Summary The Gardener Work Leader, WL-5003-6 is assigned to the Grounds and Transportation Unit within the Engineering_Service of the· James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, Mountain Home, TN Health Care System. The incumbent serves as the Head Gardener and Grounds and Transportation Unit Work Leader under the direct supervision of the Supervisor Gardener. Responsibilities Duties included but not limited to: Distributes and balances the workload among employees in accordance with established work practices, assures timely accomplishment of the assigned workload, and assure that each employee has enough work to keep busy. Keeps in touch with the status and progress of work, the incumbent makes day- to- day adjustments in accordance with established priorities, obtaining assistance from the supervisor on problems that may arise, such as backlogs which cannot be disposed of promptly. Estimates and reports on expected time of completion of work and maintains records of work accomplishments and time expended and prepares production reports as requested. The incumbent instructs employees in specific tasks and job techniques and makes available written instructions, reference materials and supplies. Gives on the job training to new employees in accordance with established procedures and practices. Maintains a current knowledge and answers questions of other employees on procedures, policies, directives, etc. and obtains needed information or decisions from supervisor on problems that come up. The incumbent checks on work in progress or spot checks work not requiring review (e. g., filing or direct services) and reviews completed work to see that supervisor's. instruction on work sequence, procedures, methods and deadlines have been met. Monitors working conditions such as seating, ventilation, lighting, safety, etc. The incumbent makes independent judgments and decisions within the framework of oral and written instructions and accepted trade practices, processes and procedures while completing assignments. Under the general supervision of the Supervisor Gardener, the incumbent performs all tasks independently, utilizing their own knowledge and experience in carrying 'out the duties which are within the framework of good gardening practices and station plans. The Head Gardener/Work Leader makes independent judgments in treating soil and in deciding which plants will be moved, where they will be transplanted, and how problem conditions will be treated; in deciding the extent of trimming and pruning the be performed on trees and shrubs, rejuvenation and treatment procedures to be performed, and the extent of bracing or cabling necessary for diseased or injured trees. Performs tasks that involve the full scope of landscaping, r:naintenance, and upkeep of the station grounds, which is heavily populated with trees, shrubs, bushes, rose bushes, and flower beds. Incumbent considers individual needs or characteristics of plants in work, such as adjusting mineral nutrient deficiencies of soil in transplanting grasses, flowers shrubs, and trees. Incumbent provides total tree maintenance, such as proper pruning, to maintain a balance between roots and top growth. Incumbent must know different techniques and methods of maintenance such as removing diseased and decayed wood, cabling and bracing to strengthen weakened crotches or limbs. Based on @type of pest or tree disease and age of tree, incumbent recommends or applies proper chemical compounds for the specific conditions. Incumbent recognizes and controls infrequent plant diseases, cold damage, and mineral deficiencies. He records corrective procedures used, including any new processes applied and results achieve. Incumbent consults gardening, books, or catalogs regarding physical characteristics of plants and individual needs for sun, water, minerals, and soil mixture. Work Schedule: Mon to Fri 6:45am to 3:30pm Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Authorized Position Description Title/PD#: Gardener Work Leader/PD602690 Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Authorized Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You 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 Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification 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. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/12/2025. 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 Lead or Supervise 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 CONDITIONS: Work will be performed over 250 acres and, as such, requires frequent walking and the use of a tractor for transportation of equipment and materials. Frequent bending, stooping and standing are required due to the nature of the work. The The Head Gardener/Work Leader will climb ladders to prune, plant material or perform tasks such as placing Christmas lights. Incumbent will be required to lift heavy objects such as fertilizer, salt; plant material and maneuver loaded wheelbarrows. WORKING CONDITIONS: The majority of work is done outdoors. The Head Gardener/Work Leader will be subject to discomfort from long periods of heat and humidity, cold, wind, rain and snow, and will perform responsibilities with minimum interruption under .these conditions. Incumbent will be exposed to chemical sprays and dusts. Employee will be provided protective clothing and equipment such as gloves, respirator, safety shoes and boots. The work requires (frequent walking, standing, bending, and stooping. During periods of extreme weather, such as heavy rain or severe cold, the incumbent may be given assignments to assist other members of the section in moving materials a??d equipment, shop maintenance and other tasks which may be outside the range of gardening. The incumbent may periodically be required to work shifts other than 6:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. when the situation dictates the need. These assignments will be determined by the Supervisor Gardener in consultation with the Assistant Chief, Engineering Service. The incumbent shall assist in snow and ice removal using hand tools and other equipment in addition to chemicals of various @types without injury to structures, roads and plant material. Education Additional Information This occupation is being considered for a Veterans Health Administration enterprise-wide Critical Skills Incentive (CSI). Candidates may be eligible for a lump sum CSI. The amount of lump sum CSI is determined based on appointment date and may be pro-rated as determined by the end date of the CSI. Eligible candidates will be required to sign a service agreement agreeing to an obligated service period and failure to complete the obligated service period may result in a debt for the unearned portion of the CSI. This occupation is currently approved for a Veterans Health Administration enterprise-wide Critical Skills Incentive through [insert date]. Candidates may be eligible for a lump sum CSI for a pro-rated amount if onboard prior to the CSI expiration date. Eligible candidates will be required to sign a service agreement agreeing to an obligated service period and failure to complete the obligated service period may result in a debt for the unearned portion of the CSI. Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
