Gardener

Full Job Description

This position is a Gardener located within the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System.

The primary purpose of the position is to perform duties as a subject matter expert pertaining to key operation elements related to turf grass and landscape maintenance, including turf renovation operations.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 03/30/2026.

EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position.

Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume.

Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.

SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire.

Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated.

The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc.

(Includes Blueprint Reading) Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Dexterity and Safety Knowledge of Materials Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic) Use of Measuring Instruments Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week.

Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities.

Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: Moderate to heavy exertion is required in daily operations, to include attaching or removing implements from tractors.

Work requires arm and leg movement to manipulate equipment controls. Incumbent will be exposed to frequent walking, kneeling, stooping, bending, and lifting in excess of 40 pounds.

Work is primarily performed outdoors under prevailing weather conditions, which may result in exposure to cold, rain, fog, heat, sun, and dampness.

Incumbent will also be exposed to dirt, dust, and mud in the performance of duties. Incumbent must exercise care and caution in performing duties to avoid injury to self or fellow employees.

Incumbent will perform assigned task and duties in a safe manner in accordance with the Department of Veterans Affairs, OSHA regulations, and policies and procedures. Major Duties:

Duties Include but not limited to: Prepares the soil for plants seeds.

Thins, transplants, trims, prunes, fertilizes, aerates and mulches Sprays ground covers flowers, shrubs and trees using independent judgment and decision-making.

Prepares new planting areas for flower beds and grass areas and considers the individual needs or characteristics of a wide variety of different trees and shrubs for proper pruning to obtain proper balance between roots and top growth.

Implements tree and shrub maintenance plan to enhance the health, vigor. and appearance of woody plants.

Responsible for determining equipment and estimation of material in the application of fertilizers, herbicides and fungicides.

Selects the location for best plant growth and development considering soil conditions, hardiness of plants, foliage stages of growth, flowering periods and overall landscaping plan.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00AM - 3:30PM Position Description Title/PD#: Gardener/PD04110A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized