Gardener (Motor Vehicle Operator) (Seasonal)

Your tasks

The primary purpose of the Gardener is to perform seasonal gardening and grounds maintenance tasks-including planting, transplanting, pruning, mowing, and fertilizing-to establish and maintain the health and appearance of lawns, plants, and landscaped areas, while inspecting for disease and pest conditions, applying chemical treatments as directed, and operating vehicles and equipment needed to complete the work. Likely Entry on Duty: March - May 2027. Open to the first 100 applicants.

Requirements

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/26/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Applicants must be physically fit and, as required in the Office of Personnel Management Qualifications Handbook X-118C, must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the job elements listed below to perform the duties of the position at the level for which they are applying. A specific length of time and experience is not required. Qualification requirements emphasis is on the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time. 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, Specifications, etc. (other than blueprints) Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Dexterity and Safety Knowledge of Materials Technical Practices (theoretical precise, artistic) Use of Measuring Instruments 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. Your resume must support your response to the assessment questionnaire, and if it does not, your application will be marked as not eligible. 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. You must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and obtain an average of at least 2 points on all of the job elements to be considered qualified for this position. Volunteer Experience: 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; religious; 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.

There is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage System (FWS) positions. Current or former displaced Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be well-qualified. To meet the definition of well-qualified, you must (1) score at least 85 on the assessment questionnaire; (2) meet the minimum qualification requirements (education, experience or a combination therein), including any selective placement factors; and (3) be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry with reasonable accommodation, when applicable.

U.S. Citizenship required. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Males must meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement. Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program. Occupancy of government quarters may be required. Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed. Use find a park to contact specific parks for more information on government housing. You may be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and/or shift work. You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license will be required in such cases. You must be at least 18 years of age or older to operate government vehicles. You may be required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority. You must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program. You must, at minimum, be able to lift 50 pounds.

Other

Major duties These positions may be filled for a six month seasonal period, but can be vary due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Defined Season(s): Death Valley National Park: May - November Yosemite National Park: March - December Lake Chelan National Recreation Area: April - September Some of the Gardener Standard Duties include but are not limited to: Performs seasonal gardening tasks such as fertilizing, preparing seedbeds, transplanting, laying sod, aerating, deadheading, staking, dividing plants, and watering. May apply chemicals to plants according to directions and under supervisory guidance and instruction. Mows, edges and waters lawns to maintain appearance. Lays sod, sows seed, places mulch to maintain or restore lawn appearances. Pulls and/or treats non-native plant species. Prepares soil-mixing materials such as sand, humus, topsoil, and fertilizer in accordance with instructions. Additional Duties for the WG-06: Transplants trees, shrubs, flowers and other plants by digging proper sized holes and preparing the soil to receive the plants. Removes the plant taking care not to damage the roots and removes sufficient soil to insure its continued growth in the new location. Computes quantities of plants, seeds, and other materials needed for specific areas. Prunes and trims trees and shrubs to obtain the shape, size and desired growth characteristics, and to remove diseased limbs or excess branches. May operate various types of motor vehicles (e.g., pickup trucks) to transport supplies and materials to work sites. May operate farm-type tractors with attached equipment such as; rotary or flail mowers, augers, tillers, etc., in the performance of the gardener duties.