Making a Difference: Horticulturist Careers at the Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class care and support to our nation’s heroes. A unique and vital aspect of this care is the integration of nature and agriculture into treatment plans. We are currently looking for a passionate Horticulturist to join the Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System as a Farm Program Coordinator. This role is perfect for those who possess both a green thumb and a heart for service.

Job Responsibilities

As the Horticulturist, you will be the driving force behind the Veterans Farm Program. Key responsibilities include:

Program Management: Designing and implementing annual work plans and production goals.
Therapeutic Engagement: Developing gardening activities that accommodate the individual physical and cognitive needs of Veterans.
Farm Operations: Overseeing the day-to-day management of greenhouses, orchards, and gardens, including pest control and irrigation.
Community Outreach: Leading volunteer days and building partnerships to expand program resources.
Data & Compliance: Maintaining meticulous records, managing budgets, and ensuring all operations meet VA safety standards.

Requirements

To qualify, candidates must be U.S. citizens and meet the following criteria:

Requirement Category	Standard
Education	30 semester hours in plant science (16 in horticulture)
Experience	1 year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level
Assessment	Must complete the USA Hire online assessment
Documentation	Legible transcripts and relevant SF-50 forms required

Salary Overview

This position is categorized under the GS-11 pay scale, with an annual salary range of $87,061 to $113,185. Compensation is commensurate with qualifications and federal pay regulations.

Benefits

Working for the VA offers a competitive federal benefits package, including:

Health and dental insurance plans.
Excellent retirement benefits with a government-matched Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
The opportunity to count qualified non-federal experience toward leave earning rates.

Application Tips

Respect the Page Limit: The VA now adheres to a strict two-page resume limit. Focus on results-oriented language.
Be Specific: Detail your horticultural experience, including hours worked per week.
Formatting: Save your resume as a PDF to ensure your formatting remains professional.

If you are an experienced Horticulturist looking to apply your skills in an environment that truly changes lives, this position offers an unparalleled opportunity. Help the VA continue its mission of honoring those who served by building a greener, more sustainable future for our Veterans. Apply through USAJOBS today.

Why This Horticulturist (Ncwi) Job Matters

Transform lives through nature: Join the VA as a Horticulturist and lead therapeutic farming programs for our nation's Veterans.

Horticulturist (Ncwi) Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Horticulturist to serve as the Farm Program Coordinator for the National Center for Warrior Independence in Los Angeles, CA. This role is pivotal in managing the Veterans Farm Program, which utilizes therapeutic horticulture and urban agriculture to support the health, independence, and well-being of Veterans experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. You will oversee daily agricultural operations, lead therapeutic interventions, and cultivate community partnerships to ensure a healing environment.

Requirements for Horticulturist (Ncwi)

U.S. Citizenship
Must meet Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) in Horticulture or related plant science (30 semester hours in plant science with at least 16 in horticultural subjects)
One year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level or equivalent
Must complete online USA Hire assessments
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
Completion of a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period
Annual seasonal influenza vaccination (or approved exemption)
Ability to pass a background/security investigation

Preferred Qualifications for Horticulturist (Ncwi)

Advanced graduate education (Ph.D. or equivalent) in a relevant field
Experience in therapeutic horticulture and working with diverse participant populations
Proven background in grant writing and resource development
Strong proficiency in agricultural data management and reporting

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal government health insurance options
✓Comprehensive retirement programs including TSP
✓Paid vacation and sick leave
✓Potential for annual leave accrual service credit
✓Meaningful work in support of the Veteran community

💡 How to Apply Horticulturist (Ncwi) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Horticulturist (Ncwi) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Upload required documents including transcripts and SF-50s if applicable.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Submit your application by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
Complete the mandatory USA Hire assessments within the designated timeframe.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to a maximum of two pages to comply with federal requirements.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your format is optimized.
Clearly list your hours worked per week for each job entry to count experience accurately.
Submit your resume in PDF format to preserve layout and page length.
Ensure your SF-50 clearly demonstrates time-in-grade eligibility if you are a current or former federal employee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of this Horticulturist position?

The primary mission is to manage the Veterans Farm Program, focusing on therapeutic horticulture to assist homeless and food-insecure Veterans in achieving independence.

Can I substitute education for the specialized experience requirement?

Yes, applicants may qualify through a combination of education (Ph.D. level) and specialized experience as outlined in the announcement.

Is this position eligible for remote work?

No, this is an on-site position located in Los Angeles, California, involving direct management of farm operations.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Within the VA, the National Center for Warrior Independence focuses on holistic approaches to ending Veteran homelessness and promoting self-sufficiency. By leveraging urban agriculture, the center provides a therapeutic space where Veterans can heal, learn new skills, and contribute to their community.