Lead Gardener

About the role

The position is at the full performance level located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA) at the VA Phoenix Healthcare System, Environmental Management Service. The primary purpose of the position is to serve as leader over a crew of Gardeners at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 06/15/2026. 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: Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Other Than Blueprint Reading) Ability to Lead or Supervise Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Dexterity and Safety Knowledge of Materials 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: The work requires frequent walking, standing, pushing of carts and wheelbarrows, bending and stooping. The gardener occasionally climbs ladders to prune or trim vegetation and frequently lifts heavy objects such as bags of fertilizer, grass seed, etc. Most work is done outside. Subject to discomfort from long periods in the hot sun and occasionally chilly or rainy weather. Exposed to dirt dust and mud and may come in contact with chemical spray. May come in contact with loud noises such as gasoline blowers, gasoline lawn mowers, gasoline trimmers etc. Personal protective items such as gloves, safety shoes, hat, glasses, ear protection and sunscreen will be provided and required to use.