Gardener

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) Ability To Interpret Instructions Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Knowledge of materials Dexterity and Safety Use of Measuring Instruments Minimum Qualification Screen-Out Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision 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.

Specialized Experience Statement for WG-06: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent in responsibility to the WG-05 level in the Federal service or private sector, working in gardens or greenhouses in a museum or cultural institution setting.

Specialized Experience Statement for WG-08: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent in responsibility to the WG-06 level in the Federal service or private sector, performing a full range of gardening duties independently, including plant identification, diagnosing plant stress or pest issues, interpreting planting plans, and safely operating horticultural equipment.

The Division of Horticultural Services (HS) is responsible for the maintenance of ten acres of exterior landscape; which includes the West and East Buildings of the National Gallery of Art and the six-acre Sculpture Garden. In addition, HS is responsible for four interior gardens, twelve greenhouses, four cold frames and specialty gardens. The division also assumes the responsibility for meeting floral and foliage requirements for over 250 special events per year.

Furthermore, the division is responsible for the contract for exterior step washing, sidewalk cleaning, daily exterior trash removal and snow removal. HS is responsible for performing interior maintenance, operation of landscape equipment, exterior landscape maintenance and greenhouse maintenance. In addition, HS preforms special event setup.

Duties for this position include: Performing proper pruning, watering, weeding, planting, fertilizing, cleaning, mulching, pest control, and equipment operation carried out in assigned area, following industry standards. Preparing/Conducting new installations, fertilization, chemical weed control and pest control for annual bedding plants, tropical foliage plants, woody plants and herbaceous perennials.

Monitoring and maintaining turf, proper mowing, fertilization, weeding, insect/disease control, aerating, overseeding, sodding, and edging. Monitoring and maintaining irrigation system components and notifying the lead horticulturist of deficiencies in order to ensure proper watering of plant material. Removing snow/ice with appropriate equipment, spreading ice melting material as needed in hardscape areas to assure safe access to museums, gardens, support facilities and parking lots.