Clarification from the agency

Open to Public

NONAPPROPRIATED FUND POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:   GARDENER

BUS TITLE:    Greens Keeper

JOB CODE:    93019A

JOB SERIES: 5003

Major Duties: Operates the four-wheel tractor with cutting attachments and powered hydraulic lawn mowers to mow turf throughout the golf course, i.e., greens, collars, tees, fairways, roughs, nets, and buildings. Propagates and tends to plant life by planting, transplanting, caring for trees, shrubbery, floral, fairways, roughs, tees, and greens. Prunes or trims trees, plants, ornamentals, shrubbery throughout the golf course by climbing ladders and using various tools associated with the landscaping trade. Performs horticultural practices that include core Aerification, Verti cutting, application of fertilizers, application of top dressing, over seeding, weeding, and irrigation using tools associated with the trade. Following manufacturer¿s instructions, applies chemicals and pesticides to the grounds and plants as directed by the supervisor. Operates the hydraulic power rake, other mechanical and manual tools to rake, edge, and repair all sand bunkers on the golf course to include bunker drainage and mowing around the bunkers. Changes tees/holes placements on a routine basis. Checks and replenishes ball washier liquid, and towels at each station. Checks golf course throughout the workday, fixing or communicating issues that had raised. Performs all construction/maintenance to greens, tees, and grounds/walkways, cart paths, landscaping walls, shelters, and buildings. Conducts training for other employees as related to the maintenance of golf course.

Provides World Class Customer Service with an emphasis on courtesy.  Assists customers and communicates positively in a friendly manner.  Acknowledges customers, smiles and makes eye contact.  Asks questions to determine, verify and solve problems.  Checks for satisfaction on the quality of goods and services.  Takes action to solve problems quickly.  Alerts the higher-level supervisor, or proper point of contact for help when problems arise. 

Adheres to safety regulations and standards.  Use required safety equipment and observe safe work procedures. Promptly reports any observed workplace hazards, and any injury, occupational illness, and/or property damage resulting from workplace mishaps to the immediate supervisor.

Adheres to established standards of actively supporting the principles of the EEO program and prevention of sexual harassment. 

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills and Knowledge: Experience operating the four-wheel tractor with cutting attachments and powered hydraulic lawn mowers to mow turf throughout the golf course, i.e., greens, collars, tees, fairways, roughs, nets, and buildings.   Knowledge of gardening procedures to decide when and which standard method to use. Knowledge of:  when and how plants should be watered, when to thin or transplant plants and how to prune plants or trees to remove diseased parts and seal wounds with coating mixtures; knowledge of harvesting seeds and removing bulbs from ground for storage; knowledge of and ability to build a good soil base and place seeds at proper depth, in consideration of moisture, temperature, humidity, and ventilation requirements needed to encourage germination and growth of new plants.  Ability to compute required quantities of plants, seeds and other garden materials needed for specific areas; and select and use fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides for control of common plant diseases, plant insects, and weeds.  A driver's license is required when operating vehicles.

Responsibility: Supervisor assigns area provides general instructions as to what project needs to be accomplished and furnishes the seasonal planting and maintenance schedule for the area.  Incumbent plans and carries out work according to the schedule or project assignment, within the framework of established gardening practices.  Follows manufacturer¿s instructions on product labels regarding depth and spacing of seeds, application of chemicals and fertilizers, etc., and uses gardening procedures which are routinely performed in the local area.  Supervisor is available to provide advice on new or unfamiliar gardening methods or problems.

Physical Effort: Work requires frequent walking, standing, pushing of carts and wheelbarrows, bending and stooping.  Occasionally climbs ladders to prune or trim vegetation and frequently lifts heavy objects such as bags of fertilizer, grass seed, etc.  Lifts and carries objects up to 45 lbs. independently and objects over 45 lbs.. with assistance.

Working Conditions: Work is done outside and incumbent is subject to discomfort from long periods in hot sun and sometimes to chilly or rainy weather. Exposed to dirt, dust, mud and sometimes to chemical sprays and dust.  Required to wear protective clothing PPE whenever needed.

Conditions of employment

• See Duties and Qualifications

EVALUATIONS:

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
1.    Must be at least 18 years old AND have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school;
OR
Have completed a formal vocational training program;  
OR
Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with preference for employment rather than continuing education.
(Valid documentation will be required upon hire.)
2.    Must be able to accommodate flexible work schedule to include weekends, holidays, and night time.
3.    Must have or be able to obtain a valid driver¿s license.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

1.    Experience operating the four-wheel tractor with cutting attachments and powered hydraulic lawn mowers to mow turf throughout the golf course, i.e., greens, collars, tees, fairways, roughs, nets, and buildings.   
2.    Knowledge of gardening procedures to decide when and which standard method to use. 
3.    Knowledge of:  when and how plants should be watered, when to thin or transplant plants and how to prune plants or trees to remove diseased parts and seal wounds with coating mixtures; knowledge of harvesting seeds and removing bulbs from ground for storage; knowledge of and ability to build a good soil base and place seeds at proper depth, in consideration of moisture, temperature, humidity, and ventilation requirements needed to encourage germination and growth of new plants.  
4.    Ability to compute required quantities of plants, seeds and other garden materials needed for specific areas; and select and use fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides for control of common plant diseases, plant insects, and weeds.

This activity is a Drug-free workplace.  The use of illegal drugs by NAF employees, whether on or off duty, cannot and will not be tolerated.  Federal employees have a right to a safe and secure workplace, and Marines, sailors, and their family members have a right to a reliable and productive Federal workforce.

How you will be evaluated

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

Your application/resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. This vacancy will be filled by the best qualified applicant as determined by the selecting official.