Tree Worker (MVO)

Summary This position is located in the Maintenance Division (Tree Crew). The purpose of this position is to properly care for and maintain trees within the boundaries of Rock Creek Park according to management guidelines and accepted industry standards. Open to the first 75 applicants or until 06/09/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration. Responsibilities The major duties of the Tree Worker (MVO) WG-5042-09 position include, but are not limited to, the following: Performs regular tree maintenance activities such as tree and shrub pruning, tree removal, planting, transplanting, spraying, and cultivating. Climbs trees to perform work on a regular basis, which can include trees up to 120 feet in height or higher. Uses complex climbing techniques, rope knots, and specialized climbing hardware safely and in accordance with industry standards. Uses complex rigging techniques on a regular basis and when the use of a crane is necessary. Inspects, diagnoses, and identifies hazardous trees for annual tree condition assessment and determines corrective actions. 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 with air brake endorsement. You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated. This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Additional Requirements located under qualifications Qualifications Requirements Continued You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 2 nights per month. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes. Government Charge Card: You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority. 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. In this position, you are considered Emergency/Essential personnel. Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds. Special working conditions: Working outdoors in all weather conditions, potentially hazardous emergency situations. 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) Dexterity and Safety Knowledge of Materials Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Technical Practices: theoretical, precise, artistic. Use of Measuring Instruments Ability to interpret Instructions, specifications, other than blueprints Possess a valid ISA Certified Arborist Certification (Quality Ranking Factor) QUALITY RANKING FACTOR- enhance employee performance but are not required; candidates without them remain eligible but may be rated lower. SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: Essential for performing the job; lacking an SPF disqualifies a candidate. Applicant must possess and maintain a valid State or District of Columbia Commercial Driver's License Class B or higher with air brake endorsement (SCREEN OUT). 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. You must include months, years and hours per week worked to receive credit for your work and/or volunteer experience. One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week. Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for experience that does not indicate exact hours per week or is listed as "varies". Experience listed as full-time will be credited at 40 hours per week 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. Physical Demands: Significant physical effort is required for the position. The incumbent usually works outdoors performing physical activities that require considerable use of their arms and legs and moving their whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. The work involved in climbing is very demanding physically and the incumbent is frequently exposed to serious injuries from falls. Incumbent is required to climb trees to significant heights, handle ropes, carry and use equipment such as chainsaws, crouch, bend, lift up to 50 pounds, handle and carry awkward tree pieces and limbs. Incumbent is often on their feet for long periods of time. The incumbent may also be required to be confined to a sitting position while operating equipment for long periods of time. Working Conditions: Must possess the ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, pull, or carry objects, frequently handles items weighing up to 50 pounds. The incumbent is exposed to insecticides and other poisonous chemicals. The work involved in climbing is very demanding physically and the incumbent is frequently exposed to serious injuries from falls. The nature of the employee's work requires the employee to consistently work along the park's roadways where throughout the day there is high-volume, high-speed traffic in excess of 55 MPH. This represents an immediate danger and requires the employee to be completely knowledgeable, skilled, and attentive to operate and maneuver vehicles and equipment to conduct proper traffic control operations. The incumbent may be required to work Saturdays, Sundays, nights, and holidays. This is an Emergency Essential position, and incumbent will be required to work during hazardous weather conditions and emergency situations and events including, but not limited to, snow removal operations, hurricane wind response operations, and emergencies requiring tree removal, grounds maintenance, road maintenance and other activities. The incumbent is responsible for placement of safety devices to protect self and others from injuries. The incumbent is responsible for keeping themself drug free. The incumbent may be required to work in other crews as needed and as deemed necessary by the supervisor. The National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are NOT suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.