The Gardener (Tractor Operator) in the Grounds Section of Facility Management Service. Incumbent is charged with overseeing all gardening and gardening related tasks at Ft Harrison VAMC. Requires knowledge of gardening procedures and skill in gardening, tending lawns, flowers, shrub, and trees. Involves preparing for plants, seeding, thinning, transplanting, trimming, pruning, and fertilizing. Incumbent is required to work with a minimum amount of supervision to perform a wide variety of duties.

Duties

Duties of the position include and are not limited to: The incumbent will be operating and performing maintenance of high powered equipment, different machinery, and the upkeep of said machinery. Performs or leads repair work on roads, sidewalks, curbs, gutter, etc. These phases of work require knowledge of aggregate, sand, cement, water-cement ratio, seal-coating and road patching materials. Leads or performs digging of water and gas mains, moving of heavy Engineering equipment and supplies, demolition work, etc. Knowledge of Fertilization, transplanting, laying sod, preparing sod and seed beds, aerating, pruning, trimming and applying a wide range of chemicals to plants, turf, flowers, and trees. Must be able to operate a plow on a truck and/or side by side in a safe environment. Performs other related duties as assigned to the Grounds and Service Unit (e.g., snow/ice removal during Winter months, refueling operations, small engine repairs, transportation of equipment, etc.). Makes independent judgments and recommendations within the framework of good gardening practices. Incumbent uses own initiative, makes independent judgments in working and recommends changes for improvement and directing work in accordance with VA Regulations, program guide and manuals. Troubleshoots equipment malfunctions and failures and determines the extent of repairs and parts needed, estimated materials required, selects best work methods, techniques and trade practices and accomplishes the repair or overhaul. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Position Description Title/PD#: Gardener(Tractor Operator)/12771-O Telework: This position is not authorized for telework. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not authorized good

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 05/17/2024. 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. Incidental operator an employee, other than one occupying a position officially classified as a motor vehicle operator, who is required to operate a Government-owned or -leased motor vehicle to properly carry out his or her assigned duties. This position requires that the incumbent possess a valid state government issued driver's license at a minimum. 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 eligibilities are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal SupervisionDexterity and SafetyInterpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)MaterialsMeasuring InstrumentsTechnical PracticesUse and Maintain Tools and Equipment 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: Work tasks require frequent walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing of carts, lawnmowers, edger's and wheelbarrows. Work task may involve occasional lifting and carrying heavy (approximately 50 pounds) with frequent lifting and carrying of moderately heavy objects (up to 40 pounds) such as grass seed, trash bags, ice melt, containers, trimming and waste. Other physical effort involves pulling, climbing, working with hands over head. Must have the ability to be on feet for extended periods of time either standing, walking or working off ladders. Climbs ladders to prune and/or trim shrubs and trees. Working Conditions: Primary work will be in the exterior grounds and parking areas of the medical center. Incumbent is required to use all the proper tools and safety equipment to protect himself/herself, staff, patients and visitors. Other assignments can be in any area of the Medical Center. Will be exposed to the possibility of cuts, bruises and insect bites. Work is often dirty and dusty. Work is inside and outside, and off ladders and scaffolds. Outside work will involve exposure to a variety of weather conditions as is expected in the Salt Lake City area.

Education

This series does not have a education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Fort Harrison VA Medical Center 3687 Veterans Drive Fort Harrison, MT 59636 US
• Name: Kimba Brown
• Phone: 773-996-0671
• Email: [email protected]