National Park Service Logo
Position Title
Gardener Leader (MVO)
Agency
National Park Service
Announcement Number
MW-1544-JEFF-23-11860963-DE Opens in new window
Open Period
Tuesday, February 28, 2023 to Monday, March 13, 2023
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2. Are you a United States Citizen?

For more information, review Employment of U.S Citizens.
(limit characters)
3. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position?   If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of 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. 
 
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
(limit characters)
4. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a Federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position?  If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of 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.  
 
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
(limit characters)
Assessment 1
Ability to do the work of the Gardener Leader (MVO) without more than normal supervision. Responsible for leading the work of Gardeners, seasonal workers, volunteers, and laborers. Your responses to this questionnaire in conjunction with other portions of your completed application will be evaluated to determine your qualifications. If your responses to this questionnaire are not supported with the information contained in your resume and other supplemental material, you may be considered not eligible or you may be placed in the next lower category. Carefully follow instructions before submitting your responses. (limit characters)
1. From the descriptions below, select one statement that best describes your highest level of experience to perform the duties of a Gardener Leader (MVO) and your experience leading Gardeners, seasonal workers, volunteers, and laborers. Read all responses prior to making your selection. Your resume MUST support the responses you claim in your resume.
(limit characters)
Please select the statement which best represents your Pesticide Applicator License status. (limit characters)
2. This position requires that the incumbent possess and maintain a valid Missouri Pesticide Applicator license for the safe and effective use of pesticides. Please select the statement below which best represents your current Pesticide Applicator License status.
(limit characters)
For each task listed below, select the statement from A through E that best describes your level of experience, education, and/or training. For each question below, you must document your skill level in your resume. This means, for example, that if you rate yourself at the journeyman level (E) for a skill or task, you must document when you have supervised or trained others doing that skill or task. If you rate yourself at the independent level (D), you must show that you did the task as a regular and recurring part of a job. Your score may be lowered for any skills which are not documented in your resume or application materials. (limit characters)
Ability to Instruct (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
3. Inspect and replace/repair sprinklers, replace broken water lines (both pressure and non-pressure), and replace/repair water valves using appropriate pipe, fittings and adhesives for repairs.
(limit characters)
4. Construct retaining walls for terraces, installation of water bars to control erosion, trenching and adding irrigation lines to improve water coverage.
(limit characters)
5. Renovate older, over-mature ornamental beds by removing, redesigning and replanting.
(limit characters)
6. Estimate deficiencies of park grounds, materials, and time required for all phases of gardening and trail work.
(limit characters)
7. Organize work projects and/or activities performed by individuals from diverse backgrounds, ages, and youth groups and identify and prioritize work according to seasonal requirements.
(limit characters)
8. Safely pick up supplies, secure loads, and transport materials to work sites.
(limit characters)
Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic). (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
9. Understand and perform the technical aspects of the repair, maintenance and installation of complex irrigation systems including faulty sprinkler heads, pressure and non-pressure water lines and adjustments to minimize overspray and maximize coverage.
(limit characters)
10. Operate/service trenching machine for installation of irrigation lines.
(limit characters)
11. Understand the principals of water hydraulics as it relates to irrigation systems and proper water output.
(limit characters)
12. Program electrical irrigation controllers (including making seasonal and regular adjustments to sprinkler system).
(limit characters)
13. Maintain, repair and construct walkway paths, trails, retaining walls, water bars, bridge abutments and rock walls.
(limit characters)
14. Determine appropriate amount and most beneficial time of pruning required on trees and ornamental shrubs to promote vigorous growth, proper production, dormant season, etc.
(limit characters)
15. Carry out condition assessments of grounds, trails, signs, and related facilities.
(limit characters)
Use of Measuring Instruments. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
16. Operate spreader dispensing the appropriate amount of pesticides and fertilizer to maintain healthy plants, lawns and grounds.
(limit characters)
17. Troubleshoot unidentified electrical system problems using ground fault locators for broken underground wiring.
(limit characters)
18. Conduct soil tests to measure and adjust micronutrient content of soil when deficiencies are apparent in plants and turf.
(limit characters)
19. Use carpentry tools to plan, lay-out, measure; cut, construct and install materials required in the development and maintenance of trails, stairs, fences, gates, etc.
(limit characters)
20. Mix and apply mortar in appropriate proportions.
(limit characters)
21. Use historic and current weather trends and data to plan for and execute a sustainable, healthy grounds care work plan.
(limit characters)
Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprinting reading). (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
22. Read and interpret blueprints, as-built drawings, planning maps and field drawings.
(limit characters)
23. Read and interpret instructions for proper use and application of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers.
(limit characters)
24. Read and interpret various tool/equipment manuals and instructions.
(limit characters)
25. Read and follow various National Park Service plans and procedures.
(limit characters)
26. Read and follow Supervisor/volunteer coordinator daily/weekly job plans and schedules.
(limit characters)
27. Develop education messages about park resources and convey instructions to volunteers working on specific assignments.
(limit characters)
Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
28. Use various computer software programs to research, complete required training, plan work, and keep all required records.
(limit characters)
29. Use and maintain a variety of tools associated with the mason trade (e.g. single and double jacks, rock bars, line levels, string lines, rock drills and related attachments, chisels, cement mixers, trowels, etc.).
(limit characters)
30. Use and maintain a variety of tools associated with lumber and log work (e.g. chain saws, gas powered drills, timber tongs, draw knives, wood chisels, scribes, calipers, etc.).
(limit characters)
31. Use and maintain various tools commonly found in a woodworking shop. (e.g. hand tools and saws, etc.).
(limit characters)
32. Operate vehicles in size from small all-terrain vehicles up to 26,000 Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) also including Skid Steer or larger loading equipment including forklifts.
(limit characters)
33. Operate lawn maintenance equipment (e.g. mowers, thatcher, aerator, top dresser, edger, etc.) to promote overall vitality of the turf.
(limit characters)
34. Select appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) where necessary.
(limit characters)
35. Apply knowledge of vehicles and equipment operated, load carrying capacities, and common operation procedures by carrying out pre and post vehicle/equipment operation maintenance and safety checks (e.g. cleaning, checking fluid levels, and tire air pressure.)
(limit characters)
36. Conduct regular safety meetings to ensure proper and safe operation of equipment and tools.
(limit characters)
Knowledge of Materials. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
37. Determine proper tools, materials and staffing to perform minor and major repairs of park grounds.
(limit characters)
38. Determine appropriate pesticide applications to manage plant diseases and invasive insects.
(limit characters)
39. Fertilize grounds seasonally on a schedule to maintain healthy plants and a uniform green appearance.
(limit characters)
40. Select and apply granular or liquid herbicides to control weeds in perennial beds.
(limit characters)
41. Plant bait traps to control pocket gophers and other rodents.
(limit characters)
42. Diagnose and determine malfunctioning automated irrigation controls.
(limit characters)
43. Apply professional gardening, trail maintenance and construction standards and techniques to maintain and repair grounds and trails.
(limit characters)