Gardener and Irrigation I

Aviation Enterprise; United States; On-site; USD 37,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Vacation leave

Retirement plan

Job summary

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority seeks a Gardener and Irrigation I to maintain the airport grounds, plantings, and turf at Reagan National Airport. The role involves installing and repairing irrigation systems, pruning, fertilizing, and operating a range of grounds equipment to keep landscapes vibrant and safe.

You will work within the Structures and Grounds Division of the Airport Maintenance Department, coordinating with colleagues to ensure timely, high-quality landscaping and

Qualifications

• Three years of progressively responsible experience in basic horticulture and irrigation systems.
• Ability to design, install, and maintain irrigation systems; plant, transplant, and fertilize soil.
• Knowledge of licensing, handling, storing, and applying pesticides, herbicides, fungicides.
• Ability to work safely and communicate effectively with teammates.

Responsibilities

• Designs and installs new irrigation systems; repairs existing systems.
• Assesses plant and site conditions for optimal growth.
• Mixes and applies herbicides and pesticides per safety procedures.
• Operates mowing, seeding, and fertilizing equipment; maintains grounds.

Skills

Horticulture experience

Irrigation systems

Safety procedures

Effective communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Gardening equipment

Job description

Compensation Grade: T15 Salary Range: $26.71-$34.72 Opening Date: November 2, 2026 Closing Date: Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date. As a Gardener and Irrigation I, you will perform a wide range of gardening work including planting, pruning, and fertilizing plants, flowers, shrubbery, and turf grass. Gardener and Irrigation I Serves in the Structures and Grounds Division of the Airport Maintenance Department at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Plants and maintains flowers, plants, shrubbery, and turf grass. Installs new irrigation systems, and makes repairs to existing irrigation systems. Programs electrical irrigation controllers, and troubleshoots common electrical system problems with controller and control valves. Performs related functions.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Designs and installs new irrigation systems; makes repairs to existing irrigation systems.
• Evaluates the individual needs or characteristics of plants, turf, and site conditions to promote good plant and turf growth.
• Weighs, measures, and mixes herbicides and pesticides in accordance with directions and safety procedures.
• Performs calculations to properly apply to landscaping.
• Prepares soil for planting by tilling, spreading, and fertilizing as directed.
• Plants or transplants a variety of plantings.
• Prunes, trims, and removes trees using specialized equipment.
• Operates industrial self-propelled power mower and a hydrostatic riding mower, farm tractor, aerator, sweeping brush, seeder/planter/fertilizer, and snow blower/broom.
• Uses a variety of power and hand tools including string trimmers, chain saws, and yard rakes.
• Monitors operator-level maintenance of vehicles and equipment; reports malfunctions or damage of equipment to supervisor.
• Performs miscellaneous duties, such as moving and arranging furniture, and assisting with roadway and sidewalk repairs.
• Drives pick-up truck or construction vehicle, airside and landside, to various worksites.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Three years of progressively responsible experience in basic horticulture and irrigation systems.
• Knowledge of the gardening trade and ability to perform journey-level work to include laying out, installing, and maintaining irrigation systems; planting, transplanting, and pruning plants; and preparing and fertilizing soil.
• Skill in using gardening equipment (such as forklift and front-end loader) and hand and power tools (such as chain saw, trimmers, and rakes).
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with Federal and state regulations regarding licensing, storing, mixing, calibrating, applying, and disposing of commercial pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.
• Skill in applying herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides.
• Ability to work safely and knowledge of the safety rules, regulations, and procedures needed to do so.
• Ability to work in tandem with other equipment, moving vehicles, and pedestrians.
• Ability to speak and write effectively.
• Ability to perform basic analyses of data and information.
• Skill in using a computer, computerized work order and time and attendance system.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Licensed as a Class B Commercial Driver (CDL).

EDUCATION

• A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Education Development (GED).

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

• A state driver’s license in good standing.
• Licensed as a Class B Commercial Driver within 90 days of hire, promotion, or placement in the job.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

• Work is typically reviewed in progress upon completion for quantity, quality, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.
• Operates vehicle landside and airside (requires AOA permit).
• May be subject to adverse weather conditions, including exposure to very cold or very hot and humid outside temperatures.
• May be subject to potential hazards common to the airport environment and landscaping tasks.
• Wears personal protective gear, as necessary.
• Work requires moderate to heavy physical exertion (lifting objects up to 50 pounds).
• May bend, stoop, crouch, and work in a cramped position or work on ladders.
• Is subject to hold-over and recall on a 24-hour basis for essential services and emergencies such as snow removal.
• A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Have you ever wondered who runs Reagan National Airport? Or Dulles International Airport? Or the Dulles Toll Road? We do! We’re the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and we’re looking for talented, enthusiastic people to help us continue our tradition of outstanding service to travelers in the Washington Metropolitan area.

We offer an array of benefits programs, including vacation, retirement, and health benefits. Whether you are traveling the world or plotting your career path, your journey begins with us. Our Core Values are: MUTUAL RESPECT…INTEGRITY…PRIDE… COLLABORATION