Tree Worker

Summary You will serve as a Tree Worker for George Washington Memorial Parkway. The purpose of this position is to properly care for and maintain trees within the park unit according to National Park Service management guidelines and accepted industry standards. First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate. Responsibilities Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Perform tree maintenance activities such as tree and shrub pruning, tree removal, planting, transplanting, spraying, and cultivating. Safely rig cables and ropes in order to use cranes to facilitate the removal of hazardous trees, and to maneuver large trees into position for planting. Braces trees by the use of cables and rods, installs and maintains lighting protection systems. Prune, cut down, fertilize, and spray trees as directed by supervisory Certified Arborist. Operate equipment on steep slopes, graded curves on shoulders, soft ground, and other surfaces with rough features. Inspects, diagnoses and identifies hazardous trees for annual tree conditions assessments and determination correct action; Transplant trees, etc. Requirements Conditions of Employment Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. Direct Deposit participation required. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment. Must have and maintain a current Class B CDL or obtain within 6 months upon entry on duty a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Pre-employment and random alcohol and drug testing are required. You will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive test is received. You are required to wear a uniform and comply with the uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work. You may be required to travel overnight away from home. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes. You are required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority. This is a bargaining unit position represented by the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), Chapter 336. You 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. Additional Requirements located under qualifications Qualifications Requirements Continued... 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. Qualifications: All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-08/06/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. 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) Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (includes blueprints reading) Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Knowledge of Materials Dexterity and Safety Technical Practices (theoretical precise, artistic) Use of Measuring Instruments If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. To be found minimally qualified, your resume must show: I have worked as a Tree Worker. I have assisted with pruning, removing, planting, transplanting, spraying, and cultivating trees and shrubs. Assisted with the inspection, diagnosis and identifying of hazardous trees for tree condition assessments. Assist with rigging and removal techniques in the topping, sectioning and lifting of large or technical trees (i.e. leaning, cracked, split, lodged, rotten or hollow trees) in heavy use areas. Brace trees using cables and rods, remove stumps using a stump grinder, operate a chipper. My tasks were observed in progress and upon completion to make sure they were properly performed. 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. Your resume must support your response to the assessment questionnaire, and if it does not, your application will be marked as not eligible. 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 meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and obtain an average of at least 2 points on all of the job elements to be considered qualified for this position. 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 Federal Wage System (FWS) positions. Additional Information Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement. Related Non-Federal experience or related experience as retired members of the uniformed services may be credited towards computing entitlement to leave accrual, at managerial discretion, providing that experience meets certain criteria. This provision allows new employees to earn annual leave at a higher rate than would otherwise be allowed. (5 Code of Federal Regulations, 630). Physical Demands: The incumbent frequently carries and/or moves objects of various sizes and shapes, up to 100 pounds, with assistance as required. Incumbent is required to climb and work from rope rigging, ladders, and lift mechanisms. Work requires walking, climbing, bending, and standing for extended periods of time. The incumbent may be required to work in cramped areas and awkward positions. Working Conditions: The incumbent usually works outdoors, and frequently handles items weighing up to 50 pounds. Is exposed to herbicides and other poisonous chemicals. The work involved in climbing is very demanding physically, and the incumbent is frequently exposed to serious injury from falls. The nature of the incumbent' s work situation requires them to consistently work along park roadways where, throughout the day, there can be very high traffic volume and traffic speed in excess of 55 miles per hour (MPH). This poses immediate danger and requires the employee to be completely knowledgeable and skilled to operate and maneuver vehicles and equipment and conduct proper traffic control operations. Incumbent is required to work outside in all types of weather, and is subject to discomfort from heat, humidity, and cold. The incumbent' s clothing may become soiled from chemicals, dirt, and medium generated from the tree pruning or removal process. Incumbent is frequently exposed to the possibility of cuts, bruises, burns, and broken bones. Incumbent is subject to noxious fumes, dust, and residue from use of power tools and chemical sprays. Incumbent is required to wear all appropriate and required Personal Protective Equipment (PPB) and clothing. The incumbent adheres to safety regulations and standards set by OSHA. Also, may be required to work in other crews as needed and deemed necessary by the supervisor. All Department of Interior (DOI) employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here, Current surplus and current or former displaced Federal individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Well qualified means that the applicant meets the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and is rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level.