Gardener and Irrigation I

May be subject to potential hazards common to the airport environment and landscaping tasks.

Is subject to hold-over and recall on a 24-hour basis for essential services and emergencies such as snow removal. A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.

Responsibilities

• As a Gardener and Irrigation I, you will perform a wide range of gardening work including planting, pruning, and fertilizing plants, flowers, shrubbery, and turf grass.
• Gardener and Irrigation I Serves in the Structures and Grounds Division of the Airport Maintenance Department at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
• Plants and maintains flowers, plants, shrubbery, and turf grass.
• Installs new irrigation systems, and makes repairs to existing irrigation systems.
• Programs electrical irrigation controllers, and troubleshoots common electrical system problems with controller and control valves.
• Performs related functions.
• GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES Designs and installs new irrigation systems; makes repairs to existing irrigation systems.
• Evaluates the individual needs or characteristics of plants, turf, and site conditions to promote good plant and turf growth.
• Weighs, measures, and mixes herbicides and pesticides in accordance with directions and safety procedures.
• Performs calculations to properly apply to landscaping.
• Prepares soil for planting by tilling, spreading, and fertilizing as directed.
• Plants or transplants a variety of plantings.
• Prunes, trims, and removes trees using specialized equipment.
• Operates industrial self-propelled power mower and a hydrostatic riding mower, farm tractor, aerator, sweeping brush, seeder/planter/fertilizer, and snow blower/broom.
• Uses a variety of power and hand tools including string trimmers, chain saws, and yard rakes.
• Monitors operator-level maintenance of vehicles and equipment; reports malfunctions or damage of equipment to supervisor.
• Performs miscellaneous duties, such as moving and arranging furniture, and assisting with roadway and sidewalk repairs.
• Drives pick-up truck or construction vehicle, airside and landside, to various worksites.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Three years of progressively responsible experience in basic horticulture and irrigation systems.
• Knowledge of the gardening trade and ability to perform journey-level work to include laying out, installing, and maintaining irrigation systems; planting, transplanting, and pruning plants; and preparing and fertilizing soil.
• Skill in using gardening equipment (such as forklift and front-end loader) and hand and power tools (such as chain saw, trimmers, and rakes).
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with Federal and state regulations regarding licensing, storing, mixing, calibrating, applying, and disposing of commercial pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.
• Skill in applying herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides.
• Ability to work safely and knowledge of the safety rules, regulations, and procedures needed to do so.
• Ability to work in tandem with other equipment, moving vehicles, and pedestrians.
• Ability to speak and write effectively.
• Ability to perform basic analyses of data and information.
• Skill in using a computer, computerized work order and time and attendance system.
• A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Education Development (GED).
• CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED A state driver’s license in good standing.
• Licensed as a Class B Commercial Driver within 90 days of hire, promotion, or placement in the job.
• SPECIAL FACTORS Work is typically reviewed in progress upon completion for quantity, quality, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.
• Operates vehicle landside and airside (requires AOA permit).
• May be subject to adverse weather conditions, including exposure to very cold or very hot and humid outside temperatures.
• Wears personal protective gear, as necessary.
• Work requires moderate to heavy physical exertion (lifting objects up to 50 pounds).
• May bend, stoop, crouch, and work in a cramped position or work on ladders.

Preferred

• QUALIFICATIONS Licensed as a Class B Commercial Driver (CDL).

Pay

T15 Salary Range: $26.71-$34.72 Opening Date: November 2, 2026 Closing Date: Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.