This position serves as a gardener within the Facilities Management Section at the Kansas City VA Medical Center. The incumbent is required to work with minimal supervision to perform a wide variety of duties to improve and maintain the appearance of lawns, trees, shrubs, plants, walkways, recreational areas, roads and parking lots at this facility.
The incumbent serves as a Gardener (Motor Vehicle/Tractor Operator) within the Facilities Management Service of the VA Kansas City Health Care System. The position is responsible for maintaining, protecting, and improving the medical center's exterior grounds, landscaped areas, ornamental plantings, and related infrastructure.
Major duties include: - Performs gardening and grounds maintenance duties, including soil preparation, planting, transplanting, thinning, pruning, fertilizing, mulching, pest/disease control, and maintaining flower beds, trees, shrubs, lawns, and interior plants. Exercises expert judgment in identifying plant health issues and applying corrective measures to promote proper growth, vigor, appearance, and long-term sustainability.
- Selects and applies proper fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers, lime, and other materials in accordance with manufacturer guidelines, OSHA/EPA standards, and VA safety practices. Calculates appropriate quantities and mixture ratios for plants, seeds, and chemical applications. - Operates a variety of powered and manual equipment, including riding and push mowers, trimmers, edgers, blowers, chain saws, cultivators, snowplows, and hand tools.
Operates small forklifts to retrieve and store supplies. Performs routine equipment cleaning and maintenance, and enters assignment data into VA systems for work tracking. - Operates motor vehicles-including pickup trucks with trailers-to transport personnel, tools, equipment, and materials. Ensures proper loading, conducts operator-level maintenance, completes trip tickets, and reports vehicle issues promptly.
- Operates, maintains, and monitors irrigation systems to ensure adequate watering and turf health. Conducts thatching, aerating, reseeding, and other turf revitalization work based on seasonal requirements and plant needs. - Performs snow and ice removal duties using snow blowers, equipped riding mowers, and manual tools to clear walkways and parking areas. Applies salt and sand to improve safety during inclement weather.
- Adheres to all safety regulations, hospital policies, and PPE requirements. Maintains safe work practices and protects government tools, property, and materials. Recognizes and mitigates hazards associated with weather, chemicals, equipment operation, ladders, and outdoor environments.
- Provides customer service consistent with VA values by interacting courteously with Veterans, staff, and visitors, resolving issues constructively, and providing accurate information as required. Protects sensitive information in accordance with the Privacy Act and applicable VA policies. - Performs other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 6:30 am to 2:30 pm Position Description Title/PD#: Gardener (Motor Vehicle Operator)/PD08299A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Fallon.Bailey@va.gov · (410) 336-5277
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $27.53 – $32.12/hr.
Applications close on 2026-09-08.
This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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