As a Horticulturist, you will be responsible for assisting the Regional Horticulturist improving the landscape management program for the National Capital Region at GSA.
Location of position: Washington, DC Division/Office: National Capital Region, Public Building Service, Service Delivery Support (WPY), Safety, Environment and Fire Protection Branch.
We are currently filling one vacancy, but additional vacancies may be filled as needed.
Summary
As a Horticulturist, you will be responsible for assisting the Regional Horticulturist improving the landscape management program for the National Capital Region at GSA.
Location of position: Washington, DC Division/Office: National Capital Region, Public Building Service, Service Delivery Support (WPY), Safety, Environment and Fire Protection Branch.
We are currently filling one vacancy, but additional vacancies may be filled as needed.
Assist the Regional Horticulturist in the oversight, coordination, and development of an overall program of technical and management procedures to assure the attractiveness, functionality, and long term sustainability of all outdoor ornamental plants in the NCR inventory, including annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, ground covers, ornamental grasses, and turf.
Routinely makes on-site evaluations of NCR sites to identify needs for landscape improvements and upgrades. Proposes technically and esthetically appropriate design concepts and assists the Regional Horticulturist in the horticultural and administrative planning necessary for project implementation.
Makes recommendations to contractor supervisory personnel and directs the necessary remedial action to be taken in order to correct any deficiencies noted. Assists the Regional Horticulturist in developing contract specifications and other technical documents for procurements relating to landscape installation and maintenance.
Participates in all landscape program contributions to the solicitation process, including serving as a source of horticultural expertise in pre-solicitation briefings and as a member of source selection evaluation boards. Performs other duties as assigned.
Direct Deposit of salary check to financial organization required.
Meet all eligibility criteria within 30 days of the closing date
Register with the Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/1959
No relocation expenses are authorized.
If selected, you must meet the following conditions:
Receive authorization from OPM on any job offer you receive, if you are or were (within the last 5 years) a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch.
Serve a one year probationary period, if required.
Undergo and pass a background investigation (Tier 3 investigation level).
Have your identity and work status eligibility verified if you are not a GSA employee. We will use the Department of Homeland Security’s e-Verify system for this. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of continued employment.
Qualifications
For each job on your resume, provide:
the exact dates you held each job (from month/year to month/year)
number of hours per week you worked (if part time).
If you have volunteered your service through a National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, Ameri-corps), we encourage you to apply and include this experience on your resume.
For a brief video on creating a Federal resume, click here.
The GS-12 salary range starts at $89,834 per year.
If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the Step 1 of the grade for which you are selected.
To qualify, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level or higher in the Federal service. Specialized experience is work performed with Federal, State, local governments or private sector in developing and managing sustainable landscape programs in an urban environment AND
Possess a Horticulture Degree as a basic requirement
Individual Occupational Requirements
Degree: horticulture; or a related discipline of basic plant science that included at least 30 semester hours in the basic plant sciences, of which at least 16 semester hours were in horticultural subjects such as those dealing with the breeding, care, management, production, and post harvest handling of horticultural crops. Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcript(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcements to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. Basic Requirements This position has a positive education requirement.
or
Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in horticulture or a related discipline of basic plant science that included course work as shown in (1) above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
It is also preferred that you have:
Experience in the planning, development, implementation, administration, oversight, and evaluation of landscape management and design programs for public buildings
Education
Degree: horticulture; or a related discipline of basic plant science that included at least 30 semester hours in the basic plant sciences, of which at least 16 semester hours were in horticultural subjects such as those dealing with the breeding, care, management, production, and post harvest handling of horticultural crops.
Additional information
If you are eligible under Merit Promotion, you may also apply under Vacancy Announcement #22NRCA050KSMP. You must apply separately to each announcement to be considered for both.
Additional vacancies may be filled from this announcement as needed; through other means; or not at all.
Relocation-related expenses are not approved and will be your responsibility.
Work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate controlled office. However, assignments that require visits to other locations involve moderate risks or discomforts, such as dust, risk of falls, low hanging wires and beams, etc. The incumbent may be subject to all weather conditions while working outdoors and there is a risk of exposure to potentially dangerous situations, such as being in close proximity to pesticide applications, landscape and construction equipment, etc.
The work is primarily sedentary, but also entails some walking outdoors, stooping and bending, climbing stairs and/or ladders, etc. Must be able to make onsite visits to the various buildings throughout NCR (Washington, DC, Northern Va., and suburban Md.) to meet with agency representatives, SDT staff, and contractor's representatives for inspections, surveys, and other purposes. Some locations are accessible by Metro Rail, others require the incumbent to drive an automobile to the location.
Due to COVID-19, the agency is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement within 45 days. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework one or more days a pay period depending upon the terms of the agency’s telework policy.
Complete a "Declaration of Federal Employment" (OF-306) to determine suitability for Federal employment.
Undergo a background investigation and receive a favorable adjudication.
Non-GSA employees must complete the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 to determine identity and employment (work status) eligibility. GSA will verify the information through the DHS e-Verify automated system. Any identified discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of continued employment.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
We will use a method called Category Rating to assess your application. Here’s how it will work:
You will be scored on the questions you answer during the application process, which will measure your possession of the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Skill in planning, developing, implementing, administering, overseeing and evaluating landscape management and design programs for public buildings.
Knowledge of urban horticultural principles, landscape management procedures, landscape design standards, green roof installation and maintenance, and current sustainable landscape practices.
Knowledge of the landscaping industry, especially pertaining to the various types of landscape related programs in the public sector, including applicable laws, regulations, policies, and methodologies to provide sound and authoritative technical guidance, strategic planning, and overall program direction.
Knowledge and skill to assess the landscape, draw conclusions, prepare findings and recommendations, cost estimating for landscape corrections or improvements.
Knowledge in landscape design, knowledge of plant landscape plant material, knowledge of soils, knowledge of erosion control techniques, knowledge of storm water management features to include green roofs and bioretention facilities. Knowledge of sustainable landscape practices.
Knowledge of government contracting practices and requirements. COR level I required within first year of service.
Your answers to the questions will be used to place you in one of the following categories and standard score ranges: [If the use of 4 categories is justified, adjust verbiage].
Best Qualified = Candidates scoring between 95 - 100
Well Qualified = Candidates scoring between 85 - 94 (Well Qualified for CTAP/ICTAP)
Qualified = Candidates scoring between 70 - 84
We will verify your answers to the questions in your resume. If your resume doesn’t support your answers, we may lower your score, which could place you in a lower category.
Within each category, veterans will receive selection priority over non-veterans.
Additional hurdle assessments, such as narrative responses or other assessments, may be administered to applicants who meet the requirements of the first hurdle, e.g., the minimum qualification requirements. If additional assessments are used, you will be provided with further instructions.
If you are eligible under Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan or GSA’s Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP/CTAP), you must receive a score of 85 or higher to receive priority.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
Your resume showing applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
If you are claiming veterans' preference:
Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows the dates of your active duty service. If selected, a DD-214 showing your type of discharge (member 4 copy) will be required prior to appointment.
If you are claiming 10-point preference or derived preference (a spouse, widow or widower, or parent of a deceased or disabled veteran), submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214: (1)completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).
If you are active duty military- Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).
If you are ICTAP/CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.
College transcripts: If you are using some or all of your college education to meet qualification requirements for this position, you must submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s). If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. For education completed outside the United States, also submit a valid foreign credential evaluation that substantiates possession of the required education.
Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job. To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer); USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process) or FAX (read the “Fax instructions” provided prior to printing the Fax Cover Sheet and faxing your information).
Need Assistance in Applying? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. We are available to assist you Monday-Friday during normal business hours. You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions. Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.
GSA, Public Buildings Service
National Recruitment Center
2300 Main Street, Floor 2NW
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
United States
Next steps
After the closing date/deadline:
ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements.
REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.
SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.
FINAL JOB OFFER: Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes.
FINAL COMMUNICATION: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking “Track this Application” on the Applicant Dashboard.
Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
Your resume showing applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
If you are claiming veterans' preference:
Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows the dates of your active duty service. If selected, a DD-214 showing your type of discharge (member 4 copy) will be required prior to appointment.
If you are claiming 10-point preference or derived preference (a spouse, widow or widower, or parent of a deceased or disabled veteran), submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214: (1)completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).
If you are active duty military- Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).
If you are ICTAP/CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.
College transcripts: If you are using some or all of your college education to meet qualification requirements for this position, you must submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s). If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. For education completed outside the United States, also submit a valid foreign credential evaluation that substantiates possession of the required education.
Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job. To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer); USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process) or FAX (read the “Fax instructions” provided prior to printing the Fax Cover Sheet and faxing your information).
Need Assistance in Applying? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. We are available to assist you Monday-Friday during normal business hours. You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions. Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.
GSA, Public Buildings Service
National Recruitment Center
2300 Main Street, Floor 2NW
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
United States
Next steps
After the closing date/deadline:
ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements.
REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.
SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.
FINAL JOB OFFER: Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes.
FINAL COMMUNICATION: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking “Track this Application” on the Applicant Dashboard.
Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
