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Federal Wage Grade position performing horticultural and landscaping work including grounds maintenance, planting, and care of ornamental plants at federal buildings, military bases, national parks, and government facilities.
Federal Wage System Pay
Federal Wage Grade (WG) pay varies by geographic location and is determined by local prevailing wage surveys.
Look Up WG Pay by LocationSource: DoD Civilian Personnel Advisory Service
Official OPM qualification standards for WG-5003
Qualification requirements not yet available for this series.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal gardening position
WG positions require demonstrated skill in a specific trade or craft. Review the job announcement for required certifications, licenses, and hands-on experience.
WG positions are experience-based, not grade-based. Document your years of hands-on trade experience, apprenticeships completed, and journeyman status if applicable.
Collect your DD-214, trade certifications (welding, electrical, HVAC, etc.), apprenticeship completion certificates, and any specialized licenses required for your trade.
Create a detailed federal resume highlighting your hands-on trade experience, tools and equipment operated, safety training, and specific projects completed. Include hours worked per week.
Search for WG positions in your trade specialty, carefully answer assessment questions about your skill level and experience, and submit before the closing date.
Understanding of trade-specific tools, equipment, materials, and techniques required for the position
Physical coordination and skill in using hands and tools to perform precise work
Knowledge of workplace safety procedures, OSHA standards, and proper use of personal protective equipment
Ability to diagnose issues, troubleshoot problems, and determine effective repair solutions
Attention to detail ensuring work meets specifications, standards, and quality requirements
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, diagrams, and work orders
Proficiency in operating trade-specific machinery, power tools, and specialized equipment
Knowledge of preventive maintenance, inspection protocols, and equipment care
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and customers about work status
Flexibility to work in various conditions and adjust to changing priorities and assignments
π‘ Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Grade information not available
A federal Gardener (WG-5003) performs horticultural and landscaping work including grounds maintenance, planting, and care of ornamental plants at federal buildings, military bases, national parks, and government facilities. They maintain attractive and functional outdoor spaces.
Federal Gardeners (WG-5003) are paid under the Federal Wage System based on local prevailing rates. Typical wages range $18-$32 per hour depending on locality. Annual earnings range $37,000-$67,000. Horticulturists at botanical gardens or national parks may earn more.
WG-5003 requires skill in horticulture and landscaping. Qualifications include knowledge of plant care, pest management, soil science, equipment operation, and ability to maintain grounds to professional standards. Ornamental horticulture expertise is valued.
Military grounds maintenance experience provides relevant skills. Service members who worked on installation beautification, maintained golf courses on base, or served in facilities maintenance with landscaping duties have transferable experience for gardening positions.
Gardeners progress through skill levels to lead gardener and grounds supervisor positions. Career paths include transition to GS horticulturist (GS-0400 series), park ranger positions (GS-0025), or facilities management roles.
Search USAJOBS for 'Gardener' or 'Grounds Maintenance' or series '5003.' Positions exist at federal buildings, military installations, VA cemeteries, and national parks. Highlight your horticulture experience, plant knowledge, and equipment skills. Veterans receive preference.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.