This position is that of a Gardener in the Engineering Service Line located at the Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System. The incumbent must be exceptionally knowledgeable in the field of gardening and landscaping, to develop, implement, and monitor a comprehensive seasonal landscaping plan for a 116-acre medical center complex and possess working knowledge of plant identification characteristics, function of plant parts, fertilization, grafting, and pruning.

Duties

Duties include but not limited to: Performs and schedules seasonal gardening tasks such as fertilizing, preparing seedbeds, transplanting, laying sod, aerating, pruning, trimming, and applying chemicals according to specific regulations. Transplants, aerates, prunes, mulches, and trims a variety of plants, seeds, and plant materials using developed knowledge of seasonal schedules, project plans, weather suitability, soil moisture, and plant growth stages. Prepares roots, grafts, layers, and documents soil beds, plants, seedlings, cutting and seeds using knowledge of correct conditions (chemical composition, depth, moisture, temperature, humidity, and ventilation requirements to encourage germination and growth.) Operate gas powered equipment such as a walk behind lawn mower, backpack blower, weedeater, chainsaws, and hedge trimmers. Selects, measures, mixes, and applies fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides for the control of common plant diseases, plant insects, and weeds. Operate all vehicles with skill and in safe manner, to avoid injury and/or damage to the vehicle. Operates vehicles and equipment safely over Federal, State, City, and County terrain and roads in all traffic conditions. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Position Description Title/PD#: Gardener (Motor Vehicle Operator)/PD11777A 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, 03/06/2024. 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)MaterialsTechnical 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: The work requires frequent walking, standing, pushing of carts and wheelbarrows, bending, and stooping. The gardener occasionally climbs ladders to prune or trim vegetation and frequently lifts heavy objects such as bags of fertilizers, grass seed, etc. Working conditions: Work is performed outside or in a greenhouse. In working outside, the gardener is subject to discomfort from extended periods in the hot sun, and sometimes to chilly or rainy weather. Being exposed to dirt, dust, mud, and sometimes to chemical sprays and dusts, they may wear protective clothing such as gloves, safety shoes, and boots. There is a change of minor injuries such as bruises, cuts, and scrapes and occasional possibility of broken bones from falls or other causes.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Tucson VA Medical Center 3601 South Sixth Avenue Tucson, AZ 85723 US
• Name: Jessica Burns
• Phone: 253-583-2546
• Email: [email protected]