What are the responsibilities and job description for the Gardener position at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs?
Summary
The Gardener is in the Environmental Management Services service line of the Phoenix VA Health Care System (PVAHCS) in Phoenix - AZ. In this position - you will be responsible for maintaining grounds - parking lots - and sidewalks; designing landscaping; installing and repairing sprinkler systems; and operating power-driven lawn equipment.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement - 04/06/2026. 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. 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: Without more than normal supervision Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience - including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. - Peace Corps - AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g. - professional; philanthropic; religions; 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. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: Work requires frequent walking - standing - pushing carts and wheelbarrows - bending - and stooping. Occasionally climbs ladders and frequently lifts heavy objects. Most work is done outside. May be subject to discomfort for long periods in the hot sun and occasionally chilly or rainy weather. Exposed to dirt - dust - mud - and may come in contact with chemical spray. Will need to wear protective clothing such as gloves - safety shoes and glasses. There is a chance for minor injuries such as bruises - cuts - and scrapes.
Duties
The Gardener is in the Environmental Management Services service line of the Phoenix VA Health Care System (PVAHCS) in Phoenix - AZ. In this position - you will be responsible for maintaining grounds - parking lots - and sidewalks; designing landscaping; installing and repairing sprinkler systems; and operating power-driven lawn equipment.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement - 04/06/2026. 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. 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: Without more than normal supervision Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience - including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. - Peace Corps - AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g. - professional; philanthropic; religions; 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. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: Work requires frequent walking - standing - pushing carts and wheelbarrows - bending - and stooping. Occasionally climbs ladders and frequently lifts heavy objects. Most work is done outside. May be subject to discomfort for long periods in the hot sun and occasionally chilly or rainy weather. Exposed to dirt - dust - mud - and may come in contact with chemical spray. Will need to wear protective clothing such as gloves - safety shoes and glasses. There is a chance for minor injuries such as bruises - cuts - and scrapes.
Duties
- Duties of the position include but are not limited to: Plans and designs landscaping
- Installs - repairs - and maintains sprinkler system
- Operates and maintains various power-driven lawn equipment such as gas operated sweepers - mowers - weed eaters - and trimmers
- Keeps grounds and areas around compactors clean
- Plants trees - shrubs - succulents - and performs a wide range of gardening duties
- Submits requests for parts and materials to accomplish duties
- Maintains area of assignment on a daily basis
- Empties waste container
- Removes debris from grounds - sidewalks - steps - smoking shelters - roads - and parking areas including the parking garage
- Performs other duties as assigned
- Work Schedule: 40 hours a week - days off are determined by the needs of the service
- Summer Season: April - October 4:00 am - 12:30 pm Winter Season: November - March 6:00 am - 2:30 pm Position Description Title/PD#: Gardener/PD11648A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Salary : $23 - $27