Gardener (Motor Vehicle Operator) - Veterans Health Administration

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/08/2026. 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 Safety Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading) Measuring Instruments Technical Practices Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Without 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: Work will be performed over 96 acres and, as such, requires frequent walking and the use of a tractor for transportation of equipment and materials. Frequent bending, stooping and standing are required due to the nature of the work. The gardener will climb ladders to prune, plant material or to place Christmas lights. He/she will be required to lift heavy objects such as fertilizer, salt, plant material and maneuver loaded wheel barrows. Working Conditions: The majority of work is done outdoors. The gardener will be subject to discomfort from long periods of 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 section in moving materials and equipment, shop maintenance and other tasks which may be outside the range of gardening. The incumbent serves as a Gardener (Motor Vehicle/Tractor Operator) within the Facilities Management Service of the VA Kansas City Health Care System. The position is responsible for maintaining, protecting, and improving the medical center's exterior grounds, landscaped areas, ornamental plantings, and related infrastructure. Major duties include: - Performs gardening and grounds maintenance duties, including soil preparation, planting, transplanting, thinning, pruning, fertilizing, mulching, pest/disease control, and maintaining flower beds, trees, shrubs, lawns, and interior plants. Exercises expert judgment in identifying plant health issues and applying corrective measures to promote proper growth, vigor, appearance, and long-term sustainability. - Selects and applies proper fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers, lime, and other materials in accordance with manufacturer guidelines, OSHA/EPA standards, and VA safety practices. Calculates appropriate quantities and mixture ratios for plants, seeds, and chemical applications. - Operates a variety of powered and manual equipment, including riding and push mowers, trimmers, edgers, blowers, chain saws, cultivators, snowplows, and hand tools. Operates small forklifts to retrieve and store supplies. Performs routine equipment cleaning and maintenance, and enters assignment data into VA systems for work tracking. - Operates motor vehicles-including pickup trucks with trailers-to transport personnel, tools, equipment, and materials. Ensures proper loading, conducts operator-level maintenance, completes trip tickets, and reports vehicle issues promptly. - Operates, maintains, and monitors irrigation systems to ensure adequa