This position is at the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG). The USBG is a public garden in the legislative branch and was established by Congress in 1820. The Garden inspires people to appreciate, study, and conserve plants to enrich society locally and globally. We provide educational experiences to 1 million visitors annually, present horticultural displays and exhibits, strive to break down barriers to inclusion, and advance the exchange of ideas and information. Learn more: U.S. Botanic Garden.
You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review on the OPM web site at OPM qualification standards Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, an applicant's one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for successful job performance. To qualify at the GS-11 level, your resume must clearly demonstrate that you have one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to at least the GS-09 level in the federal service. Examples of qualifying experience include the following types of tasks performed on a regular and recurring basis: To meet the qualifications for this position, you must demonstrate experience in at least three (3) of the following: Studying the genetics, botany, physiology, ecology, nomenclature or taxonomy of various plant species. Applying statistical methods to draw conclusions and make recommendations based on scientific research. Managing a collection of plant specimens. Conducting original research in plant science or related field. Using ArcGIS, ArcGIS Pro or other global information systems for mapping, analyzing and/or managing data. Developing educational and training materials related to botany and horticulture. OR You may substitute education for specialized experience. In order to substitute education for specialized experience, you must have three (3) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree in a field of study related to the duties of the position. To qualify at the GS-12 level, your resume must clearly demonstrate that you have one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to at least the GS-11 level in the federal service. Examples of qualifying experience include the following types of tasks performed on a regular and recurring basis: To meet the qualifications for this position, you must demonstrate experience in at least five (5) of the following: Studying the genetics, botany, physiology, ecology, nomenclature or taxonomy of various plant species. Applying statistical methods to draw conclusions and make recommendations based on scientific research. Managing a collection of plant specimens. Conducting original research in plant science or related field. Using ArcGIS, ArcGIS Pro or other global information systems for mapping, analyzing and/or managing data. Developing educational and training materials related to botany and horticulture.
The Architect of the Capitol is seeking a Botanist to support the U.S. Botanic Garden’s living Collection through expert plant identification, conservation planning, and data management. This role involves collaborating across divisions to guide horticultural practices, lead plant permitting efforts, support public education, and contribute to national and international botanical initiatives. MAJOR DUTIES: Botanical Asset Management Using knowledge of plant morphology and taxonomy, serves as nomenclatural authority over the Collection. Correctly identifies a broad range of plants from around the world. Provides expert knowledge by engaging with Supervisors, Horticulturists, and Gardeners in identification, cultivation, and cultural information for a wide variety of common and unusual hardy and tropical plants. Oversees coordination and administration of plant permitting, working with internal and external customers, stakeholders, partners, and regulators nationally and internationally. Works with USBG teams in supporting plant conservation activities. Serves as subject matter expert for the Horticulture Division with locating unusual or hard to obtain plants through commercial sources, institutional exchange, or wild collection. Communication of Botanical Knowledge Develops and presents educational and training programs related to botany and horticulture for employees, volunteers, and the general public. Contributes to exhibit development by researching, writing, verifying botanical information, and being a subject matter expert on topics included on exhibit materials. Working closely with the Learning and Engagement Division and Communication Specialists, reviews materials for botanical and scientific accuracy. Data Management Oversees the electronic mapping of the Collection with the input of the Curator and Plant Records specialist. Conducts regular Collection management audits looking at gaps for Collection building. Compiles wild population data assessments to further conservation efforts and improve the value of Collections through targeted collections building activities. Orchestrates, schedules, and assists Horticulture Division employees in the regular and systematic inventories of the Collection that they are responsible for maintaining. Independently performs regular and systematic in-depth inventories of the Collection. Works closely with the Director of Horticulture, Assistant Director of Horticulture, Curator, supervisors, and Landscape Architect to ensure project needs related to the Collection are identified and communicated to internal customers of the USBG, AOC, and external entities. Partnerships Serves as a subject matter expert for outside partnerships and collaborations in areas related to botany, horticulture, plant conservation, and other related topics. Represents USBG as a point of contact for institutional memberships in societies and groups relating to botany and library science. Works closely with the USBG science coordinator, Project Manager and Partnerships Manager to identify, suggest, and connect scientists to the Collection and collaborate with them on research. Administration Researches and proposes software and templates needed to effectively create and communicate Horticulture projects. Submits and tracks work orders and purchase requests electronically and communicates status updates to internal customers of the USBG and AOC as necessary. Develops calendar/schedules, spreadsheets, and reports to facilitate excellent communication between internal customers of the USBG and AOC, and external partners and stakeholders. The incumbent is responsible for utilizing a thorough knowledge of and compliance with applicable AOC and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety rules and regulations to ensure that work progresses in a safe manner and to initiate or take corrective action on unsafe conditions in managed areas. Provides or receives training, either on the job or through classroom training, to ensure that required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is utilized. Performs other related duties as assigned.