Summary This position performs work on the grounds of the Dayton VA Medical Center. This is vital in the perception and morale of the patients and staff of the Dayton VA Medical Center. The Dayton VAMC is one of the oldest and largest VAMCs and a level 1 complex medical center which consists of 63+ buildings/structures, over 1.6 million square footage on 240+ acres with four geographically separated Community Based Outpatient Clinics. Responsibilities Duties include, but are not limited to: Perform season gardening tasks such as fertilizing, preparing seedbeds, transplanting, laying sod, aerating, pruning, trimming, and applying chemicals to plants according to directions. Figures quantities of plants, seeds, fertilizer, and other materials needed for specific areas. Start nursery and cold frame beds, select proper fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides for the control of common plant diseases, plant insects, and weeds. Works from project plans, master landscape, and long-range plans, making independent judgements within the framework of good gardening practices. Provide corrective action for problems involving plant management, insect and disease control for both exterior plantings and interior plants based on the particular species. Maintains accurate, up-to-date records on work performed, such as fertilizer and pesticide usage schedules with pertinent information recorded about the material applied, application rate, etc. Prepares purchase order requests for plant material, equipment, materials and supplies as needed. May serve temporarily as foreman of the Maintenance and Operations Section in the Supervisor's absence. Will supervise other members of the Grounds and Services Section when gardening assignments require assistance. All other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 0700-1530, Monday-Friday Position Description Title/PD#: Gardener/PD140180 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, 05/15/2026. 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. Preferred Experience: Extensive experience to perform the work of a Gardener without more than normal supervision. Extensive experience in expertly and independently planning and performing work in all phases of the gardening trade. Incumbent must possess computer skills and demonstrate efficiency in Microsoft Office and composing and replying to email. 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: Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading) Measuring Instruments Technical Practices Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Without more than normal supervision 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: Work will be performed over 240 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 this work. Will use ladders to prune, plant material, or to place lights. Will be required to lift heavy objects such as fertilizer, salt, plant material and maneuver loaded wheelbarrows. The majority of work is done outdoors. The Gardener 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. He/she will be exposed to chemical sprays and dusts. He/she will be provided with protective clothing and equipment such as gloves, respirator, safety shoes and boots. Education Additional Information Receiving Service Credit for 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. VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the @context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being."
