Summary A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected. The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay. Open to the first 100 applicants or until 01/15/2025 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration. Responsibilities This position is located within Stones River National Cemetery at the Stones River National Battlefield. The primary function of the Gardener is to serve as part of a project crew in the National Cemetery, under the direction of a crew leader. The project is part of the NPS National Cemetery Investment Initiative, an effort to improve the condition of all NPS national cemetery landscapes. The work includes tree, shrub, lawn care, integrated pest management, and the maintenance of irrigation and drainage systems. For more information about Stones River National Cemetery, go to www.nps.gov/stri. For more information about NPS National Cemeteries, go to National Cemeteries (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov). This is a term position (more than 1 year) with an initial appointment expecting to last at least 13 months but may be extended up to a total of four years, or more based on any changes to regulations governing the number of years term appointments may last, without further competition. Term positions do not convey permanent status in the Federal service. The National Park Service retains the right to extend the duration of this appointment after selection and/or appointment, based on changes to the regulation governing the number of years term appointments may last. This change, which may be made at the agency's sole discretion and without further competition, shall not be construed or interpreted as the granting of a right to a selectee or employee to such an extension. No extension to a term appointment shall be granted to a selectee/employee to an amount of time that exceeds the maximum number of years authorized under any present or current regulation, unless such regulation expressly allows such action. Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. Citizenship required. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program. You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you. You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle. You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. You may be required to work overtime. You will be required to complete a one-year trial period. You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 5 nights per month. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes. Qualifications To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors: Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT) Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Dexterity and Safety Knowledge of Materials Technical Practices (theoretical precise, artistic) Use of Measuring Instruments If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone. Address your knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the areas shown in the job-related factors. Volunteer Experience: 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; religious; 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. Education There is no substitution of education for experience for Wage Grade (WG) positions. Additional Information This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate. Physical Demands: Work requires frequent walking, standing, pushing carts and wheelbarrows, bending, and stooping. Climbs ladders to prune shrubs and trees. Frequently lifts heavy objects such as bags of fertilizer, grass seeds, containerized plants. May work from an aerial lift. The gardener will use power equipment such as mowers, aerators, and chain saws. With motor vehicle and tractor operator duties, moderate effort is exerted to manipulate equipment controls. Working Conditions: Work is done outside or in a maintenance shop. In working outside, the gardener is subject to discomfort from long periods in the hot sun, and sometimes chilly to rainy weather. In some instances, the conditions will involve working in air contaminated with equipment fumes, and chemical dust and sprays being used on trees, shrubs and turf. Incumbent will be required to wear protective clothing during pesticide/herbicide application, as well as regular personal protective equipment such as gloves, boots, glasses, etc. Due to the duties performed, the incumbent is subject to minor injuries such as cuts, scratches, bruises, and scrapes. Due to the duties performed, there is occasional risk of more serious injury. When vehicles are operated there is additional exposure to risk due to traffic accidents. Current surplus and current or former displaced Federal individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Well qualified means that the applicant meets the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and is rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level on all competencies. Federal employees seeking CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit proof that they meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(2) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of their most recent Performance Rating, and a copy of their most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP/ICTAP eligible. If you are selected for Federal employment, you will be required to fill out a Declaration of Federal Employment, OF-306, prior to being appointed to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. Failing to answer all questions truthfully and completely or providing false statements on your application may be grounds for not hiring you, or for firing you after you begin work. Also, you may be punished by fine or imprisonment (U.S. Code, Title 18, section 1001).