National Park Service
Summary
The incumbent of this position serves as a gardener at a National Park Service Unit. The primary purpose of the position is to provide proper care and maintenance for lawns, flowers, shrubs, and trees.
Open to the first
70
applicants or until 01/06/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.
Duties
Performs a wide variety of gardening based upon seasonal schedules or project plans for the area, suitability of the weather, degree of moisture in the soil, and the stage of plant growth.
Selects and sprays area with herbicides, fungicides and insecticides for the control of plant diseases, plant insects, and weeds.
Operates vehicles (up to 26,000 pounds GVW) and motorized equipment; uses a wide range of gardening tools to accomplish tasks.
Maintains a high level of personal and environmental safety.
Requirements
U.S. Citizenship required.
Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
Selection will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
Will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old with high school graduation or equivalent, or at least 16 years old and meet specified educational criteria.
Must be able to work outside in adverse weather conditions.
Must have a valid state driver's license at the time of appointment.
Must have the ability to lift 50+ pounds.
Qualifications
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 and specifications.
Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment.
Knowledge of materials.
Dexterity and safety.
Valid District of Columbia Pesticide Applicator's Certification pre‑employment.
Physical Demands The work requires frequent walking, standing, pushing of carts and wheelbarrows, bending, and stooping. The incumbent occasionally climbs ladders to prune or trim vegetation and lifts heavy objects such as bags of fertilizer, grass seed, etc.
Working Conditions The work is done outside or in a greenhouse. In working outside, the gardener is subject to discomfort from long periods in the sun, and sometimes in chilly or rainy weather. The work involves exposure to chemical dust and sprays. Protective clothing is required during pesticide/herbicide application; normal safety items such as gloves, boots, and glasses are required. Minor injuries such as bruises, cuts, and scrapes are possible, and occasional broken bones from falls may occur. This position is NOT suitable for telework.
Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position and whether it is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Additional Information The typical seasonal period is March-September but can vary due to weather, project needs, or funding. Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding levels, project needs, employee performance, or other considerations. Temporary seasonal employees can maintain non‑competitive rehire eligibility if total hours #J-18808-Ljbffr
Open to the first
70
applicants or until 01/06/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.
Duties
Performs a wide variety of gardening based upon seasonal schedules or project plans for the area, suitability of the weather, degree of moisture in the soil, and the stage of plant growth.
Selects and sprays area with herbicides, fungicides and insecticides for the control of plant diseases, plant insects, and weeds.
Operates vehicles (up to 26,000 pounds GVW) and motorized equipment; uses a wide range of gardening tools to accomplish tasks.
Maintains a high level of personal and environmental safety.
Requirements
U.S. Citizenship required.
Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
Selection will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
Will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old with high school graduation or equivalent, or at least 16 years old and meet specified educational criteria.
Must be able to work outside in adverse weather conditions.
Must have a valid state driver's license at the time of appointment.
Must have the ability to lift 50+ pounds.
Qualifications
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 and specifications.
Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment.
Knowledge of materials.
Dexterity and safety.
Valid District of Columbia Pesticide Applicator's Certification pre‑employment.
Physical Demands The work requires frequent walking, standing, pushing of carts and wheelbarrows, bending, and stooping. The incumbent occasionally climbs ladders to prune or trim vegetation and lifts heavy objects such as bags of fertilizer, grass seed, etc.
Working Conditions The work is done outside or in a greenhouse. In working outside, the gardener is subject to discomfort from long periods in the sun, and sometimes in chilly or rainy weather. The work involves exposure to chemical dust and sprays. Protective clothing is required during pesticide/herbicide application; normal safety items such as gloves, boots, and glasses are required. Minor injuries such as bruises, cuts, and scrapes are possible, and occasional broken bones from falls may occur. This position is NOT suitable for telework.
Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position and whether it is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Additional Information The typical seasonal period is March-September but can vary due to weather, project needs, or funding. Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding levels, project needs, employee performance, or other considerations. Temporary seasonal employees can maintain non‑competitive rehire eligibility if total hours #J-18808-Ljbffr