National Park Service Logo
Position Title
Gardener
Agency
National Park Service
Announcement Number
MW-1543-HOSP-25-12600722-OC Opens in new window
Open Period
Monday, November 25, 2024 to Friday, April 25, 2025
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)
Preferences
1. Would you accept a temporary appointment? (limit characters)
Assessment 1
We will evaluate your resume and responses to this questionnaire to determine if you are among the best qualified for this position. Your responses are subject to verification and must be fully supported by your resume and supporting documentation. (limit characters)
Possession of Valid State Driver's License (limit characters)
1. This position requires that the incumbent possess a Driver's License. From the descriptions below, select the one response that best describes how you meet this requirement. Read all of the responses before making your selection. MARK ONLY ONE RESPONSE. If you select more than one response, or leave this question blank you will be rated ineligible. If you do not meet these minimum qualifications, you will be considered ineligible and will not receive consideration for this position.
(limit characters)
Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision. (Screen-out Element) (limit characters)
2. From the descriptions below, select the one response that best describes how your experience/education meets the ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision for a Gardner, WG-5003. You must show that you meet the experience described below in your resume/application. Read all responses before making your selection. If you leave this question blank, you will be rated ineligible.
(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)
3. Identify common weeds, insects and diseases of landscape plants and turf.
(limit characters)
4. Identify most common tree defects which lead to tree failure.
(limit characters)
5. Select locations for best plant growth and development considering soil conditions, hardiness of plants, and foliage at various stages of growth, flowering periods, and the overall landscape plan
(limit characters)
6. Recommend plants for particular purposes, e.g., shade, boundary lines, ground cover, erosion control, or pleasing appearance.
(limit characters)
7. Prune and trim shrubs, trees, and other plants to remove obvious defects and excess branches.
(limit characters)
8. Recognize plant diseases and damage and determine proper treatment to correct problems.
(limit characters)
9. Knowledge of sprinkler systems and determination of proper hydrating schedule for plants, trees, etc.
(limit characters)
Ability to Interpret Instructions, specifications; other than blueprints. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
10. Use computer to research and identify new or best gardening practices to use.
(limit characters)
11. Measure and mix fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides following instructions on product labels and EPA standards.
(limit characters)
12. Apply herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides according to label instructions and EPA standards.
(limit characters)
13. Follow approved site plans to accomplish desired landscape results.
(limit characters)
14. Research and interpret the proper reference materials, product label, or Material Safety Data Sheet, etc. for use in completing a pesticide application.
(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)
15. Maneuver mowers around plantings and structures while avoiding damage to the areas.
(limit characters)
16. Use a variety of garden tools, including rakes, pruners, edgers, hedge trimmers.
(limit characters)
17. Operate plows, tillers, tractors w/brush hog and front mounted mower attachments.
(limit characters)
18. Maintain Garden equipment by changing oil and other fluids and sharpening blades.
(limit characters)
19. Experience in using aerial lifts and platform lifts for landscape maintenance tasks.
(limit characters)
Dexterity and Safety (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
20. Prune or trim vegetation while standing on ladders.
(limit characters)
21. Follow established safety rules and regulations.
(limit characters)
22. Maintain a safe and clean work environment.
(limit characters)
23. Follow federal and state safety and environmental regulations when storing, using, handling, labeling, and disposing of hazardous materials.
(limit characters)
24. Apply gardening chemicals carefully to avoid exposing people and animals to toxic materials.
(limit characters)
25. Exercise safety to avoid injury from sharp tools and power equipment.
(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)
26. Independently and safely operate gas and electric power tools such as string trimmers, chainsaws, woodchippers, circular saws, drills, sewer augers, etc.
(limit characters)
27. Ability to use various types of pesticides in the control of insects, diseases, and weeds in accordance with EPA standards and guidelines.
(limit characters)
28. Ability to make pruning decisions based on species, location, and plant health.
(limit characters)
29. Ability to perform turf maintenance including mowing, renovation, and routine maintenance.
(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)
30. Determine correct mixing ratios of turf management chemicals to maintain health turf and landscapes.
(limit characters)
31. Calibrate and adjust sprayers and broadcast spreaders to determine application rates of product for specific purposes.
(limit characters)
32. Adjust equipment for job requirements such as height of mower blades, adjust chains, belts, hoses, etc.
(limit characters)
33. Calculate square footage and estimate proper spacing of plants and shrubs for growth success and prevent overcrowding.
(limit characters)
34. Calibrate and adjust various fertilizer and pesticide applicators for applying liquid and granular turf maintenance products.
(limit characters)