Become a Gardener (Motor Vehicle Operator) at the Kansas City VA Medical Center
Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for landscaping, grounds maintenance, and serving those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly motivated Gardener (Motor Vehicle Operator) to join the Facilities Management Service at the Kansas City VA Medical Center. This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to contribute to the healing environment and overall mission of the VA.
Job Responsibilities
As a Gardener (Motor Vehicle Operator), you will perform a wide range of duties to keep the 96-acre campus looking its best. Key responsibilities include:
- Grounds Maintenance: Planting, pruning, mulching, and transplanting trees, shrubs, and flowers.
- Equipment Operation: Safely operating riding mowers, tractors, blowers, and various power tools.
- Vehicle Operation: Transporting tools, equipment, and materials via motor vehicles and trailers.
- Turf Care: Thatching, aerating, fertilizing, and reseeding turf areas.
- Seasonal Duties: Clearing snow and applying salt to walkways and parking lots to ensure safety during inclement weather.
- Chemical Application: Calculating ratios and applying fertilizers and pest control agents according to safety protocols.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Driver's License: A valid, unrestricted driver's license and a clean driving record are essential.
- Physical Capacity: Ability to perform physically demanding labor in all weather conditions.
- Compliance: Participation in the mandatory annual influenza vaccination program.
- Documentation: Provision of an SF-50 (for current/former federal employees) and other necessary service documents.
Quick Qualification Comparison
| Feature | Requirement Status |
|---|---|
| U.S. Citizenship | Mandatory |
| Driver's License | Unrestricted/Valid Required |
| Physical Exam | Required |
| Seasonal Vaccination | Mandatory |
| Resume Length | Max 2 Pages |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive federal wage ranging from $27.53 to $32.12 per hour. Your specific starting rate will depend on federal regulations and your verifiable experience.
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides robust benefits, including:
- Leave: Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- Job Security: Federal career service status upon successful completion of the trial period.
- Impact: The deep sense of satisfaction that comes from supporting the Veterans' community.
Application Tips
- Be Specific: Do not leave your experience to interpretation. Clearly detail your experience with machinery and groundskeeping in your resume.
- Page Limit: Federal agencies now enforce a two-page resume limit. Focus on the most recent and relevant experience.
- Safety Focus: Highlight your familiarity with OSHA or general workplace safety standards.
If you take pride in your work and want to make a tangible difference in the Kansas City community, we encourage you to apply. The work you do today directly enhances the quality of life for our nation's Veterans.
Why This Gardener (Motor Vehicle Operator) Job Matters
Transform and maintain the scenic grounds of the Kansas City VA Medical Center—a vital role where your labor directly supports the well-being of those who served our nation.
Gardener (Motor Vehicle Operator) Job Overview
The Kansas City VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Gardener (Motor Vehicle Operator) to join its Facilities Management team. This position is essential for maintaining the aesthetic and functional health of the 96-acre medical campus. You will manage everything from delicate ornamental plantings to large-scale turf care and snow removal, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for Veterans, staff, and visitors.
Requirements for Gardener (Motor Vehicle Operator)
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must possess a valid, unrestricted driver's license.
- Must demonstrate a safe driving record.
- Must be medically qualified to safely operate motor vehicles.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Ability to undergo a background and security investigation.
- Must complete a pre-employment physical.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
- Ability to adhere to a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
Preferred Qualifications for Gardener (Motor Vehicle Operator)
- Prior hands-on experience in groundskeeping or commercial landscaping.
- Experience operating heavy grounds maintenance equipment like tractors, snowplows, and riding mowers.
- Proficiency in identifying plant health issues and safe chemical application.
- Strong mechanical aptitude for routine equipment maintenance.
- Ability to work effectively in diverse weather conditions.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly federal pay rates.
- ✓Federal leave accrual, including potential credit for prior relevant work or military service.
- ✓Opportunity to participate in federal health and retirement programs.
- ✓Access to state-of-the-art facilities and safety equipment.
- ✓Professional environment supporting Veterans and their families.
💡 How to Apply Gardener (Motor Vehicle Operator) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Gardener (Motor Vehicle Operator) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is no longer than two pages.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required documentation, including DD-214 (if applicable), SF-50s, and professional licenses.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of September 8, 2026.
- Monitor your status through your USAJOBS profile.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise and strictly adhere to the two-page limit.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting meets federal requirements.
- Highlight specific equipment you have experience operating, such as tractors or mowers.
- Clearly define your volunteer experience if it demonstrates gardening or mechanical skills.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting and document integrity.
- Check for confirmation emails after submission and keep your contact information updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a formal degree to apply for this gardening position?
No, a degree is not required. Candidates must show evidence of training or experience sufficient to perform the tasks of the position, which will be evaluated based on the details provided in your resume.
What physical demands should I expect in this role?
The role is physically demanding, involving frequent walking across 96 acres, lifting heavy materials like fertilizer and salt, bending, stooping, and working outdoors in extreme temperatures and varied weather conditions.
How does the seasonal flu vaccination requirement affect my employment?
As this role involves working within a VA health care facility, annual influenza vaccination is a mandatory condition of employment. Exemptions for medical or religious reasons may be requested, but if granted, you will be required to wear a face mask.
What is the most important part of my application?
Ensuring all required documents (like the DD-214 or SF-50) are included and your resume clearly reflects your skills against the job duties.
Will I be working alone?
While you will operate with minimal supervision, you are part of the larger Facilities Management team and may assist with other tasks during extreme weather events.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Kansas City VA Medical Center serves as a vital tertiary referral center in the Western Orbit of VISN 15. Our campus features comprehensive acute medical and surgical programs, serving thousands of Veterans. We pride ourselves on providing a compassionate, whole-health experience, and our grounds are a critical part of that patient-centered environment.