Gardener

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens, Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)

Duties

Serves as a gardener at Cape Cod National Seashore. Primary purpose of the position is to provide proper care and maintenance for lawns, flowers, shrubs, and trees. Incumbent will perform gardener work based upon seasonal schedules or project plans for the area, suitability of the weather, degree of moisture in the soil, and the stage of plant growth.

Major duties include but are not limited to:

Prunes and trims trees and shrubs to obtain the shape, size and desired growth characteristics, and to remove diseased limbs or excess branches. Transplants trees, shrubs, flowers and other plants. Computes quantity of plants, seeds, and other materials needed for specific areas. Identifies plant diseases and insect issues. Ability to measure, mix and apply fungicides, insecticides, herbicides and calibrate equipment for the application of them. Take soil samples for testing and interprets test results. Slit seeding, aeration, over-seeding, and major turf care renovations. This also includes safe operation and routine maintenance of mowers, utility vehicles, and field-type tractors with various attachments.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

U.S. Citizenship required. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. Applicants must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

For WG: Applicants must be physically fit and, as required in Office of Personnel Management Federal Wage System Qualifications, must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the elements listed in Section 25 of the Online Occupational Questionnaire to perform the duties of the position at the level for which they are applying. A specific length of time and experience is not required; however, you must be able to demonstrate the rough experience shown in your written application, that you possess sufficient knowledge, skill and ability to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.

Examples of experience for this position include: identifying plant diseases and insect issues; slit seeding, aeration, over-seeding, and minor turf care renovations; ability to measure and apply insecticides; prune trees and shrubs; operation and maintain mowers, utility vehicles, and field type tractors with attachments. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. You must meet level 2 on the screen out factor/element and an average of level 2 on all factors/elements. 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)

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) Technical Practices. Use of Measuring Instruments. Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (other than blueprints). Ability to Use and Maintain Tools. Knowledge of Materials. Dexterity and Safety. 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.

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