Gardener; Seasonal

Overview

Summary This position is located in National Capital Parks-East, in the Division of Maintenance. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for National Capital Parks-East is April-January but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty:
Beginning of April. Open to the first 100 applicants or until 02/18/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.

The major duties of the Gardener include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs a wide variety and range of gardening work using independent judgment within the framework of good gardening practices. Prepares soil beds, turf, ball-fields, flower gardens, hedges, walkways, garden fixtures and other planting areas.
• Performs soil tests to determine deficiencies and corrects these deficiencies through application of the appropriate soil amendments.
• Selects or recommends plants for particular purposes, such as shade, boundary lines, ground cover, erosion control, or pleasing appearance. Slopes and plants terraces and sods steep banks or heavy traffic patterns that involve difficult holding and growth problems.
• Prunes shrubs and trees to reduce risk of failure, provide clearance, reduce shade and wind resistance, maintain health, influence flower or fruit production, improve a view, and to improve aesthetics. Calculates appropriate amount of seed per square feet/acre.
• Performs condition assessments of cultural landscape features. Identified and diagnosis insect disease and cultural pressures. Recommends and/or applies proper chemical compounds for control measures (i.e., use of pesticide or herbicide applications).

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
• Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
• You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver s license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator s License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver s licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.
• You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle.
• You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
• You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
• You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 1 night per month. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
• Government Charge Card:
  You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old or at least 16 years old with conditions described (high school graduation or equivalent, vocational training, etc.).

• Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT)
• Technical Practices (theoretical precise, artistic)
• Use of Measuring Instruments
• Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (other than blueprints)
• Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
• Knowledge of materials
• Dexterity & Safety

If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume.

The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone. Address your knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the areas shown in the job-related factors.

Volunteer Experience
:
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, Ameri Corps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; 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.

There is no substitution of education for experience for Wage Grade (WG) positions.

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

Non-Competitive Rehire…