This position serves as a Gardener/Tractor Operator in the Grounds Maintenance Shop under the supervision of the Supervisory Boiler Plant Operator, with second level direction provided by the Maintenance Control Manager. This position is covered by the AFGE bargaining unit. Per the Master Agreement, the Area of Consideration will be: 1st AOC: Current permanent Facility (including satellites) employees 2nd AOC: Current permanent VA employees 3rd AOC: All other Status candidates

Duties

Your duties can include but are not limited to the following: Operates edgers, weed eaters, trimmers, clippers, chain saws, aerators, sprayers, and other large and small hand and power tools. Monitors plants and shrubs to determine when to trim, thin or transplant. Mixes and applies herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers, growth inhibitors, fungicides, sterilants, and other related chemicals as needed and as directed by manufacturer and supervisor. Selects and applies fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides for the control of common plant diseases, plant insects and weeds. Completes tree and shrub work to include when to prune, how to prune and removal of dead/diseased limbs. Prepares seed, flower and bulb beds; transplants trees, shrubs and bulbs; lays sod, prunes, trims and cuts trees, shrubs and hedges. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Applicable Position Description Title/PD#: Gardener (Tractor Operator)/PD011830 Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved 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 Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal SupervisionAbility to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Other Than Blueprint Reading)Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and EquipmentDexterity and SafetyKnowledge of MaterialsTechnical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic) 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/Working Conditions: Incumbent's work requires frequent walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing of carts, lawn mowers and wheelbarrows, lifting and carrying items weighing 50 pounds or more. Must occasionally climb ladders and scaffolding to prune vegetation; at times will handle moderately heavy bags of fertilizer, grass seed, soil or roll sod. There are times when the incumbent will exert physical effort when the need for hand tools such as shovels, rakes, pruning shears and picks become necessary. Work is primarily outdoors coping with exposure to wind, rain, sun, ice and snow. The incumbent is subjected to extreme changes in weather such as low and high temperatures and high heat index conditions that require following strict safety measures. The incumbent is exposed to high noise levels, vibrations and jolts from the tractor and towed equipment. An operator at this level is exposed to chemical dust, dirt, grease, fumes and sprays and may need to wear protective clothing and respirators. Indoor work may expose incumbent to areas that are unventilated, dusty, dirty, and/or patient care areas; and runs the risk of injury associated with heavy lifting, operation of the tools of the trade, and heavy equipment and vehicles. Prescribed safety practices and the use of safety equipment will be used to prevent injuries and job related hazards in the work area due to the risk of injury associated with heavy lifting and operation of the tools of the trade.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Columbia VA Health Care System 6439 Garners Ferry Road Columbia, SC 29209 US
• Name: VHA National Recruitment Center
• Phone: (844)456-5208
• Email: [email protected]