About the Position: Since May of 1864, Arlington National Cemetery has served as the nation's premier military cemetery and shrine honoring those men and women who served in the Armed Forces. Management may select at any of the grade levels announced. This recruitment provides promotion opportunity to the target grade of the position without further competition when selectee is eligible and recommended by management.
Who May Apply: US Citizens 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; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision. Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) Cemetery Caretaker~ without more than normal supervision. WG-05: Screen-Out Element: I have the ability to perform some Cemetery Caretaker tasks including digging, squaring holes with tools such as pneumatic tampers, picks, and shovels; cutting grass with heavy walking-type power mowers; operating hand or gasoline driven pumps to empty water from holes; setting and aligning masonry. I work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating. WG-06: Screen-Out Element: I have the ability to perform common Cemetery Caretaker tasks including manipulating hand and foot controls to stop, start, and maneuver riding mowers, small tractors and pickup trucks which tow pre-adjusted grounds maintenance equipment; following safety rules and regulations for moving, loading/unloading vehicles; applying fertilizer evenly, in preparing soil mixtures, and in planting seeds and shrubs and able to spot obvious plant diseases and blights, and unusual or poor plant growth; I work under supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who reviews my work for completion. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating. - Failure to meet these Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating. Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision Screen Out Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprint reading) Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc. Knowledge of Materials Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic) Use of Measuring Instruments Physical Effort: The work requires frequent walking, standing, pushing of carts, bending and stooping. Frequent arm and leg movements are required when operating a tractor and equipment controls to compensate for terrain features. The incumbent often lifts and handles heavy equipment attachments when connecting them to tractors. The incumbent lifts objects weighing up to 50 pounds while loading and unloading cargo. Heavy physical effort is used by the incumbent in constantly reaching, bending, turning and moving hand, arms, feet and legs to operate heavy duty tampers. Considerable strain can be caused by the constant vibration, jerking and jolting of the tampers in setting headstones and tamping graves. Working Conditions: Works outside and is occasionally exposed to bad weather condition while loading and unloading vehicles. Due to driving in all types of traffic and weather and is exposed to the possibility of serious accidents. The incumbent is subject to cuts, bruises, and broken bones.
Prepare grave sites for interment services by placing planks, greens, chairs, tarpaulins, tents, and lowering devices, and removing equipment following the interment services.
Operate dump trucks, stake and platform trucks, pickup trucks, and tractors and tractor attachments to transport work equipment and materials around the cemetery.
Back fill grave sites using shovel and hand tamper, levels grave sites and replaces floral items on graves, and removes excess soil from graves by loading in truck or trailer.
Place grave markers to specified height and alignment in accordance with section layout plan.
Set up for special ceremonies in such areas as the amphitheater and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Assist in the loading and unloading of trucks, assuring that it is not overloaded and that the load is properly and safely distributed.