Summary The USBG is comprised of nearly 70 positions across four divisions: Administrative, Learning and Engagement, Horticulture, and Operations. The USBG inspires people to appreciate, study, and conserve plants to enrich society locally and globally. The USBG provides educational experiences to 1 million visitors annually, presents horticultural displays and exhibits, strives to break down barriers to inclusion, and advances the exchange of ideas and information. Learn more: U.S. Botanic Garden. Responsibilities * This position is essential--Employee is required to report to work during emergencies and inclement weather situations* Tour of duty will be other than Monday through Friday and may include weekends, evenings and holidays on a regular and recurring basis. The position may be filled at the Gardener journey-level or worker-level. Developmental assignments will be given with the goal of attaining the full performance level. Duties quoted below are at the WG-8 level. Major Duties: The selectee will be responsible for assisting other gardeners in the section to propagate and cultivate a wide variety of plants as follows: Grows Specialized Plant Groups Grows, manages, maintains, develops, and cultivates a wide variety of plants for display throughout the USBG. Propagates and cultivates unusual plants, seeds and plant materials. This process includes daily watering, fertilizing and maintaining proper greenhouse conditions including temperature, humidity, ventilation and light levels. Utilizes a computer-controlled greenhouse environmental control system to manipulate the production environment to optimal plant growth conditions. Re-plants, divides, roots and prunes plant specimens to achieve and maintain optimum plant health. Performs propagation of the collection by division, cuttings, seeds and air layering at the appropriate time. Develops and maintains updated and accurate records including seasonal growing schedules. Uses knowledge of seasonal schedules, project plans, weather suitability, soil moisture and plant growth stages to ensure optimum growth of a wide variety of plant species. Properly accessions permanent plants. Works with the Botanist to maintain accurate and detailed accession records. Develops display labels for use in the Conservatory. Undertakes delivery of seasonal plants to the Conservatory, USBG Gardens and other Jurisdictions in the Capitol complex. Organizes the plants to prevent damage during delivery. Operates a motor vehicle when transporting plants and equipment to designated facilities. Fosters Optimum Horticultural Displays Collaborates with other USBG staff to develop, execute, and maintain horticultural exhibits and displays. Designs aesthetic and educational plant displays, which include the layout and design of the display, selection and labeling the plants and maintaining and rotating plants in the exhibit. Applying good gardening practices, uses project plans, master landscape and long-range plans to achieve required results and USBG objectives. Takes the initiative to inform the public about plants cared for through classes, workshops, and tours. As required, directs a small group of staff, volunteers, and summer employees in the performance of plant maintenance and care projects. Cares for horticultural tools, equipment and implements. Identifies maintenance problems in greenhouses and other growing areas. Maintains clean and orderly horticultural standards, assigned areas are free of weeds and related problems. Organizes work areas, sweeps, and cleans greenhouse floors with disinfectants, removes trash and debris and coils hoses. Complies with and actively participates in USBG sustainability efforts including composting, recycling, and energy reduction programs. Recognizes and controls cold damage, nutrient deficiencies, and plant diseases. Utilizes various fertilizing techniques, as required, to provide optimum growth and health of plants. Selects, measures, mixes and applies appropriate chemical control agents to control weeds, common plant diseases and insects as part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. Follows all relevant safety rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures; Utilizes knowledge of and must comply with all OSHA safety rules and regulations to ensure that work progresses in a safe manner; Provides or receives training, either on-the-job or through classroom training, to ensure that all safety practices and equipment are fully utilized; Uses required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Removes snow and ice from sidewalks and steps in inclement weather; Applies salt, sand, and other melting agents to clear areas and ensure safe conditions. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen. You must be able to pass a drug test. Your resume and question responses must demonstrate job-related elements. Must possess and maintain a valid and unexpired State driver's license. To apply pesticides in DC, must possess a DC Pesticide Applicator's License Applicants must possess and maintain a valid and unexpired State driver's license at the time of application. A citizen of the United States; A person who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence and is seeking citizenship as outlined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)(B); A person who is admitted as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157 or is granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1158 and has filed a declaration of intention to become a lawful permanent resident and then a citizen when eligible; A person who owes allegiance to the United States (nationals of American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and nationals who meet other requirements described in 8 U.S.C. 1408); or A person who is currently an officer or employee of the Government of the United States. Qualifications You must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. You must meet the following SCREEN-OUT: -Ability to do Gardening Work Without More Than Normal Supervision. Qualification at the WG-6 level: Assists with gardening projects and has a working knowledge of gardening practices in order to maintain a diverse group of plants. Qualification at the WG-8 level: Is able to work gardening projects independently and has knowledge of methods for propagating and cultivating a diverse group of plants. Education Additional Information Welcome Veterans. The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) gives veterans' preference rights in the legislative branch to certain veterans as applied by the Congressional Accountability Act. Veterans' preference is applied on this vacancy announcement. If you are a veteran and have been separated under honorable conditions, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility; SF-15, if applicable; and Department of Veterans Affairs documentation of disability, if applicable. For more information, please visit OPM vet guide If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System. If you are exempt from registration under Selective Service Law, you must provide appropriate proof of exemption. Please visit the Selective Service System website for more information. DRUG TESTING: The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is a Drug Free Workplace. As part of the AOC’s suitability assessment, a candidate tentatively selected for a position who is not currently an AOC employee is required to submit to screening for illegal drug use. Satisfactory completion of a drug test is a condition of employment with the Agency. A candidate must test negative prior to being eligible for appointment into a position. We will schedule, provide and cover the cost for the drug test. The selectee(s) under the vacancy announcement for this position is subject to a criminal record check by the U.S. Capitol Police and satisfactory adjudication to be eligible for employment at the Architect of the Capitol. The Architect of the Capitol is an E-VERIFY Participant. E-VERIFY is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment authorization in the United States. If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the DHS Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-VERIFY" electronic system. For more information on E-Verify, please visit http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc_1185221678150.shtm The Architect of the Capitol is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information and/or disability. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Moving expenses are not authorized. Relocation expenses are not authorized. Probationary Period - A newly appointed selectee is subject to the completion of a one-year trial/probationary period, regardless of whether or not a trial/probationary period has been completed previously with the Architect of the Capitol or another Federal agency. This vacancy announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies in any of the jurisdictions of the Architect of the Capitol. All application materials become the property of the Architect of the Capitol.