Professional gardening work concerned with the maintenance and improvement of the 100 plus acres at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and is specifically involved with the cultivation of its existing and proposed trees, shrubs, lawns, and flower beds.

Duties

Major duties listed but not limited to: Analyzes plant disease, pest and insect infestations, and determines mode of action required to minimize damage and prevent spreading of the problem 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. Prepares purchase order requests for plant material, equipment, materials and supplies as needed through the Grounds Foreman. During periods of extreme weather (e.g. snowfall), labor shortages, or heavy workloads, etc., the incumbent will be assigned tasks outside the area of gardening to support the other duties and responsibilities of the Grounds Department. Work Schedule: 7am-3:30pm Monday-Friday Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description Title/PD#: Gardener/PD606490 Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required Bargaining Unit Status: Yes, AFGE The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/27/2023. 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: Must possess the ability to do the work of a Gardener without more than normal supervision. Examples would include: Experience handling nursery stock, bedding plants, bulbs, etc. Knowledge and understanding of plant species and their cultural requirements. Experience using varied hand tools and power equipment to maintain plants. Follows written and verbal directions. Plans, organizes and prioritizes work assignments. 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)Technical 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: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Minneapolis VA Medical Center One Veterans Drive Minneapolis, MN 55417 US
• Name: Erica Aleman
• Phone: 612-467-5705
• Email: [email protected]