Gardener (Tractor Operator)

Major duties and responsibilities include:

• Must have a knowledge of gardening practices pertinent to the Muskogee Oklahoma area particularly in diagnosing and controlling plant diseases planting and transplanting plants and proper watering practices Determines the proper type time of season and application of fertilizers and herbicides for contractor application.
• The work of this position requires knowledge of gardening procedures and skill in growing and tending lawns flowers shrubs and trees.
• Will accomplish snow removal when requested and under the directions of the Grounds Supervisor which might entail change of shifts after hours weekends or holidays; will report for duty as directed or called for.
• They need to be able to determine volume using measurements from varied sources including measuring tape measuring cups etc.
• They must be able to compute quantities of plants and seeds required for a specific area.
• They must be able to use linear measurement tools to determine material requirement for required space.
• They follow manufacturers instructions on product labels regarding the depthand spacing of seeds application of chemicals and fertilizers and use gardening procedures which are routinely performed in the local area.
• Must anticipate routine repair of equipment and seasonal requirements to insure the maintenance of a high degree of quality and professional appearance.
• They plan and carry out their work according to the schedule or project assignment keeping within the framework of established gardening practices.
• Incumbent will perform maintenance and repair on all sprinkler systems.
• Is responsible for ensuring that all equipment is maintained is oiled and in safe operating condition before uses must properly clean and check equipment before storing and report to supervisor any equipment not in proper or safe operating condition. They must also clean all engineering storage areas when required.
• Responsible for the maintenance and minor repair of all equipment utilized by groundsmaintenance.
• The work involves preparing for plants seeding and thinning transplanting trimming pruning fertilizing aerating mulching spraying and dusting of grass ground cover flowers shrubs and trees.
• The incumbent must be familiar with the cultural and maintenance requirements of vegetation available for landscape used in Oklahoma.
• Will use appropriate safety equipment and/or tools for the task being performed.
• Is responsible for abiding by all OSHA and EPA safety rules and regulation as they pertain to performing the maintenance work and will abide by all hospital and safety regulations.
• Will observe safe work practices exercising proper care utilization and control of work tools materials and government property.

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 ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers 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)

• 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.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement 02/10/2026.

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: Ability to effectively utilize fungicide or other chemicals as correlated to the WG-06 Position Description.

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:

• Dexterity and Safety
• Interpret Instructions Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
• Materials
• Measuring Instruments
• Technical Practices
• Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
• Without more than normal supervision