Become a Gardener at the Orlando VA Healthcare System
Are you a skilled professional with a green thumb and a passion for public service? The Orlando VA Healthcare System is currently recruiting for a motivated Gardener to join our Facilities Management team. This is a unique opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art environment, maintaining the beautiful grounds that provide a peaceful, healing atmosphere for Veterans and their families in Central Florida.
Job Responsibilities
As a Gardener, you will be responsible for the year-round care and aesthetic appeal of the facility’s grounds. Your duties will include:
- Landscape Maintenance: Mowing, edging, aerating, and pruning to ensure a professional appearance.
- Planting & Cultivation: Selecting and installing shrubs, trees, and flowers that are well-suited to the Florida climate.
- Technical Grounds Care: Preparing soil mixtures, monitoring irrigation needs, and applying fertilizers.
- Equipment Operation: Safely operating power tools such as chain saws, trimmers, and tractor mowers.
- Project Planning: Calculating material needs and managing task schedules based on weather and growth patterns.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Registration: Selective Service registration for applicable males.
- Physical Fitness: The role requires significant physical exertion, including standing for long periods, climbing, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
- Compliance: You must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
Salary and Comparison Table
The hourly wage for this position is competitive, ranging from $23.10 to $26.95 per hour.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Gardener |
| Location | Orlando, FL |
| Pay Range | $23.10 - $26.95/hr |
| Schedule | Full-Time (Varies) |
| Security | Non-sensitive/Low Risk |
Benefits
Employees of the Veterans Health Administration enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support work-life balance and long-term financial security, including health, dental, vision, and retirement options.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limit: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer.
- Be Specific: Use clear, narrative-style descriptions for your past landscaping experience.
- Use PDF: Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting.
If you are ready to take the next step in your career and serve those who served us, apply for the Gardener position at the Orlando VA Healthcare System today. This is more than just a job; it is a way to contribute to a mission of honor and care.
Why This Gardener Job Matters
Transform beautiful landscapes while supporting those who served. Join the Orlando VA Healthcare System as a Gardener and bring your horticultural expertise to a mission-driven campus.
Gardener Job Overview
The Orlando VA Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated Gardener to maintain the vibrant, welcoming grounds of our world-class medical facilities. In this role, you will play an essential part in creating a healing environment by providing skilled grounds maintenance, landscaping, and horticultural care across our 65-acre campus in Central Florida.
Requirements for Gardener
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must register with the Selective Service (males born after 12/31/1959)
- Subject to a pre-employment background and security investigation
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Valid identification compliant with REAL ID standards
- Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including heat and rain
- Ability to perform manual labor including lifting up to 50 pounds
Preferred Qualifications for Gardener
- Proven experience in professional gardening or groundskeeping
- Strong knowledge of seasonal planting schedules and soil preparation
- Proficiency in operating power equipment such as mowers, edgers, and trimmers
- Ability to independently manage landscaping tasks with minimal supervision
- Experience in irrigation maintenance and chemical application for plant health
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave accrual
- ✓Federal retirement pension plan
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
- ✓Life and long-term care insurance
- ✓Career advancement and training opportunities
💡 How to Apply Gardener Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Gardener Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the specific questionnaire provided via the USA Staffing link.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Upload supporting documentation including SF-50s or Veterans Preference forms.
- Complete the online application and questionnaire before the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status updates following the announcement closure.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages or less to comply with federal merit hiring requirements.
- Use clear, results-oriented language to describe your past gardening or labor experience.
- Submit your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting remains intact.
- Ensure you upload all required forms like the DD-214 or SF-50 to receive proper preference.
- Align your resume keywords with the skills listed in the job duties section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
The schedule varies and may include Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday-Thursday, or Monday-Friday shifts with various start times. Exact details will be discussed during the interview.
Is a driver's license required?
The job requires valid, REAL ID-compliant identification; while specific driving duties aren't listed, operating heavy machinery is required.
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?
No. Federal regulations now restrict applications to a two-page maximum; resumes exceeding this will be disqualified.
What is the probation period?
New hires must complete a one-year probationary period to evaluate performance.
Are there travel requirements?
Travel is generally restricted to the local campus and associated clinics.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) is a cornerstone of support for more than 118,000 Veterans in the region. Operating a massive 65-acre medical campus at Lake Nona, along with multiple outpatient clinics, the VA is dedicated to providing compassionate care. As part of our facilities team, your work directly impacts the morale and well-being of those who have served our country.