Gardener(Tractor Operator)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City, UT, seeks a Grounds Maintenance worker to upkeep campus grounds, turf, shrubs, trees, and irrigation systems, with minor maintenance on gardening equipment.

The role requires working with minimal supervision and adhering to safety standards. Applicants must meet federal requirements and will be evaluated per OPM standards for the Wage Grade system.

Qualifications

• Experience performing grounds maintenance tasks such as turf, shrubs, trees and irrigation work.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and follow safety procedures.
• Ability to operate and perform minor maintenance on gardening equipment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain campus grounds including turf, shrubs, trees, and irrigation systems.
• Service gardening equipment and perform minor maintenance tasks.
• Work with minimal supervision to complete duties and ensure safety.

Job description

This position is established in the Grounds Section of Facilities Management Service at George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT. The incumbent performs a variety of tasks involved in the upkeep of campus grounds, including the service of turf, shrubs, trees, and irrigation systems, as well as performing minor maintenance duties on gardening equipment. Incumbent is required to work with a minimum amount of supervision to perform a wide variety of duties.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/22/2026. EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.

SCREEN-OUT ELEMENTS:

Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out elements, which usually appears as question 1 & 2 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirements are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision Dexterity and Safety Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading) Materials Measuring Instruments Motor Vehicles Plan and organize work Technical Practices Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

The incumbent performs in a physically demanding role that requires stamina, dexterity, and balance to perform the tasks assigned to this position. Incumbents must be physically fit, as work tasks require frequent walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing carts, lawnmowers, edgers, and wheelbarrows. Work tasks may involve occasional lifting and carrying heavy (approximately 50 pounds) objects, with frequent lifting and carrying of moderately heavy objects (up to 40 pounds) such as grass seed, trash bags, ice melt, containers, trimming, and waste. Other physical effort involves pulling, climbing, and working with hands overhead. Incumbents must have the ability to be on their feet for 4 long periods, either standing, walking, or working off ladders. Must be able to climb ladders to prune and/or trim shrubs and trees. Physical demands are approximately 90% field work and 10% office work. The field portion will require that the incumbent perform service and maintenance‑type work in all weather conditions, ranging from extreme summer heat to extreme winter cold. All work activities shall be performed in a way that ensures the safety of not only the incumbent, but also colleagues and the public as well. The incumbent shall be able to work in an office environment, sitting or standing for long periods, and in a field environment subject to extreme temperature conditions. Duties will require performance for long periods and may occur under all weather conditions, including hot, dry, wet, cold, and freezing conditions. Work may occur during daylight or after dark conditions, when special care must be taken. The incumbent shall also frequently work around facility and site infrastructure systems, including electrical, pressurized liquids or gases, dust, dirt, soils, fumes, fuels, chemicals, solvents, and other potentially hazardous systems or compounds. Exposure to these environmental conditions exposes the incumbent to potential hazards. In the performance of the duties, the incumbent must be alert to these hazards, don appropriate PPE, and take measures necessary to deal with the working conditions before they present a safety hazard and cause injury.