Duties

This position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Office of the Chief of Operations, Capitol Grounds and Arboretum, Gardening Division, Tree Branch.

Tour of Duty: Day (7:00 AM - 3:30 PM) Hours May Change Due To Operational Needs of Management

***The position is considered essential during emergency situations***

• A valid unexpired driver's license is required.
• Employee must possess an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification or an accredited tree expert license.
• Possess pesticide license within 24 months

To apply pesticides in the District of Columbia (D.C.), the incumbent must possess a valid D.C. pesticide applicator's license in categories (3A) exterior ornamental plants, (3B) interior plant-scapes and/or (3C) turf grass, dependent upon the pesticides used.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If the required licenses or registration are not obtained within the time periods specified, the employee will be terminated for failure to meet the conditions of continued employment.

MAJOR DUTIES:

Performs tree maintenance work on the U.S. Capitol Grounds and Arboretum, pruning, trimming and removing trees and shrubs throughout complex. Prunes trees to remove defects and correct physiological growth deficiencies to obtain symmetrical balance throughout the tree crown. Compensates for loss of root system as the tree ages. Modifies the tree crown in mature trees to retain natural species tree form. Thins out heavy crowns to prevent damage to branches and limbs. Uses judgment to select the less vigorous and poorest limbs and branches for removal. Marks trees and plans for regular pruning and removal. Prunes to eliminate obstructions for electrical and other overhead lines. Rigs limbs so they can be cut and lowered. Uses a chainsaw to cut rigged branches and limbs. Uses shredder-grinder machine to grind cut limbs and branches.

Performs tasks such as adjusting the nutrient content of soil based on prescribed soil test recommendations. Applies fertilizer to tree root zones to assure proper nutrient availability.

Transplants a wide variety of trees.

If assigned, diagnoses and controls common insect infestations and tree diseases by selecting the proper insecticide or fungicide to apply to the affected trees using the correct method and mixture.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Your resume and question responses must demonstrate job-related elements.
• You must be able to pass a drug test.
• You must have a current and valid state driver's license.
• You must possess an ISA certification or an accredited tree expert license.

"To be employed by the Architect of the Capitol in a paid position, an individual must meet one of the categories below:

• A citizen of the United States;
• A person who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence and is seeking citizenship as outlined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)(B);
• A person who is admitted as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157 or is granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1158 and has filed a declaration of intention to become a lawful permanent resident and then a citizen when eligible;
• A person who owes allegiance to the United States (nationals of American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and nationals who meet other requirements described in 8 U.S.C. 1408); or
• A person who is currently an officer or employee of the Government of the United States."

Qualifications

You must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the job announcement.

You must meet the following SCREEN-OUT required for this position:

Ability to perform the work of the position without more than normal supervision.

Your application must show that you have sufficient training and/or experience to perform the duties of the position as described in the vacancy announcement

Additional information

Welcome Veterans. The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) gives veterans' preference rights in the legislative branch to certain veterans as applied by the Congressional Accountability Act. Veterans' preference is applied on this vacancy announcement. If you are a veteran and have been separated under honorable conditions, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility; SF-15, if applicable; and Department of Veterans Affairs documentation of disability, if applicable. For more information, please visit http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp#6 .

If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System. If you are exempt from registration under Selective Service Law, you must provide appropriate proof of exemption. Please visit the Selective Service System website for more information.

DRUG TESTING: The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is a Drug Free Workplace. As part of the AOC's suitability assessment, a candidate tentatively selected for a position who is not currently an AOC employee is required to submit to screening for illegal drug use. Satisfactory completion of a drug test is a condition of employment with the Agency. A candidate must test negative prior to being eligible for appointment into a position. We will schedule, provide, and cover the cost for the drug test.

The selectee(s) under the vacancy announcement for this position is subject to a criminal record check by the U.S. Capitol Police and satisfactory adjudication to be eligible for employment at the Architect of the Capitol.

The Architect of the Capitol is an E-VERIFY Participant. E-VERIFY is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment authorization in the United States. If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the DHS Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-VERIFY" electronic system. For more information on E-Verify, please visit http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc_1185221678150.shtm

The Architect of the Capitol is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, and/or disability.

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

Moving expenses are not authorized.

Relocation expenses are not authorized.

Probationary Period - A newly appointed selectee is subject to the completion of a one-year trial/probationary period, regardless of whether or not a trial/probationary period has been completed previously with the Architect of the Capitol or another Federal agency.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies in any of the jurisdictions of the Architect of the Capitol.

All application materials become the property of the Architect of the Capitol.