Gardener (Turf Specialist)

Summary The primary purpose of this position is to maintain healthy high-performance turf within the maintained, cultural landscape of Independence National Historical Park (INDE). The incumbent applies well-established turf management practices to maintain the turf grasses within the park. These turf grass spaces are part of a complex landscape, providing opportunities for recreation, special events, First Amendment events and National celebrations. Responsibilities Applies well- established turf grass standards to conduct turf grass inspections, feature inventories, and condition assessments. Maintain detailed records and data of turf maintenance activities, as well as historical records and condition assessments. Identifying historic landscapes, their features, and potential threats; assessing and recommending landscape preservation maintenance; and providing technical assistance in the field of historic landscape mangement and horticulture. Primary operator of the irrigation system and hand waters areas needing additional water; performing maintenance and limited repairs of watering/irrigation equipment Maintains tools and equipment in clean and safe condition. Salary Range: A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected. The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay. Probationary Period: If you are a new employee or supervisor in the Federal government, you will be required to complete a one-year probationary period. TERM: This is a term position (more than 1 year) with an initial appointment expecting to last at least 13 months but may be extended up to a total of four years, or more based on any changes to regulations governing the number of years term appointments may last, without further competition. Term positions do not convey permanent status in the Federal service. Extensions are in one-year intervals NTE 4 years total. The National Park Service retains the right to extend the duration of this appointment after selection and/or appointment, based on changes to the regulation governing the number of years term appointments may last. This change, which may be made at the agency's sole discretion and without further competition, shall not be construed or interpreted as the granting of a right to a selectee or employee to such an extension. No extension to a term appointment shall be granted to a selectee/employee to an amount of time that exceeds the maximum number of years authorized under any present or current regulation, unless such regulation expressly allows such action. Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. Citizenship required. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males Direct Deposit: Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program. Incidental Driving: You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties. Prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year thereafter (or more frequently if management determines such need exists), you will be required to sign an affidavit certifying to your possession of a valid State issued driver's license that is current and has not been revoked, suspended, canceled, or otherwise disqualified in any way to prohibit your operation of a motor vehicle. You will also submit a photocopy of your valid State issued driver's license prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year, or more frequently if management determines such need exists. Lastly, you may be required to submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that discloses all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you. Please indicate in your application whether you possess a valid State driver's license. Uniform: You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. Herbicide License: Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid herbicide license for the state of Pennsylvania. TERM: You will be required to complete a one-year trial period. Qualifications To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors: Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT) Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (other than blueprints) Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Dexterity and Safety Knowledge of materials Technical Practices (theoretical precise, artistic) Use of Measuring Instructions 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. Education There is no substitution of education for experience for Wage Grade (WG) positions. Additional Information This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate. Physical Demands: The work of this position frequently requires the incumbent to lift heavy objects such as bags of fertilizer, grass seed, etc. up to 50 pounds. The incumbent is required to work below and above ground level. Irrigation work is often performed in confined spaces, excavated holes and trenches. The work requires a considerable amount of walking, stooping, looking up, and bending which includes working outside in weather conditions varying from hot, humid summers to below freezing temperatures in winter. Snow removal requires lifting 50 lb. bags of deicer, often in slippery conditions. Physical effort is described the same at all levels in the standard, with the exception that at the grade 8 level, gardeners usually do more work involving climbing ladders and stretching to reach tree limbs. Working Conditions: Work is generally performed in an outdoor setting, where there is exposure to moderate risks and discomforts associated with a field environment. The duties necessitate special safety precautions (e.g., protective clothing, footwear, and safety gear) for the incumbent to safely work around moving machinery and equipment and handle herbicides. Work may occur during inclement weather such as rain, snow, or high temperatures. Incumbent is required to respond to emergency needs during weekends, holidays, and off duty hours to perform snow removal, flood cleanup, storm damage, special events, or as directed by management.

Created: 2024-11-13