DEPUTY DIRECTOR, US BOTANIC GARDEN (SUPERVISORY HORTICULTURIST), GS-0437-15

Duties

This position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Office of the Executive Director, U.S. Botanic Garden. The incumbent will assist the Executive Director with overall operations of the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) to include the formulation of policies, strategic direction and implementation of programs. Serves as principal advisor to the Executive Director on USBG operational matters. Is responsible for human capital leadership, supervision and coaching of employees to serve in a stellar capacity as ambassadors of the USBG with the visiting public.

Major duties and responsibilities include the following:

Administrative Leadership

Plans and implements USBG activities such as public classes, tours, development of plant collections, plant science initiatives, horticultural displays and providing informational services to the public. Collects and cultivates plants from various regions of the U.S. and other countries for exhibition and display to the public and for use by interested students, scientists and other parties.

Provides leadership for the development and implementation of state-of-the-art initiatives, goals and objectives. Achieves objectives established by the Agency’s Strategic Vision and Botanic Garden's strategic plans. Effectively communicates the Agency’s mission, core values and strategic goals to employees and customers and engages them in developing objectives and individual performance plans that contribute to those goals with a focus on data driven, measurable results.

Provides expert advice to government agencies, professional societies and similar institutions with regard to policies, programs, information on and development of plant collections and botanical education.

Program Management

Responsible for the oversight and administration of broad, emerging and/or critical USBG programs and operations. Develops and implements annual updates to the five-year, long-term operations plan to serve Congress and the public, preserve America’s Capitol and inspire visitor experiences.

Develops strategic plans for the USBG that define the direction for plant collections, horticultural displays, public outreach, public programs, scientific interface and ongoing programs. Leads partnerships that help develop sustainability efforts, horticultural excellence and horticultural and botanical resources for the USBG as well as for the public and broader audiences. Develops partnerships that are valuable and beneficial to enhance the work of the USBG and its programs.

Develops policies and guidelines for plant collections, including development of a national plant rescue center for endangered species in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the Animal Plant, Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to rescue plants traded in violation of international trade agreements on endangered species (e.g. CITES).

Supervision and Management

Performs administrative and technical supervisory functions. Plans, schedules and assigns work and evaluates employees’ performance. Manages the organizational unit's budget and workload. Develops guidelines and performance requirements for subordinates. Evaluates employee performance. Resolves complaints and grievances and effects disciplinary measures as appropriate.

Provides leadership to ensure support for equal employment opportunity (EEO) goals and requirements. Practices non-discriminatory employment actions to prevent unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, age or disability.

Provides employee skills enrichment through job related coaching/mentoring and training. Fosters a culture of learning, sharing, cooperation and teamwork that improves efficiency and effectiveness throughout the organization.

Utilizes a thorough knowledge of and compliance with OSHA safety rules and regulations ensuring safe work progresses. Initiates or takes corrective action on unsafe conditions. Ensures that employees use and are informed of the proper use of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Initiates public outreach and educational programs to increase the public awareness of the USBG and its leadership role. Leads the development of creative, innovative and educational shows, exhibits, programs and displays. Provides leadership for the design of plant exhibits and horticultural displays in the Conservatory, National Garden and other areas of the Botanic Garden.

Presents papers and lectures as a professional expert in the fields of botany, horticulture and public garden administration to national and international professional societies and organizations. Is consulted by members of Congress, staffs and constituents on policies and programs regarding relevant professional problems, issues and practices and represents the USBG to local, national and international professional groups and societies.

Qualifications

You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review on the OPM web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must meet the following specialized experience.

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled.

To be creditable, candidates must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the Federal service.

Specialized experience for this position includes the following:

• Experience establishing and implementing an organizational vision in a continuously changing environment.
• Mastery of the principles, theories, concepts, methods, and techniques of horticulture and/or related plant sciences.
• Demonstrated extensive experience supervising and providing leadership to a staff involved in carrying out project operations and maintenance activities in a public botanic garden, monumental park, historic estate, or similar establishment.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing organizational and operational problems and developing solutions.
• Experience conducting long-range financial planning and budget formulation.
• Demonstrated interpersonal experience developing and delivering oral and written presentations as well as making recommendations on management issues in a concise and convincing language.

Education

Minimum Federal Qualification Requirements

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

A. Applicants must show successful completion of a full four-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in horticulture; or a related discipline of basic plant science that included at least 30-semester/45-quarter hours in the basic plant sciences, of which at least 16-semester/24-quarter hours were in horticultural subjects such as those dealing with the breeding, care, management, production, and post-harvest handling of horticultural crops.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in horticulture or a related discipline of basic plant science that included course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

PLEASE NOTE:

You MUST submit copies of your college transcripts for verification of the education requirements. Unofficial copies are acceptable; however, if selected you will be required to furnish official transcripts. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the above educational requirements. Inadequate or illegible information could result in non-qualification and loss of consideration.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education:

Education completed outside of the United States must be deemed equivalent to that gained in conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. However, to be creditable, foreign education must have been evaluated by an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education:

Education completed outside of the United States must be deemed equivalent to that gained in conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. However, to be creditable, foreign education must have been evaluated by an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.