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Architect of the Capitol

Horticulturist (Gardener Supervisor) , GS-0437-11

Announcement Number:	WP BG-2013-113 R1	Application Deadline:	11/14/2013
Locations:	Washington, Dist of Columbia	Open Date:	10/29/2013
Salary Range:	Min: 62467.0 - Max: 81204.0	Location Notes:	Washington DC
Pay Schedule:	Annual	Who May Apply:	Unrestricted
Time Limit:	Permanent - No time limit	Promotion Potential:	11
Number of Vacancies:	1	Work Schedule:	Full Time

Agency Marketing Statement:

The mission of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is to serve Congress and the Supreme Court, preserve America's Capitol and inspire memorable experiences. Under the leadership of Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, LEED AP, the roles and responsibilities of the Architect of the Capitol cover an expansive and diverse portfolio. The AOC is responsible for the maintenance, operation, development and preservation of 17.4 million square feet of buildings and more than 553 acres of land throughout Capitol Hill. The AOC provides a welcoming and educational environment for millions of visitors through the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center and the US Botanic Garden. The AOC also provides professional expertise on the preservation of architectural and artistic elements entrusted to its care. Learn more at www.aoc.gov.

CORE VALUES:

The AOC prides itself on our Core Values of Teamwork, Integrity, Pride and Professionalism.

The PROFESSIONALISM and INTEGRITY of each AOC employee demonstrates our dedication to providing quality services and our commitments to holding ourselves to the highest standards.

We recognize that we do our best work through TEAMWORK, each of us lending our individual strengths and talents to the greater goal of the entire team. We respect each other and rely on each other in our efforts to make the AOC a center of excellence.

We take PRIDE in what we do and in the honor of serving Congress, the Supreme Court, and the American people each and every day.
The mission of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is to serve Congress and the Supreme Court, preserve America's Capitol and inspire memorable experiences. Under the leadership of Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, LEED AP, the roles and responsibilities of the Architect of the Capitol cover an expansive and diverse portfolio. The AOC is responsible for the maintenance, operation, development and preservation of 17.4 million square feet of buildings and more than 553 acres of land throughout Capitol Hill. The AOC provides a welcoming and educational environment for millions of visitors through the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center and the US Botanic Garden. The AOC also provides professional expertise on the preservation of architectural and artistic elements entrusted to its care. Learn more at www.aoc.gov. CORE VALUES: The AOC prides itself on our Core Values of Teamwork, Integrity, Pride and Professionalism. The PROFESSIONALISM and INTEGRITY of each AOC employee demonstrates our dedication to providing quality services and our commitments to holding ourselves to the highest standards. We recognize that we do our best work through TEAMWORK, each of us lending our individual strengths and talents to the greater goal of the entire team. We respect each other and rely on each other in our efforts to make the AOC a center of excellence. We take PRIDE in what we do and in the honor of serving Congress, the Supreme Court, and the American people each and every day.

Notes:

Location: U.S. Botanic Garden, Horticulture Division

THIS POSITION IS BEING FILLED THROUGH AN ON-LINE APPLICATION SYSTEM.

To apply, go to www.aoc.gov or http://www.avuedigitalservices.com/aoc/applicant.html (Be sure URL is typed in all lower case).

ANY ADDITIONAL REQUIRED FORMS MUST BE ATTACHED AS TEXT, PDF, OR IMAGE FILES TO YOUR JOB APPLICATION.

FORMS RECEIVED BY FAX, EMAIL OR U.S. POSTAL SERVICE DELIVERY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

If you are unable to apply on-line, you may visit our Employment Center for technical assistance in entering your application. The Employment Center is located at 441 Second & D Streets S.W., Washington, D.C., Room H2-178, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may call (202) 226-7000 for directions.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CLOSES AT 11:59 PM EST (EASTERN STANDARD TIME) ON THE CLOSING DATE.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies in any of the jurisdictions of the Architect of the Capitol.

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DRUG TESTING:

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is a Drug Free Workplace. As part of the AOC's suitability assessment, a candidate tentatively selected for a position is required to submit to screening for illegal drug use. Satisfactory completion of a drug test is a condition of employment with the Agency. A candidate must test negative prior to being eligible for appointment into a position. We will schedule, provide, and cover the cost for the drug test.

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Incumbent must possess and maintain a valid, unexpired state driver's license.

Experience in supervising a workforce in a collective bargaining environment is desirable.
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TOUR OF DUTY INCLUDES WEEKENDS, EVENINGS, AND HOLIDAYS ON A REGULAR AND CONTINUAL BASIS.

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********APPLICANTS MUST BE U.S. CITIZENS********

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SPECIAL NOTE: Applicants who previously submitted an application profile for Vacancy Announcement Number WP BG-2013-113 must re-apply to receive consideration for this posting.
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Location: U.S. Botanic Garden, Horticulture Division THIS POSITION IS BEING FILLED THROUGH AN ON-LINE APPLICATION SYSTEM. To apply, go to www.aoc.gov or http://www.avuedigitalservices.com/aoc/applicant.html (Be sure URL is typed in all lower case). ANY ADDITIONAL REQUIRED FORMS MUST BE ATTACHED AS TEXT, PDF, OR IMAGE FILES TO YOUR JOB APPLICATION. FORMS RECEIVED BY FAX, EMAIL OR U.S. POSTAL SERVICE DELIVERY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may visit our Employment Center for technical assistance in entering your application. The Employment Center is located at 441 Second & D Streets S.W., Washington, D.C., Room H2-178, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may call (202) 226-7000 for directions. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CLOSES AT 11:59 PM EST (EASTERN STANDARD TIME) ON THE CLOSING DATE. This vacancy announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies in any of the jurisdictions of the Architect of the Capitol. ************************************************************************************************************************************* DRUG TESTING: The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is a Drug Free Workplace. As part of the AOC's suitability assessment, a candidate tentatively selected for a position is required to submit to screening for illegal drug use. Satisfactory completion of a drug test is a condition of employment with the Agency. A candidate must test negative prior to being eligible for appointment into a position. We will schedule, provide, and cover the cost for the drug test. ************************************************************************************************************************************ Incumbent must possess and maintain a valid, unexpired state driver's license. Experience in supervising a workforce in a collective bargaining environment is desirable. ************************************************************************************************************************************ TOUR OF DUTY INCLUDES WEEKENDS, EVENINGS, AND HOLIDAYS ON A REGULAR AND CONTINUAL BASIS. *********************************************************************************************************************************** ********APPLICANTS MUST BE U.S. CITIZENS******** ****************************************************************************************************************** SPECIAL NOTE: Applicants who previously submitted an application profile for Vacancy Announcement Number WP BG-2013-113 must re-apply to receive consideration for this posting. **************************************************************************************************************************************

Duties:

This position is located in the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG), Horticulture Division, Collections Section. The Collections Section is responsible for developing, maintaining and selecting the USBG's accessioned collections which include orchids, cacti and succulent specimen plants, tropical and subtropical specimens, temperate plants and plants native to the mid-Atlantic area, carnivorous plants, rare/endangered species, Conservation International Trades and Endangered Species (CITES), plants of economic and therapeutic importance, and other plant collections as befit the mission of the Garden including medicinal plants and primitive plants.
This position is located in the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG), Horticulture Division, Collections Section. The Collections Section is responsible for developing, maintaining and selecting the USBG's accessioned collections which include orchids, cacti and succulent specimen plants, tropical and subtropical specimens, temperate plants and plants native to the mid-Atlantic area, carnivorous plants, rare/endangered species, Conservation International Trades and Endangered Species (CITES), plants of economic and therapeutic importance, and other plant collections as befit the mission of the Garden including medicinal plants and primitive plants.
The incumbent serves as supervisor of the Collections Section, providing leadership and coordination for the garden.

Performs the administrative and human resource management functions relative to the staff supervised. Establishes guidelines and performance expectations for staff members. Observes workers' performance; demonstrates and conducts work performance critiques. Provides informal feedback and periodically evaluates employee performance. Develops work improvement plans. Resolves informal complaints and grievances. Effects disciplinary measures as appropriate. Reviews and approves or disapproves leave requests. Ensures that staff members are trained and fully comply with the provisions of occupational safety and health standards. Ensures a continuing affirmative application of the equal opportunity and diversity guidelines, policies, and procedures.
The incumbent serves as supervisor of the Collections Section, providing leadership and coordination for the garden. Performs the administrative and human resource management functions relative to the staff supervised. Establishes guidelines and performance expectations for staff members. Observes workers' performance; demonstrates and conducts work performance critiques. Provides informal feedback and periodically evaluates employee performance. Develops work improvement plans. Resolves informal complaints and grievances. Effects disciplinary measures as appropriate. Reviews and approves or disapproves leave requests. Ensures that staff members are trained and fully comply with the provisions of occupational safety and health standards. Ensures a continuing affirmative application of the equal opportunity and diversity guidelines, policies, and procedures.
Plans and develops plant collection displays with a diverse assortment of temperate plants, tropical/subtropical plants, and display crops. Performs research and make recommendations about which cultivars and specimens to use in the displays.

Develops permanent and seasonal horticultural exhibits with a range of standard and non-standard plants. Formulates short- and long-term plans to maintain and improve exhibits of a conservatory, public garden, and museum. Contributes to special events such as the annual holiday decorating program. Oversees the timeliness, consistency, and accuracy of production schedules, especially as it affects the coordination of design, content, and public programming of the project in relation to collection specimens.
Plans and develops plant collection displays with a diverse assortment of temperate plants, tropical/subtropical plants, and display crops. Performs research and make recommendations about which cultivars and specimens to use in the displays. Develops permanent and seasonal horticultural exhibits with a range of standard and non-standard plants. Formulates short- and long-term plans to maintain and improve exhibits of a conservatory, public garden, and museum. Contributes to special events such as the annual holiday decorating program. Oversees the timeliness, consistency, and accuracy of production schedules, especially as it affects the coordination of design, content, and public programming of the project in relation to collection specimens.
Ensures that excellent collection plants are put into production for display to the public. Develops and maintains growing schedules for Botanic Garden plants. Selects, measures, mixes, and adjusts soil conditions (pH) to provide required growth conditions. Propagates and cultivates a wide variety of unusual plants, seeds, and plant materials considering individual needs and characteristics of plants. Cultivates specialized plants; provides proper irrigation techniques to ensure success of the garden.

Determines the need for and schedules maintenance and care assignments of watering, trimming, pruning, feeding, and insect/plant disease control.

Selects, measures, mixes, and applies fertilizers and chemical control agents using various foliage feeding, root feeding, and soil additive techniques.
Ensures that excellent collection plants are put into production for display to the public. Develops and maintains growing schedules for Botanic Garden plants. Selects, measures, mixes, and adjusts soil conditions (pH) to provide required growth conditions. Propagates and cultivates a wide variety of unusual plants, seeds, and plant materials considering individual needs and characteristics of plants. Cultivates specialized plants; provides proper irrigation techniques to ensure success of the garden. Determines the need for and schedules maintenance and care assignments of watering, trimming, pruning, feeding, and insect/plant disease control. Selects, measures, mixes, and applies fertilizers and chemical control agents using various foliage feeding, root feeding, and soil additive techniques.
Plans and carries out studies involving a full range of activities pertinent to the science of horticulture and plant sciences such as developing a spectrum of conventional and unconventional tests for measuring herbicide resistance in seedlings.
Plans and carries out studies involving a full range of activities pertinent to the science of horticulture and plant sciences such as developing a spectrum of conventional and unconventional tests for measuring herbicide resistance in seedlings.
Provides technical assistance and advice regarding specific horticultural projects or areas of specialty to individuals in public, private, or nonprofit agencies and organizations.

Serves as internal and external liaison for educational programs and training coordination/delivery related to areas such as conservation of rare or endangered plant species. Works closely in collaboration with USBG Plant Curator in support of plant collection activities at USBG including CITES program, plant acquisition, plant distribution. Coordinates and assists in USBG staff training in plant and plant community identification and care.
Provides technical assistance and advice regarding specific horticultural projects or areas of specialty to individuals in public, private, or nonprofit agencies and organizations. Serves as internal and external liaison for educational programs and training coordination/delivery related to areas such as conservation of rare or endangered plant species. Works closely in collaboration with USBG Plant Curator in support of plant collection activities at USBG including CITES program, plant acquisition, plant distribution. Coordinates and assists in USBG staff training in plant and plant community identification and care.
Independently coordinates the production of a range of standard and non-standard plant specimens, such as a diverse assortment of temperate plants, tropical/subtropical plants, and display crops. Assists in developing and maintaining a plant propagation program that includes seeds, pollen, and cuttings of rare or endangered plant species.

Allocates greenhouse space for plant production. Ensures proper growing conditions for the plants, taking into consideration factors such as temperature, humidity, ventilation, and light levels. Determines the need for and schedules maintenance and care assignments of watering, trimming, pruning, feeding, and insect/plant disease control. Applies established integrated pest management principles in order to develop and maintain a comprehensive pest management program.

Using independent judgment and decisions, prunes and trims unusual plant conditions, difficult repairs, or extensively-damaged plants.
Independently coordinates the production of a range of standard and non-standard plant specimens, such as a diverse assortment of temperate plants, tropical/subtropical plants, and display crops. Assists in developing and maintaining a plant propagation program that includes seeds, pollen, and cuttings of rare or endangered plant species. Allocates greenhouse space for plant production. Ensures proper growing conditions for the plants, taking into consideration factors such as temperature, humidity, ventilation, and light levels. Determines the need for and schedules maintenance and care assignments of watering, trimming, pruning, feeding, and insect/plant disease control. Applies established integrated pest management principles in order to develop and maintain a comprehensive pest management program. Using independent judgment and decisions, prunes and trims unusual plant conditions, difficult repairs, or extensively-damaged plants.