The U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) is an accredited botanic garden and museum that inspires people to appreciate, study, and conserve plants to enrich society. The Garden provides educational experiences to over 1 million visitors annually, presents horticultural displays and exhibits, advances plant conservation, strives to break down barriers to inclusion, and fosters the exchange of ideas and information through national and global partnerships. The U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG)is a Legislative Branch agency within the Architect of the Capitol (AOC).

Gardener – Exhibits and Displays, Horticultulre Team

The Gardener will grow specialized plants and collaborate with other USBG staff to develop, execute, and maintain horticultural exhibits and displays.

Open Until: May 15, 2024
Salary: $25.89 – $35.10 per hour
Pay scale & grade: WG 06 – 08

Learn more and apply at https://www.usajobs.gov/job/787185400

Major Duties:

The selectee will be responsible for assisting other gardeners in the section to propagate and cultivate a wide variety of plants as follows:

Grows Specialized Plant Groups

Grows, manages, maintains, develops, and cultivates a wide variety of plants for display throughout the USBG. Propagates and cultivates unusual plants, seeds and plant materials. This process includes daily watering, fertilizing and maintaining proper greenhouse conditions including temperature, humidity, ventilation and light levels. Utilizes a computer-controlled greenhouse environmental control system to manipulate the production environment to optimal plant growth conditions.

Re-plants, divides, roots and prunes plant specimens to achieve and maintain optimum plant health. Performs propagation of the collection by division, cuttings, seeds and air layering at the appropriate time. Develops and maintains updated and accurate records including seasonal growing schedules.

Uses knowledge of seasonal schedules, project plans, weather suitability, soil moisture and plant growth stages to ensure optimum growth of a wide variety of plant species.

Properly accessions permanent plants. Works with the Botanist to maintain accurate and detailed accession records. Develops display labels for use in the Conservatory.

Undertakes delivery of seasonal plants to the Conservatory, USBG Gardens and other Jurisdictions in the Capitol complex. Organizes the plants to prevent damage during delivery. Operates a motor vehicle when transporting plants and equipment to designated facilities.

Fosters Optimum Horticultural Displays

Collaborates with other USBG staff to develop, execute, and maintain horticultural exhibits and displays.

Designs aesthetic and educational plant displays, which include the layout and design of the display, selection and labeling the plants and maintaining and rotating plants in the exhibit. 

Applying good gardening practices, uses project plans, master landscape and long-range plans to achieve required results and USBG objectives.

Takes the initiative to inform the public about plants cared for through classes, workshops, and tours. As required, directs a small group of staff, volunteers, and summer employees in the performance of plant maintenance and care projects.

Cares for horticultural tools, equipment and implements. Identifies maintenance problems in greenhouses and other growing areas. Maintains clean and orderly horticultural standards, assigned areas are free of weeds and related problems. Organizes work areas, sweeps, and cleans greenhouse floors with disinfectants, removes trash and debris and coils hoses. Complies with and actively participates in USBG sustainability efforts including composting, recycling, and energy reduction programs.

Recognizes and controls cold damage, nutrient deficiencies, and plant diseases.

Utilizes various fertilizing techniques, as required, to provide optimum growth and health of plants.

Selects, measures, mixes and applies appropriate chemical control agents to control weeds, common plant diseases and insects as part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.

Follows all relevant safety rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures; Utilizes knowledge of and must comply with all OSHA safety rules and regulations to ensure that work progresses in a safe manner; Provides or receives training, either on-the-job or through classroom training, to ensure that all safety practices and equipment are fully utilized; Uses required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Removes snow and ice from sidewalks and steps in inclement weather; Applies salt, sand, and other melting agents to clear areas and ensure safe conditions.

Learn more and apply at https://www.usajobs.gov/job/787185400