Gardener (Motor Vehicle Operator) - National Park Service

To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors: Ability to do the work of a Gardener without more than normal supervision (SCREEN OUT) Technical Practices Ability to interpret instructions, specifications other than blueprints Knowledge of Materials Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment Dexterity and Safety Use of Measuring Instruments If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone. Address your knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the areas shown in the job-related factors. Volunteer Experience: 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; religious; 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. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated. This 1-year probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Performs a wide variety and range of gardening/tree work using independent judgment within the framework of good gardening practices. Works from project plans, master landscape, historic landscape, and long-range plans, making independent judgments within the framework of good gardening practices. Operates and maintains irrigation system for orchards. Prunes trees to reduce risk of failure, maintain historic patters, promote tree health and fruit productivity. Recommends and applies proper compounds for control measures (i.e., use of pesticide or herbicide and biological applications). Physical Effort: The work requires frequent walking, standing, pushing of carts and wheelbarrows, bending, and stooping. On occasion you may climb ladders to prune or trim vegetation and lifts heavy objects. Working Conditions: The work is done outside or in a greenhouse. You will be subject to discomfort from long periods in the sun, and sometimes in chilly or rainy weather. On a regular basis the conditions will involve working in air contaminated with chemical dust and sprays being applied to trees and shrubs. You will be required to wear protective clothing during pesticide/herbicide application; as well as normal safety items such as gloves, boots, glasses, etc. Career Seasonal: This is a Career-Seasonal position and subject to release and recall procedures. A permanent career-seasonal position includes all the benefits of permanent employment but does not provide employment on a full year-round basis. As such, selectee will work a minimum of 24 pay periods to a maximum of 25 pay periods and be in a non-pay/non-duty status for at least 2 weeks per year based on project requirements or weather conditions. The typical season is Jan-Dec (Non-pay period 11/1 - 11/14).