Summary The primary purpose of the position is to perform seasonal gardening tasks either done outside or in a greenhouse. In order to accomplish the gardener duties the incumbent must on a regular and recurring basis also operate light duty motor vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds (such as pick-up trucks, panel trucks, flatbed trucks, etc. ) to transport personnel, material, or equipment to work sites located in the park. Responsibilities The selectee of this position identifies grasses, weeds, shrubs and trees. Provides care and maintenance appropriate for specific grass, tree or plant species. Will safely operate gasoline and diesel powered vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of less than 10,000 pounds and capable of carrying loads weighing less than 1 ton, to include small tractors, small utility vehicles, riding lawn mowers and riding power lawn sweepers. Will perform routine cleaning duties of buildings, to include waxing, stripping, polishing floors, cleaning restrooms ,dispose of trash, care of outdoor sidewalks and steps, polish furniture and exhibit cases, refill soaps and replace lightbulbs when needed. Will also perform ground and trail maintenance duties on paved and unpaved trails, including washing, sweeping, filling holes, checking hand rails and replacing trail lights. Will assist in installing fences; repair corrals, haul furniture and supplies; Pick up litter; clean rain gutters, Mix / haul concrete, and may occasionally also work as flag person on road projects. Area Information: Wind Cave National Park is located in the southern Black Hills of southwest South Dakota. Climate extremes range from sub-zero temperatures during winter to over 100 degrees during summer. Medical and dental services, schools K-12, shopping, and churches of most faiths are available in Hot Springs (12 miles) and Custer (20 miles). Housing for rent or purchase is available in Hot Springs and Custer. Rapid City, SD (pop:60,000) is one hour north of Hot Springs and has a full range of services available. For more information about this park please check out: Wind Cave National Park For more information about this position, please contact Josh Kreilaus at joshua_kreilaus@nps.gov or call 605 745 1148. This is an open continuous announcement, in which applications are collected over several months, and have multiple cut-off dates. Applications will be considered throughout the open period of the announcement. **INITIAL CUT OFF IS Friday , December 13, 2024**. Initial consideration will be given to candidates whose applications have been received before the first cut-off date. Additional referral certificates will be issued when a hiring official exhausts current certificate and/or additional vacancies need to be filled. 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 must participate in a respiratory protection program which includes medical evaluations, fit tests, and follow proper respirator use procedures. Applicants must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program. Government Housing may be available. 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. (other than blueprints) Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Dexterity and Safety Knowledge of materials Technical Practices (theoretical precise, artistic) Use of Measuring Instruments SCREENOUT: Able to perform the duties of the gardener position under supervision. Able to perform minor repair work on trails, grounds, small equipment, buildings, and janitorial duties following written or oral instructions. Able to perform simple tasks without assistance. Familiar with a limited number of gardening and laborer tasks and have performed these duties. Have a valid state driver's license. Able to lift and move objects over 100 pounds unassisted. 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. 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. A Recruitment Incentive May Be Authorized for a newly selected employee when appointed to a permanent, temporary, or term position. A Federal employee who is transferring to the National Park Service from another component, bureau or Federal agency and who does not meet the conditions under 5 CFR 575.102 is not eligible for a recruitment incentive. Non-Competitive Rehire Eligibility: Temporary seasonal employees can only maintain their non-competitive rehire eligibility if they work no more than a combined total of Temporary NTE less than 1040 hours anywhere in the National Park Service (NPS) within their established service year. Accordingly, non-competitive rehire eligibility allows for re-appointment to the same position or another position appropriate for temporary appointment with the same qualification requirements (5 CFR 316.402[b][7]), based on series and grade, anywhere in the major subdivision (NPS). If you have held a temporary seasonal appointment in the past 12 months and have already worked the maximum temporary appointment less than 1040 hours during that period, you are still welcome to apply. However, please be aware that exceeding the limit of 1040 hours in your established service year will result in the loss of your non-competitive rehire eligibility. The limit can be exceeded by working multiple temporary seasonal positions that result in a combined total greater than 1040 hours. The limit also can be exceeded by working a single temporary seasonal appointment that exceeds 1040 hours, unless granted an exception by OPM. Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding levels, project needs, employee performance, or other considerations. Physical Demands: Work requires frequent walking, standing, pushing of lawnmowers, carts and wheelbarrows, bending, stooping, and climbing in and out of vehicles. Occasionally climbs ladders to trim and/or prune vegetation/trees. Frequently lifts heavy objects such as bags of fertilizer grass seed, etc. so must be able to lift up to 100 lbs. Working Conditions: Work is done outside or in a greenhouse. In working outside, the gardener is subject to discomfort from long periods in the hot sun, and sometimes to chilly or rainy weather. In some instances the conditions will involve working in air contaminated with chemical dust and sprays being used on trees and shrubs. The employee will be required to wear protective clothing during pesticide/herbicide application; as well as normal safety items such as gloves, boots, glasses, etc. Because of the duties performed, the incumbent is subject to minor injuries such as cuts, scratches, bruises, and scrapes.