Gardener Leader

The position is located at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ, within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The primary purpose of the position is to serve as a leader over a crew of Gardeners at the facility.

About the Role

The position involves leading and supervising a team of 5 Gardeners at the WG-04 level. Key responsibilities include establishing training programs, scheduling safety and procedural training, maintaining equipment, overseeing inspections, and ensuring compliance with supervisor's instructions.

Responsibilities

• Functions as Leader of the Grounds Maintenance Program within Environmental Management Service
• Coordinates and directs all grounds maintenance operations
• Leads a crew of 5 employees at the WG-04 level
• Establishes training programs and schedules for new employees
• Schedules safety training and training for employees when new procedures and equipment are introduced
• Maintains balance between workload and equipment in use, recommends improvements, notes complaints, and maintains good customer relationships by acting promptly on requests
• Selects and/or recommends various kinds and types of supplies, equipment, and materials best suited to maintain and reach program goals and requirements
• Oversees an inspection program covering the entire medical center's acreage to ensure work is performed according to supervisor's instructions
• Reports deficiencies, initiates and documents corrective actions, and explains work requirements to the grounds crew
• Checks work in progress and recommends corrective measures as necessary
• Demonstrates proper work methods and ensures employees have the necessary equipment, tools, and supplies
• Ensures adherence to safety rules, including proper equipment operation and tool usage
• Works alongside the grounds crew, setting the pace and performing various duties such as gardening, cleaning, and equipment operation
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Physical effort and work conditions require frequent walking, standing, pushing carts and wheelbarrows, bending, and stooping. Occasional climbing of ladders for pruning or trimming vegetation is also required. Heavy lifting of objects like bags of fertilizer, grass seed, etc., is common. Work is primarily outdoors, subject to discomfort from prolonged exposure to hot sun, occasional cold or rainy weather, dirt, dust, mud, and exposure to loud noises from equipment like gasoline blowers, lawn mowers, and trimmers. Personal protective items such as gloves, safety shoes, hats, glasses, ear protection, and sunscreen are provided and required. Applicants will be rated based on their ability to perform the job elements as described in the assessment questionnaire. Recruitment and relocation incentives are not authorized.