Gardener(Tractor Operator)

Veterans Health Administration • Fort Harrison, MT

12d • Onsite

About The Position

Incumbent is charged with overseeing all gardening & gardening-related tasks at the Ft Harrison Veterans Administration Medical Center. Performs a wide range of gardening work on their own. Consults gardening books or catalogues regarding physical characteristics of plants & individual plant requirements. Recommends changes for improvement in the overall landscape plan & obtains approval on projects which require unplanned expense or significant periods of time.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Pre-employment physical required
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• 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.
• 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 (Assembly, Disassembly, Reassembly, etc.)
• 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.
• The work requires the expenditure of a high degree of physical and mental effort in the preparation of and the utilization of sod, flower beds and various lawn equipment.
• Incumbent frequently climbs ladders to prune trees, and frequently lifts objects such as bags of fertilizer, grass seed, etc., up to and including 100 lbs.
• The gardening and tree farm tasks require considerable walking, stooping, climbing and lifting.
• In addition, position requires more work involving climbing ladders and stretching to reach tree limbs.
• Incumbent will be subject to long hours in cold, snow, wet weather, hot weather, dust, pollen exposure and insect stings.
• Also, is subject to injury from lifting, handling toxic materials such as chemical over-spray and from the hazards of operating high power lawn maintenance equipment.
• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Nice To Haves

• Consults gardening books or catalogues regarding physical characteristics of plants & individual plant requirements.
• Recommends changes for improvement in the overall landscape plan & obtains approval on projects which require unplanned expense or significant periods of time.
• Incumbent uses own initiative, makes independent judgments in working and recommends changes for improvement and directing work in accordance with VA Regulations, program guide and manuals.

Responsibilities

• Performs or leads repair work on roads, sidewalks, curbs, gutter, etc. These phases of work require knowledge of aggregate, sand, cement, water-cement ratio, seal-coating and road patching materials.
• Leads or performs digging of water and gas mains, moving of heavy Engineering equipment and supplies, demolition work, etc.
• Operating and performing maintenance of high powered equipment, different machinery, and the upkeep of said machinery.
• Knowledge of Fertilization, transplanting, laying sod, preparing sod and seed beds, aerating, pruning, trimming and applying a wide range of chemicals to plants, turf, flowers, and trees.
• Understands the shop and the administrative processes that go together within the ordering process and other processes that have been set into place.
• Works well with other employees and delivers customer service as appropriate, closes out work orders in a timely fashion.
• Makes independent judgments and recommendations within the framework of good gardening practices.
• Maintain tools and equipment in an organized fashion, accountable for property inventory.
• Shows up to work on time and is accountable for helping ensure the grounds is safe, especially during winter weather.
• Understands and performs under the direction of the Maintenance Supervisor and Chief of Facility Management Services (FMS).
• Operates various high powered specialized lawn cutting equipment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to the Grounds and Service Unit (e.g., snow/ice removal during Winter months, refueling operations, small engine repairs, transportation of equipment, etc.).
• Troubleshoots equipment malfunctions and failures and determines the extent of repairs and parts needed, estimated materials required, selects best work methods, techniques and trade practices and accomplishes the repair or overhaul.
• Operates smaller equipment like mowers, weed eaters, and leaf blowers in a safe and responsible manner.
• Is responsible for selecting and safely using proper tools, devices, manuals, references and efficient procedures.
• Must be able to operate a plow on a truck and/or side by side in a safe environment.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
• Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed