Summary These positions are located at the National Mall and Memorial Parks, Division of Maintenance, Branch of Grounds and Trees. Open to the first 100 applicants or until 05/23/2024 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration. This position is not eligible for remote work. Responsibilities The major duties of the Arborist position include, but are not limited to, the following: Perform all phases of tree maintenance activities including, operating equipment, pruning, removal, stump grinding, climbing, anchoring, cabling, air spading and all other tree related activities. Operates vehicles with gross vehicle weight in excess of 26,000 lbs., up to 75 feet aerial platform, extendable boom, stake body and dump trucks, pick-up trucks, chipper trucks, heavy duty forklifts, articulating loaders and snowplows. Responsible for the health and safety of arborist team, frequently conducts safety meetings with peers to alert them of hazards which might be encountered and to instruct them on the safe operation of equipment. Applies knowledge of arboriculture, horticulture, botany, plant physiology, tree crew operations, and general knowledge of plant pathology in performing daily assignments. Determines and recommends the type of pruning or treatment needed to carry out the arboriculture program. Applies knowledge of tools and equipment used in the arborist trade. Performs rigging and removal techniques in topping, sectioning, lifting and removal of large and/or technical trees. Ties knots and hitches frequently used in tree climbing. Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. Citizenship required. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males. Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program. You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use. You must possess and maintain a current Class B (or higher) Commercial Driver's License within 6 months of start date. You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. If you are a new employee or supervisor in the Federal government, you will be required to complete a one-year probationary period. You must be an ISA Certified Arborist, or a licensed Maryland State Tree Expert (DNR), or Massachusetts Certified Arborist. Overtime may be required. The position is considered essential during emergency situations. Must be able to lift and carry 100 pounds. Applicants must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program. Qualifications To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors: Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT) Technical Practices: theoretical precise, artistic Use of Measuring Instruments Ability to Interpret Instructions, specifications; other than blueprints Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Knowledge of Materials Dexterity and Safety SELECTIVE FACTOR: This position performs tree maintenance, total tree removal and rigging and risk assessments of trees, and an ISA Certified Arborist, or a licensed Maryland State Tree Expert (DNR), or Massachusetts Certified Arborist is required. Candidates who do not meet this requirement by close of this announcement will receive no further consideration for this position. Quality Ranking Factor: Applicants who currently possess a Class B CDL may be placed ahead of other applicants, however, you will not lose consideration solely based on not having this skill. If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone. Address your knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the areas shown in the job-related factors. Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education There is no substitution of education for experience for Wage Grade (WG) positions. Additional Information This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate. A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay. You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties. Prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year thereafter (or more frequently if management determines such need exists), you will be required to sign an affidavit certifying to your possession of a valid State issued drivers license that is current and has not been revoked, suspended, canceled, or otherwise disqualified in any way to prohibit your operation of a motor vehicle. You will also submit a photocopy of your valid State issued drivers license prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year, or more frequently if management determines such need exists. Lastly, you may be required to submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that discloses all valid drivers licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you. Please indicate in your application whether you possess a valid State drivers license. Physical Demands: The position requires constant standing, walking, lifting, bending, stooping, and climbing to great heights. The incumbent works in tiring, awkward, uncomfortable, and dangerous positions while utilizing a hydraulic lift or a ladder, or climbing trees using ropes, climbing harnesses and other ascending and descending devices. Work requires heavy physical exertion; the incumbent often handles objects and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds using proper equipment and with the assistance of others. Working Conditions: The work of the position is performed outside in all weather conditions. The incumbent is exposed to hot and cold temperatures, dust, dirt, mud, sawdust, chemical fumes, and sprays, as well as injuries from tools and serious injuries from falls. Works up to 80 feet when using a hydraulic aerial lift and works at heights approaching 120(+) feet when climbing trees using ropes, climbing harnesses and other ascending devices. PPE such as gloves, goggles, helmets, chaps, boots, and fall protection are provided by NPS. The ANSI, OSHA, and NPS CSMO standards will determine the differences between "should" and "shall". The position is considered essential during emergency situations. The position requires a CDL, Class B driver's license within 6 months of start date. The National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are NOT SUITABLE for telework.