Gardener
National Gallery of Art - Washington, DC
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Summary The Department of Horticultural Services (AFM-HS) is responsible for the maintenance of 10 acres of exterior landscape; which includes the West and East Buildings and the 6-acre National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Responsibilities As a Gardener you will: Incumbent assures that proper pruning, watering, weeding, planting, fertilizing, cleaning, mulching, pest control, and equipment operation, are carried out in assigned area, following industry standards. Incumbent prepares maintenance schedules for all trees, shrubs, perennials, annual plantings, and tropical plants, under the guidance of the lead horticulturist, and in keeping within the framework of established best practices. Schedules include general pruning, fertilization, pesticide applications, and watering. Incumbent assures that all areas of responsibility are always kept in excellent condition. Sets up special event plants and florals. Transports plant material to designated areas properly. Performs daily maintenance of plants. Daily maintenance includes checking water requirements of individual plants and watering as needed, removing dead or dying leaves, fronds, flowers, etc., wiping or spraying down plants with water to remove dust, dirt, etc., or otherwise cleaning plants as needed for aesthetic purposes, etc. Ability to recognize when a plant needs to be removed from display and replaced. Selects, measures, mixes, and applies chemical control agents under guidance from Supervisory Horticulturist to control common plant diseases, insects, and weeds. Determines threshold levels and applies appropriate physical, cultural and biological or chemical controls. Ability to accurately mix fertilizer ratios. Ability to understand diagnostic reports to better correct soil or plant deficiencies. Works conscientiously while performing duties. Knowledge of proper techniques to safely move plants around artwork; such as sleeving and tying of plants, use of alternate routes, and spatial awareness. Ability to follow map diagrams and can direct others to ensure plant installation is implemented accurately. Works with special event coordinator to ensure plant display needs are met and changes are implemented in a timely manner. Incumbent possesses knowledge of the use of gardening tools, such as hand clippers, shears, shovels, pole saws, leaf blowers, vacuums, sprayers, tank sprayers, lawn mowers, and snow removal tools like snow blowers. Ability to maintain tools with proper sharpening, oiling, cleaning, part replacement, and storage. Incumbent must have a good working knowledge of temperate and tropical trees, shrubs, flowers, and turf grass species, including proper nomenclature. Must be familiar with growing requirements, common plant pests and disorders and their control using best practices and safety precautions within the prescribed integrated pest management program. The work requires frequent walking, standing, pushing of carts and wheelbarrows, bending and stooping, kneeling, pushing, pulling and climbing. The incumbent frequently lifts heavy objects such as bags of fertilizer, grass seed, etc. Often lifts items weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted and, with assistance, lifts and moves heavier items. Must have dexterity and physical ability to perform grounds maintenance work. Must be able to wear proper Personal Protective Equipment required by the manufacturer and Gallery in the operation of equipment or duties. Must be able to safely operate power equipment and a variety of service vehicles like golf carts, skid loaders, scissor lifts, and boom lifts. Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. Citizenship or National This employer participates in the e-Verify program. See "Other Information" section regarding Selective Service requirements. All required documents must be submitted by 11:59PM EST on closing date. Physical requirements: Any selected candidate must show evidence of meeting the physical requirements of the position. This may require the selected candidate to obtain a medial examination from a licensed medical practitioner. The selected individual should have the ability to lift 80-100 pounds and walk for a period of 4-8 hours. Incumbent is expected to perform work in all types of weather conditions, including rain, snow, wind, high temperatures (above 90° F), and low temperature below 32° F). The National Gallery of Art provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees Qualifications Candidates must meet the Occupational Qualification requirements for WG-5003-10 which includes possession of the following job elements: 1. Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision** 25-E. Technical Practices. 60. Use of Measuring Instruments 75-B. Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications; Other than Blueprints 81. Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment 82-A. Knowledge of Materials 86. Dexterity and safety Other Relevant Eligibility Criteria: Must have a valid Driver's License. Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Pesticide Applicator's license (or valid State license reciprocal with the District of Columbia) in either or all of the categories: (1) interior plantscapes, (2) turfgrass, (3) exterior ornamental plants within 90 days of appointment. Failure could result in termination of the promotion and returning you to your previous position." Candidates must ensure that their submitted USAJOBS résumés thoroughly demonstrate their possession of these job elements. If their résumés do not include specific evidence of these job elements, they will be found ineligible for these positions. Education Additional Information The National Gallery of Art fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. - More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement. - Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year. - AN EXTERNAL SELECTED CANDIDATE MUST BE FINGERPRINTED AND RECEIVE A BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION, RESULTING IN A SATISFACTORY SUITABILITY DETERMINATION BEFORE BEING HIRED FOR THIS POSITION. - All males born after December 31st 1959 must abide by laws regarding Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page, Who Must Register. If you are not registered and don't have an approved exemption, you will not be eligible for employment with the Federal government. EEO Policy: Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Veterans Information: Selective Service Registration:
Created: 2024-10-08