Plant Propagation Gardener & Tractor Operator

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 36,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA APHIS, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, is seeking staff to propagate and grow imported plants and to assist in tests conducted in greenhouses, fields, and labs. The role involves working with crop specialists, handling soil mixes, seeds, transplanting, pruning, and irrigation.

Primary duties include assisting with submicroscopic pathogen tests, maintaining inventories, and operating tractors and vehicles as needed. Start date is 09/25/2026 and close date 10/01/2026.

Qualifications

• Qualified individuals have training and experience to perform duties.
• Resume must reflect experience, including volunteer work where applicable.
• Attention to detail for propagating plants and conducting tests.

Responsibilities

• Propagate and grow imported plants in various environments.
• Prepare soil mixes; sow seeds; transplant seedlings; prune, fertilize, and water plants.
• Prepare field plots and manage trees and rootstocks; fertilizer and irrigation.
• Assist crop specialists with lab, greenhouse, and field tests for pathogens.
• Maintain inventories and run errands to obtain supplies.

Skills

Experience propagating plants

Job description

USDA APHIS, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, is seeking staff to propagate and grow imported plants and to assist in tests conducted in greenhouses, fields, and labs. The role involves working with crop specialists, handling soil mixes, seeds, transplanting, pruning, and irrigation.

Primary duties include assisting with submicroscopic pathogen tests, maintaining inventories, and operating tractors and vehicles as needed. Start date is 09/25/2026 and close date 10/01/2026.