that the grounds are esthetically pleasing through proper watering, lawn cutting and fertilizing. Plants, transplants and fertilizes a large variety of shrubs, flowers, grasses and trees. Considers the seasonal schedules or project plans for their area, suitability of the weather, degree of moisture in the soil and stage of plant growth in deciding when and how they will do their work. Figures quantities of plants, seeds, fertilizer and other materials needed for specific areas. Prepares soil from instructions on the proper mixture of such materials as sand, humus, topsoil and fertilizer. Places seeds and plants in soil at proper depth, taking care not to damage roots while transplanting. Seeds and bulbs are harvested, labeled and stored for later use. Trims and prunes trees, shrubs, flowers, etc. to shape and remove excess growth. Prunes trees to ensure proper balance between roots and upper growth. Adjusts irrigation, fertilization and mineral content of soil to meet the requirements and characteristics of each type of plant, tree, shrub, or grass. Work Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday 05:30-14:00, 06:00-14:30, 07:00-15:30 Sunday-Thursday 05:30-14:00, 06:00-14:30, 07:00-15:30 Position Description Title/PD#: Gardener/PD675-05144-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/06/2023. 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 Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Other Than Blueprint Reading)Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and EquipmentKnowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc.MaterialsTechnical PracticesTroubleshooting 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: work requires prolonged periods of walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing mowers, carts, edgers, wheelbarrows, etc., climbing ladders, lifting and carrying heavy objects (weighing approximately 50 pounds) and frequently lifting and carrying moderately heavy objects weighing up to 40 pounds. Work involves pulling, climbing and working with hands above the head. Working Conditions: primary work area is outside on the grounds of the medical facility, with some work being performed inside. Incumbent is exposed to a variety of weather conditions inherent to the Central Florida region and the possibility of cuts, bruises, insect bites, and work is often dirty and dusty. Incumbent works with power equipment such as, but not limited to push mowers, power edgers, trimmers, chain saws, brush clippers, tractor mowers, street sweepers, etc. and is exposed to engine noise, heat and possible airborne debris.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Orlando VA Medical Center 13800 Veterans Way Orlando, FL 32827 US
• Name: Jimmie Shaw
• Phone: 407-627-8325
• Email: [email protected]