Gardener (Motor Vehicle Operator)

Summary

**** This announcement has been extended. Applicant(s) who have applied do not need to re-apply.**** This position is located within the Facility Maintenance Service at the VA Medical Center, Syracuse, New York.

Duties

• Duties include but may not be limited to: Operates a variety of gasoline and diesel-powered equipment such as self-propelled mowers, weed whackers, vacuum, leaf blower, garden tractor with wagon and power sweeper. Determines the quantities of plants, seeds, fertilizer and other materials needed for specific areas. Selects fungicides, insecticides and herbicides for the control of common plant disease, plant insects and weeds. Starts new plants in seed beds or cold frames, builds good soil base, places seeds at proper depth and manages the moisture, temperature, humidity and ventilation required to encourage germination and growth. Plans regular and recurring seasonal tasks and maintenance schedule. Coordinates snow removal according to policy. Responds to emergencies such as inclement weather, major utility failure, floods or other similar emergencies. (subject to call back) Reproduces plants through cuttings, rooting, grafting and layering processes. Keeps records of the number and kinds of plants started and kind of fertilizer used. Work Schedule: 6:00am - 3:30pm Every fall, the tour of duty is changed to 11:00pm to 7:00am to coordinate the snow removal and de-icing efforts in preparation for patient and employee arrival. Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Pre-employment physical required Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification 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) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: 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. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.