This position is located in the Engineering Maintenance Department of the Thomas E. Creek VA Health Care System, Amarillo, TX. The incumbent is under the supervision of the Maintenance Supervisor and serves in the capacity as a Gardener. The incumbent also performs other tasks such as collecting and hauling trash from various locations. Disposing of trash as specified. Keeps grounds neat and free of debris. Will be on the first call list for snow and ice removal.

Duties

Upkeep of Lawns, Trees, Shrubbery and Grounds Performs professional gardening work concerned with the maintenance and improvement of the grounds and is specifically involved with the culture of its existing and proposed trees, shrubs, lawns, flowerbeds and xeriscaped areas. Maintains accurate, up to date records on work performed, such as fertilizer and pesticide usage schedules with the pertinent information recorded about the material applied, application rate, etc. Irrigation Operation, Repair and Maintenance Responsible for the repair of a large commercial irrigation system with multiple zones, valves and control panels. Ensures the irrigation schedule is efficient and uses the least amount of water necessary to keep plantings and turf in a health condition. Makes repairs to the irrigation system as necessary to include replacing heads, valves, wiring and controls. Adds new irrigation as needed for added landscaped areas. Works with Project Managers and COR's to facilitate the successful addition, repair and renovation of the irrigation system due to new construction/additions. Snow Removal/Equipment Operation Responds to all snowfall events as determined by the Maintenance and Operations Supervisor. Removes snow and ice in parking lots, roadways and sidewalks. Subject to extended hours during snowfall events. Operates heavy equipment such as front-end loaders, industrial forklifts, man lifts, street sweepers and others. Minor maintenance and repair of small engine equipment. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm (will serve on an overtime required snow/ice removal team during inclement weather situations) Position Description Title/PD#: Gardener-RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE/PD01023A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Available to highly qualified applicants

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/18/2023. 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: Dexterity and SafetyInterpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)MaterialsMeasuring InstrumentsTechnical PracticesUse and Maintain Tools and EquipmentWithout more than normal supervision 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 is performed from ladders, platforms, under equipment, on man-lifts, scaffolds, heavy equipment, in crawl spaces, in areas that are hot, in hard to reach locations and outdoors. Employee is required to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, crawl and work in uncomfortable positions. Working Conditions: Employee is exposed to extremes of heat and cold, dust, noise, grease, bad smelling fumes, and moisture as well as outdoor environment. Employee will occasionally be exposed to disease, bad weather, electric shock, and danger from flying splinters and chips, and respiratory ailments. Employee will wear proper PPE, practices accepted Lock Out/Tag Out procedures and plan ahead to minimize risk.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Thomas E Creek VA Medical Center 6010 Amarillo Boulevard, West Amarillo, TX 79106 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]