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This position is at the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG). The USBG is a public garden in the legislative branch and was established by Congress in 1820. The Garden inspires people to appreciate, study, and conserve plants to enrich society locally and globally. We provide educational experiences to 1 million visitors annually, present horticultural displays and exhibits, strive to break down barriers to inclusion, and advance the exchange of ideas and information. Learn more: U.S. Botanic Garden.
Learn more about this agency11/08/2024 to 12/20/2024
$33.61 - $39.26 per hour
WG 10
No
No
Not required
No
Permanent - Permanent, Full Time
Full-time - This is an Excepted Service position and does not require or confer civil service Competitive Status
Excepted
10
No
Yes
USBG-2025-051
818469200
Applications will be accepted from all U.S. citizens.
*** The Arborist Worker/Arborist is considered an “Emergency Essential Employee” and will be required to work in emergency and inclement weather situations. ***
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The Arborist will be engaged in contemporary scientific methodology and practices to grow, preserve and maintain a wide variety of tropical, sub-tropical, temperate and historical trees at the full performance level. Provides leadership for the implementation of a complete arbor care program for the entire USBG public campus and production facility.
The incumbent develops and grows species, hybrids for cultivars having horticultural and aesthetic impact.
Protects and cares for threatened rare and endangered species and sensitive plants acquired under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITIES). Performs specialized gardening work involving the propagation, culture and display of a wide variety of plant species.
Prunes and assists in removal of diseased, dead, hazardous and otherwise unwanted trees. Also prunes trees and ornamental shrubs to obtain proper balance between roots and top growth and to modify or retain natural form.
Performs specialized pruning on tropical tree species such as palms and ficus located within the conservatory. Many conservatory plant species are over 50 feet tall and will often grow to reach the conservatory glass ceiling and mechanical systems at nearly 90 feet. These specimens require advanced skilled climbing, pruning and rigging techniques not often used in the trade. Therefore, the incumbent must be able to safely ascend living arbor specimens without damaging the tree and without the use of aerial lifts. The incumbent must be able to comfortably work at height while learning to overcome challenges aloft.
Creates precedent setting and artistically unique horticultural designs and exhibits and is responsible for the production of the required display crops.
Expands and/or develops large and complex living tree collections. Performs collections studies including the exchange of materials, ideas, and information with other conservatories, museums, and botanic gardens.
Adjusts the nutrient content of soil based on prescribed soil test recommendations. Propagates, grows and plants a wide variety of trees. Makes decisions with Plant Curator on which species to propagate, number of propagules and plans for long term care. Works with the Plant Recorder to ensure all plant information is accurately entered into the USBG living collection database.
Works with the Plant Health Care Specialist to diagnose and control pest infestations and diseases by selecting the proper Integrated Pest Management strategy. Many pest challenges are unique and not common to the trade.
Follows all relevant safety rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures. Complies with all OSHA safety rules and regulations to ensure that work progresses in a safe manner. Adheres to all ISA and ANSI Best Management Practices Ensures the use of any required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- A valid, unexpired driver’s license is required.
- Must possess a valid, unexpired District of Columbia Pesticide Applicator's License (or a valid State license reciprocal with D.C.) for pesticide license categories 3A, 3B and 3C to apply pesticides in D.C.
REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY PESTICIDES IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
The District of Columbia Municipal Regulations, Title 20, require each employee that performs pest control activities in the District of Columbia, including governmental and state agencies, progress from being a Registered Technician to a Certified Applicator and subsequently a “Licensed Pesticide Applicator".
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2016 must submit an application to become a Registered Technician to the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) within 30 days of the effective date of employment.
A Registered Technician is required to take two exams in order to become a fully Licensed Pesticide Applicator as follows:
The Registered Technician is required to take a general core exam within 180 days after submitting the application to DOEE. Registered AOC employees hired before October 1, 2014 are not required to take the “general core” exam. Employee will have the opportunity to take the test two times.
A second exam called a Category Exam must be taken within 3 years of becoming a Registered Technician. This is a requirement to become a fully Licensed Pesticide Applicator. Employee will also have the opportunity to take the test two times.
A Registered Technician who is unable to pass the category exam within a subsequent 3 year period will be ineligible to apply pesticides.
Employee will have the opportunity to re-test twice for both exams.
Within one year after becoming a Certified Applicator, an employee can apply to become a Licensed Pesticide Applicator. Employees who possess this license must complete refresher training and renew the license each year in order to retain the license.
You must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the job announcement.
You must meet the following SCREEN-OUT:
-- Ability to do tree work with little to no supervision.
Qualification at the WG-10 level: Is an advanced Arborist able to independently perform tree maintenance work such as pruning, trimming, removing trees and shrubs and has knowledge of ropes and knots for rigging limbs and branches and the ability to operate a bucket truck to reach large trees.
Welcome Veterans. The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) gives veterans' preference rights in the legislative branch to certain veterans as applied by the Congressional Accountability Act. Veterans' preference is applied on this vacancy announcement. If you are a veteran and have been separated under honorable conditions, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility; SF-15, if applicable; and Department of Veterans Affairs documentation of disability, if applicable. For more information, please visit http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp#6.
If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System. If you are exempt from registration under Selective Service Law, you must provide appropriate proof of exemption. Please visit the Selective Service System website for more information.
DRUG TESTING: The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is a Drug Free Workplace. As part of the AOC’s suitability assessment, a candidate tentatively selected for a position who is not currently an AOC employee is required to submit to screening for illegal drug use. Satisfactory completion of a drug test is a condition of employment with the Agency. A candidate must test negative prior to being eligible for appointment into a position. We will schedule, provide and cover the cost for the drug test.
The selectee(s) under the vacancy announcement for this position is subject to a criminal record check by the U.S. Capitol Police and satisfactory adjudication to be eligible for employment at the Architect of the Capitol.
The Architect of the Capitol is an E-VERIFY Participant. E-VERIFY is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment authorization in the United States. If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the DHS Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-VERIFY" electronic system. For more information on E-Verify, please visit http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc_1185221678150.shtm
The Architect of the Capitol is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information and/or disability.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Moving expenses are not authorized.
Relocation expenses are not authorized.
Probationary Period - A newly appointed selectee is subject to the completion of a one-year trial/probationary period, regardless of whether or not a trial/probationary period has been completed previously with the Architect of the Capitol or another Federal agency.
This vacancy announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies in any of the jurisdictions of the Architect of the Capitol.
All application materials become the property of the Architect of the Capitol.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Review your resume and responses carefully. Your eligibility for consideration and qualifications for the position will be determined based upon a review of your detailed resume and your responses to job specific self-assessment questions.
Your resume will be evaluated based on evidence of your ability to demonstrate the job elements for this position, possession of any specialized experience, and how well your background and experience relates to the self-assessment questions in the job announcement. The self-assessment questions relate to the following job elements and competencies:
(1) Ability to perform as an Arborist with little to no supervision.
(2) Advanced knowledge of technical work practices specific to the arborist trade. Specifically, ability to grow and maintain a diverse accessioned collection of living tropical, sub-tropical and arid trees to be displayed in a conservatory, in addition to temperate trees grown throughout the mid-Atlantic region.
(3) Advanced working knowledge of the operation and maintenance of equipment, tools and materials used in the arborist trade.
(4) Advanced knowledge of potential safety hazards and applicable safety precautions. Specifically:
Your responses to the self-assessment questions serve as the basis for your initial rating. You will receive a numerical score based on your responses to these questions. Next, your responses will be evaluated by a Human Resources Specialist and/or a subject matter expert against the information provided in your resume and optional cover letter. Your resume must support your answers to the self-assessment questions. Falsifying your background, education and/or experience is cause for non-selection or disqualification from further consideration.
Please note that a complete application is required for consideration. (Please review the “Required Documents” section of this job announcement to see what must be included in a complete application).
A complete application consists of:
1. A resume or any other written format you choose to describe your job-related qualifications. A cover letter is optional.
Your resume should indicate your citizenship and should list your educational and work experience including job titles, salary, employment dates, duties and accomplishments, experience and how it relates to the job elements in the vacancy announcement. Any experience claimed in a cover letter should be fully substantiated by information contained in your resume.
2. Licenses or certifications: You must provide a copy of your license or certification by the closing date of the announcement.
Supporting Documentation:
You can choose ONE of the following methods to submit Supporting Documents:
1) You can upload your documents when you register or update your information on the Architect of the Capitol application site which you access through the USAJOBS site.
--OR--
2) You can fax your documents using the system generated fax cover sheet.
Your application and all required documentation must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the closing date of this job announcement.
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.
You MUST apply online. FORMS RECEIVED BY FAX, EMAIL OR U.S. POSTAL SERVICE DELIVERY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
If you are a new user to the USAJOBS Site and have never registered for an account; you will first need to create an account profile with your basic contact information and a resume to begin applying. You must be a registered USAJOBS user AND you must be signed-in to your account in order to apply for this position. For help with setting up an account or for general assistance in using USAJOBS, go to USAJOBS Help Page.
NEED HELP?
If you experience any difficulties with the application site, help is available! If you have problems completing your on-line application, contact the Monster Hiring Management Help Desk at 1-866-656-6831 or by e-mail at MGSHELP@monster.com. The help desk is available Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You may call and leave a voice mail message at all other times.
All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS “Saved Documents” feature.
If you are unable to apply on-line, you may visit our Employment Center for technical assistance in entering your application. The Employment Center is located at 441 Second & D Streets S.W., Washington, D.C., Room H2-178, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may call (202) 226-7000 for directions.
You will receive a notice generated by the USAJOBS System when you have successfully submitted your application. We will review your application and transcript(s) (if you are qualifying based on education) to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements.
You can check the status of your application by logging into http://www.usajobs.gov. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application has changed by logging into your USAJOBS Account, editing your profile and changing the ‘Notification Settings’ to indicate that you want to be notified by email when the status changes. Information regarding the status of your application should be updated in the system within two (2) weeks after the closing date of this vacancy announcement.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/818469200. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
The mission of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is to serve Congress and the Supreme Court, preserve America's Capitol and inspire memorable experiences. The AOC is responsible for the maintenance, operation, development and preservation of 18.4 million square feet of buildings and more than 570 acres of land throughout Capitol Hill. The AOC provides a welcoming and educational environment for millions of visitors through the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center and the US Botanic Garden. Learn more at www.aoc.gov.
The AOC prides itself on its Core Values of Respect, Integrity, Safety, and Empowerment (RISE).
