The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Grounds Management Operations (GMO) of Smithsonian Gardens (SG) within the Smithsonian Institution (SI). Smithsonian Gardens is a Smithsonian recognized collections unit which manages collections of garden artifacts, living plants and the Archives of American Gardens.
In order to be rated qualified, an applicant's overall experience and training must indicate possession of the minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the duties of this position. Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience. 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). 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.
The Gardener is part of a professional team working with other full-time staff, interns, and volunteers to develop and maintain the horticultural exhibits within Smithsonian Gardens. In this position, you will: Assure that proper pruning, watering, weeding, planting, fertilizing, cleaning, mulching, pest control, and equipment operation are carried out in assigned area (following industry standards). Assist in the establishment of procedures for landscape management including the care of annual bedding plants, tropical foliage plants, interior plants, woody plants, herbaceous perennials, new installations, fertilization, chemical weed control, pest control, and safety. Perform various tasks involved in the grading and seeding of lawns and/or planting beds using hand tools (i.e., picks, shovels, rakes, etc.). Prepare, seed, plant, and transplant by adding amendments, cultivating, and grading using knowledge of correct conditions (chemical composition, depth, moisture, temperature, humidity, and ventilation requirements to encourage germination and growth). Inspect all walkways, hardscaping, and signage daily and clears debris utilizing a power blower, pressure washer, brushes, rags, or other equipment, as appropriate.