Clarification from the agency

This position is open to all U.S. Citizens or U.S. Nationals (including Veterans recruitment). Excepted Service employees may also apply to this announcement. More than one selection may be made from this announcement.

• Assures that proper pruning, watering, weeding, planting, fertilizing, cleaning, mulching, pest control, and equipment operation, are carried out in assigned area, following industry standards.
• Prepares seeds, plants, and transplants by adding amendments, cultivating and grading using knowledge of correct conditions (chemical composition, depth, moisture, temperature, humidity, and ventilation requirements to encourage germination and growth).
• Establishes and assures that safe working practices are utilized and that OSHA laws and labeling directives are followed.
• Assists in the establishment of procedures for landscape management including the care of annual bedding plants, tropical foliage plants, interior plants, woody plants, herbaceous perennials, new installations, fertilization, chemical weed control, pest control, and safety.
• Operates a wide variety of equipment including snow blowers, utility vehicles, leaf vacuums/blowers, string trimmers, hedge shears, rototillers, mowers, pressure washers, etc. to complete assignments.
• Uses a wide variety of power equipment, including utility vehicles, skidsteers, and forklifts.

Conditions of employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation
• May need to complete a Probationary Period
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Valid Driver's License

Physical Requirements:
This position requires the physical ability to perform moderately heavy work including lifting and carrying heavy objects up to 50 lbs. occasionally up to 75 lbs; work outside in all weather conditions with exposure to dirt, dust, pollen and insects; climb ladders and stairs; and stand and walk for extended periods. Must be able to safely operate power equipment. Must be certified to wear a respirator and other protective clothing.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the job opportunity announcement.

For information on the Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations, see OPM’s web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/x-118c/index.htm.  

Qualifications

In order to be rated qualified, an applicant's overall experience and training must indicate possession of the minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the duties of this position.

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

How you will be evaluated:
Applications will first be evaluated to determine whether the following screen out element is met:

1. Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision.

If an applicant meets the screen-out element, the following Job Elements will be evaluated:

2. Technical practices (i.e., theoretical, precise, artistic).
3. Use of measuring instruments.
4. Ability to interpret instructions and specifications (other than blueprints).
5. Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment.
6. Knowledge of materials.
7. Dexterity and safety.

NOTE: Possession of a valid driver’s license required.

Applicants who meet or exceed the screen-out element will be assigned to one of three category groups based on job-related criteria:

Best Category - Meets the screen-out element and excels in most of the job related elements above.

Better Category - Meets the screen-out element and satisfies most of the job related elements above.

Good Category - Meets the screen-out element, but does not satisfy most of the job related elements above to a substantive degree.

This category rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three", but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-veterans within each category. A selecting official may make selections from the highest quality category (Best Category) provided no veteran in that category is passed over to select a non-veteran in that category unless the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3317(b) or 3318(b) are satisfied. Veterans who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher. Applicants who have not submitted a resume in the USAjobs system and/or have not answered all of the announcement questions will not be considered for this position.

Important Note:

Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire or other assessment tool for consistency. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience. Your resume should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.