This position is located at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System within the Facilities Management service line. The employee performs professional gardening work concerned with the maintenance and improvement of the 100 plus acres at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System and is specifically involved with the cultivation of its existing and proposed trees, shrubs, lawns, and flower beds.

Duties

Major duties include but are not limited to: Maintains the landscape at the facility in a healthy, disease-free, and attractive condition Provides corrective action for problems involving plant management, insect, and disease control for plantings based on the species Determines when corrective action is needed to improve the health, vigor, and appearance of plants by fertilization, pruning, transplanting, pest control, etc., based on established, and continuously updated, knowledge of plants and their growth habits 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 Resolve issues for specific plant problems and will maintain relationships with other entities in the area (e.g., Minnesota State Park Service) to share information regarding current hazards (e.g., Emerald Ash Borer, other harmful insects, non-native plants, erosion, etc.) Support the other duties and responsibilities of the Grounds Department during extreme weather (e.g., snowfall) Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (work hours may be further discussed during the interview) Telework: Not available Position Description Title/PD#: Gardener/PD606490 Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized 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, 08/20/2024. 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. To be found at least minimally qualified for the position of Gardener WG-08 level, your application and supporting documents must demonstrate the critical knowledge, skills, and abilities that are essential for satisfactory job performance. For this position, you must have the ability to do the work without more than normal supervision in performing the full range of duties. Examples of qualifying related experience include but are not limited to: maintains landscape and handles nursery stock, bedding plants, bulbs, etc.; utilizes various hand tools and power equipment to maintain plants; selects annual and perennial plants and cares for their health (e.g., pruning); and plans, organizes and prioritizes work assignments. 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: 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. Working Conditions: Most of the work is done outdoors. The gardener will be subject to discomfort from prolonged exposure to heat and humidity, cold, wind, rain and snow, and will perform responsibilities with minimum interruption under these conditions. He/ she will be exposed to chemical sprays and dusts. He/she will be provided protective clothing and equipment such as gloves, respirator, safety shoes and boots. During periods of extreme weather, such as heavy rain or severe cold, the incumbent may be given assignments to assist other members of the Grounds Department in moving materials and equipment, shop maintenance and other tasks which may be outside the range of gardening. The incumbent will be required to work shifts other than their regular Tour of Duty when the situation dictates the need. These assignments will be determined by the Motor Vehicle Operator Foreman of the Miscellaneous Services Unit, which is commonly referred to as the Grounds Department. The incumbent shall assist in snow and ice removal using hand tools and other equipment in addition to chemicals of diverse types without injury to plant material. As gardener, the incumbent will have contact with employees and patients throughout the station. He/she may supervise fellow employees of the Grounds Department for specific assignments and is expected to plan those projects in a way that maximizes results. He/she must be able to express themselves.

Education

There is no educational substitution.

Contacts

• Address Minneapolis VA Medical Center One Veterans Drive Minneapolis, MN 55417 US
• Name: Kara Grieser
• Phone: (320) 252-1670 X7151
• Email: [email protected]