Seasonal Gardener (Motor Vehicle Operator)

Full Job Description

This is an excepted service appointment that does not confer competitive status.

The typical seasonal Entry On Duty period for Sitka National Historical Park is April-September, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding.

Anticipated Entry on Duty: April 2026 NOTE: OPM has identified this position as eligible for an exception to the typical 1039-hour season. See the Additional Information section for details.

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement 03/16/2026 unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Special knowledge or expertise concerning the park's or preserve's natural and/or cultural resources and the management thereof is required.

Local knowledge of the resources and the typical conditions that affect the work to be accomplished will be applied in the performance of duties.

-AND- To be eligible your application package must clearly show periods of time having lived or worked in or near the area of consideration.

The area of consideration can be found in the below paragraph.

Areas considered "near" Sitka National Historical Park are Baranof Island, which includes the community of Sitka, and the adjacent Admiralty Island including Angoon, the adjacent Chichagof Island including Hoonah, and the nearby City and Borough of Juneau.

-ALSO- The following are the competencies identified for this position.

Applicants are not required to address these competencies in a separate document, but are encouraged to include in their resumes experience related to these competencies: Knowledge of basic horticultural practices, plant care, soil preparation, lawn maintenance, and proper planting techniques.

Ability to identify obvious plant diseases, pests, and non-native species. Use and maintain gardening tools, machinery, and light-duty motor vehicles.

Ability to possess and maintain a valid state driver's license. Ability to follow instructions for chemical mixing and application, using required personal protective equipment.

Performs physically demanding Major Duties:

Duties of this position include but are not limited to the following: Performs seasonal gardening and grounds maintenance tasks including preparing soil, fertilizing, planting, transplanting, watering, pruning shrubs and trees, aerating, mowing, edging, mulching, and removing invasive or unwanted vegetation.

Maintains landscaped areas by inspecting plants for pests, diseases, or poor growth and reporting issues to a supervisor.

Uses and performs minor maintenance on gardening tools and power equipment such as mowers, sprayers, aerators, and hand tools.

Maintains grounds by removing debris and sweeping or raking walkways and parking areas.

Regularly operates light-duty motor vehicles up to 10,000 pounds to transport tools, equipment, materials, and personnel throughout the park, performing operator-level vehicle checks and following established routes and safety procedures Please visit find a park for additional park information.