Gardener

Gardener

Department: Other Agencies and Independent Organizations

Location(s): Washington, District of Columbia

Salary Range: $26.47 - $30.88 Per Hour

Job Summary: The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Grounds Management Operations (GMO) of Smithsonian Gardens (SG) within the Smithsonian Institution (SI). Smithsonian Gardens is a Smithsonian recognized collections unit which manages collections of garden artifacts, living plants and the Archives of American Gardens. More than one selection may be made from this announcement.

Major Duties:

• The Gardener is part of a professional team working with other full-time staff, interns, and volunteers to develop and maintain the horticultural exhibits within Smithsonian Gardens. In this position, you will: Assure that proper pruning, watering, weeding, planting, fertilizing, cleaning, mulching, pest control, and equipment operation are carried out in assigned area (following industry standards). Assist in the establishment of procedures for landscape management including the care of annual bedding plants, tropical foliage plants, interior plants, woody plants, herbaceous perennials, new installations, fertilization, chemical weed control, pest control, and safety. Perform various tasks involved in the grading and seeding of lawns and/or planting beds using hand tools (i.e., picks, shovels, rakes, etc.). Prepare, seed, plant, and transplant by adding amendments, cultivating, and grading using knowledge of correct conditions (chemical composition, depth, moisture, temperature, humidity, and ventilation requirements to encourage germination and growth). Inspect all walkways, hardscaping, and signage daily and clears debris utilizing a power blower, pressure washer, brushes, rags, or other equipment, as appropriate.

Qualifications: In order to be rated qualified, an applicant's overall experience and training must indicate possession of the minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the duties of this position. Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual 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.

How to Apply: Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. Please Note: You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you). Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages. You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process; OR You may manually fax required documents. Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package. The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.

Application Deadline: 2026-01-02