This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/495984000. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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Applicants must be available to work in Washington, DC for a specific period of time or work hours.
Successful applicants are placed in a 1-year developmental program at the GS-5 level with the potential to lead to a civil service career in the Federal Government. At the successful conclusion of this program you may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a Federal career or career-conditional position (promotion potential to GS-7 level).
Summary
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Enrich, Preserve, Protect. Smithsonian Facilities provides unparalleled stewardship of Smithsonian buildings, gardens, and facilities – operating, maintaining, and ensuring a safe, secure, healthy environment that enhances the Smithsonian experience for all. As the largest and most diverse organization within the Smithsonian Institution, Smithsonian Facilities’ employees are located throughout the 19 world-class museums, galleries, gardens, research and cultural centers, as well as the National Zoological Park. Our team is comprised of professionals from every facet of facilities management, performing the majority of projects and requirements with our own workforce. Responsible for the planning, design, construction, maintenance, and safety of the Smithsonian’s world-wide facilities, we accomplish our mission and vision through four Strategic Goals:
- Partnering with the Smithsonian Community
- Caring for Distinctive Buildings and Grounds
- Providing Exceptional Experiences for Internal and External Customers
- Cultivating a Highly Motivated and Dedicated Workforce
Applicants must be available to work in Washington, DC for a specific period of time or work hours.
Successful applicants are placed in a 1-year developmental program at the GS-5 level with the potential to lead to a civil service career in the Federal Government. At the successful conclusion of this program you may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a Federal career or career-conditional position (promotion potential to GS-7 level).
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Overview
- Reviewing applications
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Open & closing dates
04/06/2018 to 04/20/2018
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Salary
$37,113 - $48,249 per year
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Pay scale & grade
GS 05
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Location
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Travel Required
Not required
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Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
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Appointment type
Recent Graduates - Federal Excepted Service Appointment
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Work schedule
Full-Time
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Service
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Promotion potential
07
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Job family (Series)
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Supervisory status
No
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Announcement number
18A-JC-303644-PATH-SF
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Control number
495984000
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Duties
As a participant in the Pathways Recent Graduates Program, you will receive both formal and on-the-job training to develop the required knowledge and skill to successfully perform the duties of the position. Those duties will include:
- Assists with the design, care, maintenance and interpretation of the gardens located on Smithsonian grounds in the Washington DC metro area.
- Assists in designing garden spaces and landscapes that utilize unique, underused, or new plant material to engage visitors, differentiate Smithsonian Gardens from other public gardens, and provide year-round interest.
- Operates a wide variety of equipment including skid steers, forklifts, snow plows, snow blowers, utility vehicles, leaf vacuums/blowers, string trimmers, hedge shears, rototillers, mowers, chainsaws, etc. to complete assignments. Participates in SI-wide snow removal program, working as a team member to assure safe access to all museums, support facilities and parking lots.
- Provides educational programs to wide ranging audiences including SI staff and coworkers, volunteers, interns, industry professionals and the public. Presents lectures and gives tours. Recruits and works with volunteers and interns, generating projects which will further Smithsonian Gardens’ mission. Writes articles for SG and SI newsletters and/or industry publications, and develops interpretive materials for the gardens and garden programs.
Who May Apply
This job is open to…
Recent graduates who have completed within the previous two years a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution. Preference eligible veterans who were precluded from applying due to their military service obligation begin their two-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty (eligibility cannot exceed six years after degree or certificate completion).
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The 16-semester-hour requirement in horticulture includes course work in basic horticulture and course work related to any of the recognized subject-matter fields of horticulture, i.e., fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, nursery work, seed production, or course work in related areas of science, such as micro-biology, entomology, plant pathology, plant physiology, or genetics that is directly related to horticultural work.
Applicants who meet the basic requirements described in the individual occupational requirements are fully qualified for the specified entry grade (generally grade GS-5).
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation
- May need to complete a Probationary Period
- Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
- Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
Program Requirements: You must have obtained a qualifying Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Professional, Doctorate, Vocational or Technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous 2 years. Veterans (precluded from applying due to military service) must be appointed within 6 years of receiving their degree or certificate.
Qualification requirements must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date.
Qualifications
You must meet these Basic Education Requirements (Individual Occupational Requirements):
- Degree: horticulture; or a related discipline of basic plant science that included at least 30 semester hours in the basic plant sciences, of which at least 16 semester hours were in horticultural subjects such as those dealing with the breeding, care, management, production, and post harvest handling of horticultural crops.
OR
- Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in horticulture or a related discipline of basic plant science that included course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
The 16-semester-hour requirement in horticulture includes course work in basic horticulture and course work related to any of the recognized subject-matter fields of horticulture, i.e., fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, nursery work, seed production, or course work in related areas of science, such as micro-biology, entomology, plant pathology, plant physiology, or genetics that is directly related to horticultural work.
Applicants who meet the basic requirements described in the individual occupational requirements are fully qualified for the specified entry grade (generally grade GS-5).
Additional information
Flexible Spending Accounts - http://www.fsafeds.com/fsafeds/index.asp Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp Long Term Care Insurance - http://www.ltcfeds.com Retirement Program - http://www.opm.gov/retire/index.asp
PROGRAM COMPLETION AND CONVERSION ELIGIBILITY:
Program participants MAY be converted (without a break in service) to a term, career, or career conditional appointment upon completion of program requirements.
To be eligible for conversion, Recent Graduates must:
• Complete one continuous year of work experience acquired through a Recent Graduate Program.
• Complete 40 hours of formal interactive training.
• Meet the qualification standards for the position to which the Recent Graduate will be converted.
• Meet any agency-specific requirements specified in the Participant Agreement.
• Demonstrate successful job performance that results in a rating of record of at least Fully Successful and a recommendation for conversion by the first-level supervisor.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described above. The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:
- Knowledge of theories, methods and principles of horticulture science or related basic plant science.
- Ability to design seasonal plantings and manage concurrently several unique landscaped gardens and large expanses of turf that incur high public visitation and are used for special events, public education, or public relations activities.
- Ability to operate and maintain power equipment such as tractors, blowers, tillers, mowers, sprayers, and automated irrigation systems.
- Ability to communicate verbally to meet and deal with different audiences and to present educational programs and tours to the public.
Better Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements and satisfies most of the job related competencies above.
Good Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements, but does not satisfy most of the job related competencies above to a substantive degree.
This category rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three", but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. A selecting official may make selections from the highest quality category (Best Category) provided no preference eligible in that category is passed over to select a non-preference eligible in that category unless the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3317(b) or 3318(b) are satisfied. Preference eligibles who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher. Applicants who have not submitted a resume in the USAjobs system and/or have not answered all of the vacancy questions will not be considered for this position.
Important Note: The review of your resume will determine your final rating and should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.
To preview questions please click here.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
Your application package should include the following documents:
- Detailed resume created in the USAJOBS Resume Builder.
- Proof of Veteran's Preference - DD214 (Member 4 Copy), if you are a veteran. Additionally, applicants claiming 10-point preference must complete Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, as well as additional documentation required by the SF-15, such as a VA letter.
- Unofficial school transcripts, if the position has an education requirement or if you are using education to qualify. If selected for the position, you must provide an official transcript before appointment.
- Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. Please Note:
- You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you).
- You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process; OR You may manually fax required documents. Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package.
- The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
- If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.
Agency contact information
John Chiu, Jr.
- Address
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SMITHSONIAN
Office of Human Resources
POB 37012, 600 Maryland Avenue, MRC 517
suite 5060
Washington, District of Columbia 20013-7012
United States
Next steps
At the end of the application process you will be able to create and save a PDF file that contains your responses to the assessment questions. You may save this file as initial receipt of your application. After the job announcement closes, you will receive an email from the Smithsonian with confirmation of receipt. The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. We will send you an e-mail to update you as we go through phases of the application review process. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;" e-mailing vacancy.info@si.edu; or by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed. Additional Information:
- Tips on applying for Smithsonian jobs are available at www.sihr.si.edu/jobs.cfm.
- The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses.
- The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity (www.si.edu/oeema).
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Help
Required Documents
Your application package should include the following documents:
- Detailed resume created in the USAJOBS Resume Builder.
- Proof of Veteran's Preference - DD214 (Member 4 Copy), if you are a veteran. Additionally, applicants claiming 10-point preference must complete Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, as well as additional documentation required by the SF-15, such as a VA letter.
- Unofficial school transcripts, if the position has an education requirement or if you are using education to qualify. If selected for the position, you must provide an official transcript before appointment.
- Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Help
Learn more about this agency
How to Apply
Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. Please Note:
- You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you).
- You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process; OR You may manually fax required documents. Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package.
- The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
- If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.
Agency contact information
John Chiu, Jr.
- Address
-
SMITHSONIAN
Office of Human Resources
POB 37012, 600 Maryland Avenue, MRC 517
suite 5060
Washington, District of Columbia 20013-7012
United States
Next steps
At the end of the application process you will be able to create and save a PDF file that contains your responses to the assessment questions. You may save this file as initial receipt of your application. After the job announcement closes, you will receive an email from the Smithsonian with confirmation of receipt. The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. We will send you an e-mail to update you as we go through phases of the application review process. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;" e-mailing vacancy.info@si.edu; or by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed. Additional Information:
- Tips on applying for Smithsonian jobs are available at www.sihr.si.edu/jobs.cfm.
- The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses.
- The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity (www.si.edu/oeema).
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Beginning of a dialog window for the agency announcing this job. It begins with a heading 2 called "Learn more about Field Operating Offices of the Office of the Secretary of the Army". Escape will cancel and close the window.
Learn more about
Smithsonian Institution
Agency contact information
John Chiu, Jr.
- Address
-
SMITHSONIAN
Office of Human Resources
POB 37012, 600 Maryland Avenue, MRC 517
suite 5060
Washington, District of Columbia 20013-7012
United States