- Position Title
- Horticulturist
- Agency
- Forest Service
- Announcement Number
- 22-R9SVJAN-881025-DP-NS Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Monday, August 29, 2022 to Wednesday, September 7, 2022
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?
2.
Are you a current USDA employee who meets the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee, in which received official notice that your job is no longer needed or that you will lose your job by Reduction-in-Force (RIF)? If yes, confirm:
• you are located in the same local commuting area as the vacancy; AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
• you are located in the same local commuting area as the vacancy; AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
3.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a Federal agency other than USDA? If yes, confirm:
• you are located in the same local commuting area as the vacancy; AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
• you are located in the same local commuting area as the vacancy; AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
4.
Have you registered for reemployment consideration AND meet one of the below:
• Are you a current or former competitive service USDA employee who will be or was separated by Reduction-In-Force (RIF) and received a rating of satisfactory or above as your last annual performance rating?
OR
• Are you a former USDA competitive service employee who separated due to a compensable injury or disability?
• Are you a current or former competitive service USDA employee who will be or was separated by Reduction-In-Force (RIF) and received a rating of satisfactory or above as your last annual performance rating?
OR
• Are you a former USDA competitive service employee who separated due to a compensable injury or disability?
Preferences
1.
Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position.
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in the Horticulturist, GS-0437-09/11 position with the USDA Forest Service.
This section will be used to determine if you possess the Basic Requirements needed to qualify for this position. FAILURE TO RESPOND TO THESE QUESTIONS WILL RESULT IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING. PLEASE PROVIDE A COPY OF YOUR OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS.
1.
From the statements below, select the response that best describes your education and/or experience as it pertains to meeting the 0437 Basic Requirements for this position. Please select only one response.
This section will be used to determine if you possess the education and/or experience needed to qualify for this position. FAILURE TO RESPOND TO THESE QUESTIONS WILL RESULT IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING.
2.
From the statements below, select the response that best describes your education and/or experience as it pertains to meeting the Specialized Experience for the Horticulturist, GS-0437-09. Please select only one response.
3.
From the statements below, select the response that best describes your education and/or experience as it pertains to meeting the Specialized Experience for the Horticulturist, GS-0437-11. Please select only one response.
For each of the following questions, choose the response that best describes your experience and training. Mark only one response for each question. Please note that your answers will be verified against the information you provide in your resume or application and information provided by your references.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
4.
Serve as an interdisciplinary team member in the planning, scheduling, growing, harvesting and distribution of seedling crops and plant materials from greenhouses and bareroot production fields.
5.
Participate in the preparation of financial and work plans for assigned programs by estimating, combining, and coordinating project plans into an annual unit work plan.
6.
Prepare work plans and production schedules, coordinates activities with other departments, and monitors and protects of crops.
7.
Manage the field operations of the bareroot nursery to ensure the production of high-quality seedlings.
8.
Consult with Regional reforestation specialists to coordinate allocation of nursery stock requests.
9.
Direct and coordinate the distribution of stored seed to other nurseries both public and private at the request of the clients for the purpose of seedling production or research.
10.
Develop detailed sowing plans and monitor nursery production factors.
11.
Conducts mandated pesticide training for nursery personnel including worker protection, application, and safety training.
12.
Organize and participate in workshops for the purpose of client training in the areas of native plant propagation, seedling care and planting, cone collection, and services available from the nursery.
13.
Manages the containerized seedling nursery operation to ensure the production of high-quality seedlings.
14.
Assist with regional cone collection programs and supervising the extraction, cleaning and storage of conifer seed.
15.
Monitor and adjust growing environments, observes seedling conditions, monitors for insect and disease.
16.
Assist with field preparation, seed stratification schedules, seed sowing, irrigation, insect and disease monitoring.
17.
Oversee monitoring of bareroot seedlings to determine the presence of plant diseases, weeds, and insect pests.
18.
Perform sowing calculations to fill seedling orders based on field data for survival and performance.
19.
Participate with the Nursery Manager in the formulation of nursery plans, policies and programs.
20.
Interpret soil analyses and prescribes treatments to maintain or enhance nursery soil productivity.
21.
Direct seedling growth and health monitoring to ensure the highest degree of quality using sampling procedures and statistical analysis
22.
Review work accomplishments for assigned areas of responsibility and compiles necessary reports.
23.
Assist the supervisor in the supervision of these activities by subordinate employees ensuring that they are done in a safe manner.
24.
Takes necessary corrective measures including the application of pesticides in a greenhouse environment.
25.
Develop and implement programs to detect, prevent and control nursery pests and diseases.
26.
Prescribe mechanical and chemical treatments in the implementation of the nursery Integrated Pest Management program.
27.
Compile inventory results and prepare reports for nursery manager and client distribution.
28.
Draft training guidelines and operating manuals for all major nursery activities and conducts training sessions for new employees.
29.
Make recommendations for the revision or modification of existing policies and programs in light of changing techniques.
30.
Plan the work to be accomplished by assigning work to employees and establishing production or quality standards for the unit's work.
31.
Establish and communicate guidelines and performance requirements to employees including conducting formal performance reviews and identifying developmental and training needs of employees.
32.
Perform administrative and human resources management functions for the unit such as providing advice, counsel or instruction on both administrative and work matters.
33.
Promote and support a positive work environment to create a climate of mutual respect and integrity.
34.
Foster an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are leveraged to achieve the vision and mission of the organization.
35.
Reinforce to others that offensive, harassing, and intimidating behavior will not be tolerated.
36.
Demonstrate a commitment to fostering and promoting an equitable, inclusive, and safe work environment.
37.
Please select the statement(s) that reflect your educational achievement(s). Transcripts, certificates, or other appropriate documentation must be included with this application to verify GPA, coursework, and degree.
38.
Have you read the "Required Documents" section of the vacancy announcement and understand that failure to submit all required, legible documents prior to the closing date of the announcement may result in loss of consideration?
39.
I certify, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all the information submitted by me with my application for employment is true, complete, and made in good faith, and that I have truthfully and accurately represented my work experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education (degrees, accomplishments, etc.). I understand that the information provided may be investigated. I understand that misrepresenting my experience or education; or providing false or fraudulent information in or with my application may be grounds for not hiring me or for terminating me after I begin work. I also understand that false or fraudulent statements may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (18 U.S.C. 1001).