Tractor Operator (Gardener)

Air Force District of Washington•Andrews AFB, MD

About The Position

The primary purpose of this position is to operate farm-type tractors over level or rolling terrain to maintain road medians and grounds. The position includes seasonal gardening and grounds maintenance work. The employee operates tractors with towed or attached equipment in settings such as fields, parks, orchards, lawns, and along roadways; plants and transplants flowers, shrubs, grass, and trees; and performs operator maintenance on tractors and associated equipment. The work also requires following safety practices and maintaining a safe and clean work environment. The position is designated Mission Essential and requires an appropriate, valid driver's license. The employee may be required to work outside normal duty hours, including holidays, and may provide training and guidance to lower-grade workers. The position is subject to random drug testing and requires a physical/medical examination. Physical effort is light to moderate, with frequent walking, standing, stooping, bending, reaching, climbing, and pushing carts or wheelbarrows; lifting and carrying equipment up to 50 pounds; and occasional ladder climbing. Work is primarily outdoors or in a greenhouse, with exposure to weather, tractor vibration and jolts, chemical dust and sprays, dirt, mud, grease, and fumes. Protective clothing and safety equipment may be used.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required.
Males must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
An appropriate, valid driver's license is required.
Ability to perform the work without more than normal supervision.
Knowledge of connecting equipment to tractors and of tractor and equipment operating characteristics.
Knowledge of safety practices, regulations, and procedures.
Knowledge of seasonal gardening tasks, grounds maintenance, and fertilizer application.
Skill in judging clearances, heights, and turning angles; operating tractors and equipment controls simultaneously; adjusting equipment; and using and maintaining hand and power tools.
Ability to follow instructions, work orders, and specifications and document actions taken.
Ability to perform operator maintenance on tractors and associated equipment.
Must pass a physical/medical examination and is subject to random drug testing.
Must be able to meet the physical requirements, including frequent movement and lifting or carrying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Operate farm-type tractors and towed or attached equipment over level or rolling terrain, including open fields, parks, orchards, lawns, and roadways.
Determine appropriate equipment operation and maneuvering based on the terrain and the operating characteristics of the tractor and attached or towed equipment.
Plant and transplant flowers, shrubs, grass, and trees according to instructions.
Perform operator maintenance, including checking and replenishing fluids, examining and changing filters, changing and sharpening blades, lubricating equipment, and making necessary adjustments.
Follow established safety practices and procedures and maintain a safe, clean work environment.
Document actions taken and follow instructions, work orders, and specifications.
Provide training and guidance to lower-grade workers when required.