Gardener (Envirocycler/MVO)

Full Job Description

This position is at the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG). The USBG is a public garden in the legislative branch and was established by Congress in 1820.

The Garden inspires people to appreciate, study, and conserve plants to enrich society locally and globally.

We provide educational experiences to 1 million visitors annually, present horticultural displays and exhibits, strive to break down barriers to inclusion, and advance the exchange of ideas and information.

Learn more: U.S. Botanic Garden. 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 lift, push, and pull heavy objects weighing 50 lbs. or more without assistance.

--Ability to operate vehicles with hydraulic dumping systems to load and unload materials.

WG-7 level: Assist with gardening projects and has a working knowledge of gardening practices in order to maintain a diverse group of plants. Major Duties:

This position is located in the United States Botanic Garden (USBG), Horticulture Division, Horticulture Branch.

The Gardener (Envirocycler/MVO) is responsible for composting production, recycling, delivery off-site Production Facility and providing assistance in gardening in areas related to composting, recycling and reusing.

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

* Tour of duty will be other than Monday through Friday and may include weekends, evenings and holidays on a regular and recurring basis.

Major duties include: Composting and Recycling Performs environmental recycling and humus recovery duties by following gardening techniques and practices related to planting, cultivating and attending to flowers, seeds, shrubs, trees and other plant materials.

Serves as point of contact for recycling waste products of organic residue, including composting all horticultural bi-products, including but not limited to soil, plants, nursery pots, compost, green waste, twigs and detritus.

Assists with tree removals and large renovation projects as directed. Removes all foreign debris from composting materials. Assists with the deliveries of plants being recycled.

Follows seasonal schedules or project plans for an area, scheduling for adverse weather conditions affecting the degree of moisture in the soil, plant growth stages in deciding when and how to complete common enviro-cycle tasks.

Motor Vehicle Operations Operating Non-CDL Motor Vehicles Weighing Up to 25,950 lbs. with air brakes and power take-offs.

Operates vehicles with a power takeoff device for transferring engine power to special-purpose accessory equipment, such as winches, power lifts, plows and spreaders.

Operates vehicles with hydraulic dumping mechanisms to unload or spread materials in a dump bed.

Recovers organic materials from garden plantings and delivers same for composting at the Production Facility. Transports completed compost to all USBG locations for use by gardeners.

Gardening Activities Follows established gardening techniques and practices and assists Gardeners with the planning and development of plant displays, such as figuring the quantities of plants, seeds, fertilizer, insecticide and other materials needed for specific areas.

Follows the regular and recurring seasonal planting and maintenance schedules planned for a specific area.

*Applicants will be required to register for a DC pesticide applicators license within the first 30 days of their employment if they do not possess a license.

To apply pesticides in the District of Columbia (D.C.), employee must possess a valid D.C.

pesticide applicator's license in categories (3A) exterior ornamental plants, (3B) interior plant-scapes and/or (3C) turf grass, dependent upon the pesticides used.* IMPORTANT NOTE: Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.

If the required licenses or registration are not obtained within the time periods specified, the employee will be terminated for failure to meet the conditions of continued employment.