Groundskeeper

Description:

The incumbent is responsible for the overall appearance and maintenance of the external grounds and facilities of the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, MO. Performs seasonal gardening tasks such as fertilizing, seeding, cutting grass, laying sod, aerating lawns, and general pruning and care of trees, shrubs and plants. Performs pruning trees and shrubs to maintain proper balance between root and top growth to keep natural shape.

Requirements:

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 02/12/2026.

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 ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement 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:

• Dexterity and Safety
• Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)
• Materials
• Measuring Instruments
• Technical Practices
• Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
• Without more than normal supervision

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: Work requires frequent walking, standing, pushing of carts and wheelbarrows, bending, and stooping. The gardener occasionally climbs ladders to prune or trim shrubs and trees and frequently lifts heavy objects, such as bags of fertilizer, grass seed, etc. Incumbent uses heavy physical effort in constantly reaching, bending, turning, and moving hands, arms, feet, and legs to manipulate different sets of controls in operating the equipment and attachments. Considerable strain is caused by the constant vibration of the equipment and the jerking and jolting from operating over rough surfaces.

Working Conditions: Work is performed outside, and the incumbent is subject to discomfort for long periods of time in heat, sun, cold, rainy, or snowy weather conditions. The incumbent is exposed to dust, dirt, mud, snow, ice, and sometimes to chemical products during their application. Required to wear protective PPE clothing, such as gloves, safety shoes, goggles, hearing protection, and boots at all times. There is a chance of minor injuries such as bruises, cuts, and scrapes. Incumbent works in all types of weather, often in an open driver's seat or platform, on hills, or slopes. The position is also subject to noise, vibration, dust, dirt, and fumes from motor exhaust. The position also works in indoor areas that may be dusty, drafty, and noisy, and is subject to discomfort from standing on damp concrete floors for short periods of time while loading or stacking materials. Work assignments routinely require walking, squatting, and/or kneeling for long periods of time. The equipment, tools, and task involved at this level frequently require special care to avoid serious injuries.