Become a Gardener at the National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art, an iconic cultural destination in Washington, D.C., is searching for a talented and dedicated Gardener to join its Horticultural Services team. If you are passionate about blending fine art with landscape design, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the visual appeal of one of the world's most visited museums. You will be responsible for maintaining high-quality displays across exterior lawns, internal greenhouses, and the famous Sculpture Garden.

Job Responsibilities

As a Gardener, your role is multifaceted and essential to the museum's aesthetic and operational safety. Daily responsibilities include:

Landscape Maintenance: Pruning, watering, weeding, and fertilizing exterior landscapes across ten acres of property.
Greenhouse Management: Caring for interior gardens, tropical foliage, and greenhouse operations.
Turf Care: Monitoring and maintaining grass areas through mowing, aeration, sodding, and overseeding.
Safety Operations: Managing snow and ice removal for walkways and parking areas during winter months.
Special Events: Preparing and arranging floral and foliage displays for over 250 special events per year.
Irrigation: Maintaining and monitoring systems to ensure proper hydration of plant materials.

Requirements

Success in this role requires a blend of hands-on experience and technical horticultural knowledge.

Level	Experience Requirement
WG-06	1 Year specialized experience at WG-05 level or equivalent private sector work
WG-08	1 Year specialized experience at WG-06 level including plant diagnostics

All applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform work tasks without significant supervision. Key competencies include:

Knowledge of chemical weed control and pest management.
Proficiency in using horticultural tools and machinery.
Ability to interpret complex planting plans.
Familiarity with industry standards for plant and turf health.

Salary Overview

The compensation for this position ranges from $26.74 to $36.24 per hour. As a federal position, compensation is subject to established pay scales and standards within the Department of Other Agencies and Independent Organizations.

Benefits

Employees of the National Gallery of Art are eligible for a robust federal benefits package, including:

Health & Life Insurance: Access to comprehensive medical and life insurance programs.
Retirement: Inclusion in the federal retirement program.
Leave: Generous annual and sick leave accrual policies.
Flexibility: Access to flexible spending accounts to manage healthcare and dependent care costs.

Application Tips

To stand out during the review process, follow these guidelines:

Be Specific: Ensure your resume clearly states the dates, pay plan, series, and grade of previous positions.
Focus on Skills: Highlight your experience with specific horticultural tasks such as irrigation maintenance or plant disease diagnosis.
Follow Format: Keep your resume to a two-page limit and avoid adding unnecessary personal data like photos or social security numbers.
Monitor Status: Keep an eye on the USAJOBS portal to track your progress and respond promptly to any follow-up requests.

Do I need to be a veteran to apply?

No. This position is open to various hiring paths, including the competitive service. However, if you are a veteran, you are encouraged to submit the necessary documentation (DD-214, SF-15) to claim preference.

Can I apply offline?

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online via USAJOBS. In rare circumstances where online access is not possible, contact the HR office for instructions on hard-copy submissions.

Being a Gardener at the National Gallery of Art is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to steward a significant piece of American history and culture. By managing our living landscapes, you ensure that visitors from around the world have an unforgettable experience. Apply today to bring your professional gardening expertise to our prestigious team.

Why This Gardener Job Matters

Transform the landscapes of the nation's premier art museum as a professional Gardener for the National Gallery of Art.

Gardener Job Overview

The National Gallery of Art is seeking a dedicated and skilled Gardener to join the Horticultural Services Division. In this role, you will maintain ten acres of iconic exterior landscapes, including the West and East Buildings and the renowned six-acre Sculpture Garden. You will also care for four interior gardens, twelve greenhouses, and support the floral needs of over 250 special events annually. This is a vital role for an individual passionate about botanical maintenance and public service in the heart of Washington, D.C.

Requirements for Gardener

Ability to perform gardening duties without more than normal supervision.
Proven knowledge of horticultural materials, plant identification, and soil health.
Proficiency in safely operating and maintaining landscaping tools and equipment.
For WG-06: Minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the WG-05 level in gardening or greenhouse settings.
For WG-08: Minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the WG-06 level, including independent diagnosis of plant stress, pest management, and interpretation of planting plans.
Must be able to perform physical tasks such as pruning, weeding, snow removal, and chemical application.

Preferred Qualifications for Gardener

Previous experience working within museum, botanical, or cultural institution landscapes.
Expertise in interior plant maintenance and tropical foliage care.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex irrigation systems.
Experience with seasonal event floral and foliage installation.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Robust retirement program contributions.
✓Life insurance coverage.
✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
✓Flexible spending account opportunities.

💡 How to Apply Gardener Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Gardener Job

Ensure you have a USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume limited to two pages.
Review the full announcement and required documentation thoroughly.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Submit your resume and any relevant supporting documents (e.g., SF-50, veterans' documentation).
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal for notifications.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes specific dates, hours per week, and detailed duties for every position listed.
Do not include personal information like Social Security Numbers, photos, or sensitive data in your resume.
Clearly address the 'Screen-Out' factor regarding your ability to work independently in your resume.
Double-check that all required supporting documents are uploaded before the deadline.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a degree in horticulture required for this role?

No, there is no specific education requirement for this position. The selection is based on your professional experience and technical skills.

What is the work schedule for this position?

This is a full-time position that may require flexibility, including work on evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime hours.

How long will the hiring process take?

The review process is thorough and may take several weeks after the job announcement closes.

Is prior federal experience required?

No. While federal experience is noted in the grading system, private sector experience is fully applicable provided it matches the required scope of duties.

Job from National Gallery Of Art

Located on the National Mall, the National Gallery of Art serves as the nation's art museum. With a collection exceeding 160,000 works of art, the museum is dedicated to exploring creativity and shared humanity. Behind the galleries, a team of hundreds—from curators to specialized landscape staff—ensure the facility remains a world-class experience for millions of annual visitors.