Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from all U.S. Citizens. The formal title is Gardener at the WG-6 and WG-8 The formal title at the WG-9 is Gardener (Advanced)

This position is located in the United States Botanic Garden (USBG), Horticulture Section, Collections Department.  The Collections Department is responsible for growing, maintaining and displaying the USBG’s living accessioned collection. The incumbent serves as a Gardener and is responsible for broad knowledge of rare and historical plants as well as the specialized living accessioned collections assigned to the Collections Section. Collections include, but are not limited to: plants from the Orchid family, Cacti and Succulents, Tropical /Subtropical plants, plants with known medicinal or economic properties, plants of historical significance or institutional importance, rare and endangered species, and collections utilized to support mission functions.  The incumbent will perform duties in any of the following areas:  propagation, acquisition, cultivation, program development and maintenance for one of the collections.  Learn more here: US Botanic Garden

*** This position is essential--Employee is required to report to work during emergencies and inclement weather situations***

The tour of duty will include weekends, evenings, and holidays on a regular and recurring basis.  The tour of duty of will begin as a Tuesday through Saturday schedule.

The position may be filled at the Gardener journey-level or worker-level.  Developmental assignments will be given with the goal of attaining the full performance level.  Duties quoted below are at the WG-8 level.

Major Duties

Grows Specialized Plant Groups

Grows, manages, maintains, develops, and cultivates a specialized plant collection. Propagates and cultivates unusual plants, seeds, and plant materials. This process includes daily watering, fertilizing, and maintaining proper greenhouse conditions including temperature, humidity, ventilation, and light levels. Considers the unique needs and characteristics of plants in providing an optimum growing environment. Utilizes a computer controlled greenhouse environmental control system to manipulate the production environment to optimal plant growth conditions. Responsible for growing and maintaining the USBG accessioned Cacti and Succulent Collection or Orchid Collection.

In conjunction with the plant curator, exchanges materials, ideas, and information with other conservatories, museums, and botanic gardens.

Serves as an authoritative source of information on important practical horticultural issues. Explores methods to improve planting, cultivating, fertilizing, spraying and disease control to achieve optimum plant quality and recommends priorities and strategies for optimum growth.

Re-plants, divides, and prunes plant specimens to achieve and maintain optimum plant health. Performs propagation of the collection by division, cuttings, seeds, tissue culture and air layering at the appropriate time. Allocates space for plant production and ensures proper growing conditions for the living collections. Directs the work of other gardeners in propagating and growing plants in the collection.

Recognizes unusual plant diseases and unusual or poor plant growth and treats the conditions accordingly. Uses technical knowledge to recommend possible solutions to routine problems involving a broad variety of tropical plant genera. Records corrective procedures used and the results achieved. Monitors pest population and life cycles; determines threshold level and applies the appropriate physical, cultural, and biological or chemical controls.

Operates a motor vehicle when transporting plants and equipment to designated facilities. Completes property passes to ensure accountability of plants transported. Records the date, plant name, accession number, quantity, and plant destination.

Modifies and adapts existing procedures for preventative maintenance and greenhouse scheduling.

Installs Aesthetic and Educational Displays and performs other Mission Critical Duties 

Designs aesthetic and educational plant displays, which include the layout and design of the display, selection and labeling the plants, and maintaining and rotating plants in the exhibit.

Takes the initiative to inform the public about plants cared for through leading classes, workshops, and tours for the USBG visitors. As required, directs a small group of staff, volunteers, and summer employees in the performance of plant maintenance and care projects.

Performs duties to maintain clean and orderly horticultural standards. Ensures that assigned areas are free of weeds and related problems. Organizes work areas, sweeps and cleans greenhouse floors with disinfectants, removes trash and debris, and coils hoses. 

Is responsible for collaborating with other sections and divisions of the USBG to develop, execute, and maintain educational horticultural exhibits.

Removes snow and ice from sidewalks and steps in inclement weather. Applies salt, sand, and other melting agents to clear areas and ensure safe conditions.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen.
• You must be able to pass a drug test.
• Your resume and question responses must demonstrate job-related elements.
• Must possess a valid, unexpired State driver's license at application.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS AND MAINTAIN A VALID AND UNEXPIRED STATE DRIVER'S LICENSE AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If the above required license is not held during employment, the incumbent will be terminated for failure to meet the conditions of continued employment.

Qualifications

You must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the job announcement.

You must meet the following SCREEN-OUT:

--  Ability to do Gardening Work Without More Than Normal Supervision.

Qualification at the WG-6 level: Assists with gardening projects and has a working knowledge of gardening practices in order to maintain a diverse group of plants.

Qualification at the WG-8 level: Is able to work gardening projects independently and has knowledge of methods for propagating and cultivating a wide variety of plants.

How you will be evaluated

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

Review your resume and responses carefully. Your eligibility for consideration and qualifications for the position will be determined based upon a review of your detailed resume and your responses to job specific self-assessment questions.

Your resume will be evaluated based on evidence of your ability to demonstrate the job elements for this position, possession of any specialized experience, and how well your background and experience relates to the self-assessment questions in the job announcement. The self-assessment questions relate to the following job elements and competencies:

• Ability to do Gardening Work Without More Than Normal Supervision (Screen-out)
• Knowledge of Technical Gardening Practices
• Ability to Interpret Instructions and Specifications
• Ability to Use and Maintain Gardening Tools and Equipment

Your responses to the self-assessment questions serve as the basis for your initial rating. You will receive a numerical score based on your responses to these questions. Next, your responses will be evaluated by a Human Resources Specialist and/or a subject matter expert against the information provided in your resume and optional cover letter. Your resume must support your answers to the self-assessment questions. Falsifying your background, education and/or experience is cause for non-selection or disqualification from further consideration.