Summary The Gardener Supervisor is located in the Environmental Management Services service line of the Phoenix VA Health Care System (PVAHCS). The incumbent supervises the Grounds/Laborers Unit, directing grounds maintenance, laborer operations, repairs, and installation work. The position manages all administrative and operational functions and oversees 12 Wage Grade employees, ensuring effective delivery of grounds, garden, and lawn care services across the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center. Responsibilities Responsible for all aspects of laborers, grounds, gardens, and lawn care management, including preventative maintenance, repairs, installations, alterations, and renovations covered by the Grounds/Laborers Unit. Maintains work reports and records relating to the section, e.g., progress, production, cost, personnel, equipment, materials, and time and attendance. Coordinates with other services within the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center and may be required to supervise an ad-hoc assembly of employees to accomplish specific tasks. Works closely with the Phoenix VA HCS Landscape Architect and Landscape Coordinator to achieve a high-level healing environment for our Veterans. Conducts classes on safety and enforces regulations on conduct and safety. Plans, schedules, coordinates, and directs work assignments. Orders supplies and materials and evaluates employee performance. Advises employees of performance expectations and explains new work techniques, as required. Provides proper guidance and direction and continuous feedback on strengths and weaknesses. Holds employees responsible for satisfactory completion of work assignments and recommends performance ratings in accordance with regulations. Recommends appropriate recognition and corrective action, as needed, in performance management. Recommends the most suitable applicants for vacant positions and explains classification determinations to subordinate employees. Recommends restructuring positions when necessary to achieve the most effective and economical utilization of personnel. Investigates grievances and complaints, resolving them informally where possible, and notifies supervisors of those of sufficient importance or seriousness. Responsible for the training and cross-training of employees and TWE's; provides advice, counsel, and instructions to accomplish the assigned function. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 6:00 a.m. through 2:30 p.m. Position Description Title/PD#: Gardener Supervisor/PD137210 Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved 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 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 (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, 04/20/2026. 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: 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 Requirements/Working Conditions: He/she must be physically able to direct the accomplishment of the above work. He/she must be capable of standing, bending, climbing ladders and scaffolds, and in general have use of his/her limbs. He/she must visit all those areas where subordinates will be working for the purpose of instruction and/or inspection. Work involves frequent walking, standing and sedentary desk work. Occasionally requires stooping, bending, working on ladders or scaffolds, or working in cramped or awkward positions. He/she is subject to hazardous conditions, working under extreme temperatures, hot and cold, and in inclement weather. He/she must be aware of this and be able to cope with same. He/she may be exposed to the possibility of cuts, bruised and broken bones. He/she may also be exposed to contagious disease when working in patient areas. Safety procedures must be followed, and appropriate protective safe gear must be worn, as required for the specific work area or task. Education Additional Information 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.
