Conservation Technician

Malaysianwildlife; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 46,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full medical, dental and vision

Paid time off

403(b) retirement plan

Job summary

Malaysianwildlife is seeking a Conservation Technician in Houston to coordinate activities within the Bayou Greenways Conservation and Maintenance program. The role involves hands-on restoration, monitoring habitats, and supporting landscape resources, with emphasis on plant and animal ecosystems and sustainable landscape techniques.

Under the Conservation Manager, you will oversee field projects, work with staff, volunteers, and contractors, and ensure maintenance aligns with standards while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, natural resources, ecology, forestry, resource management, biology, wildlife biology, urban planning with environmental design, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• At least one year of experience managing natural resource management projects and environmental education programs.
• Strong knowledge of plants native to the Houston area and tree identification.
• Experience with landscape and wildlife management best practices and understanding of ecological systems.

Responsibilities

• Understand, monitor and care for native landscape bed resources and habitats along the Bayou Greenway system.
• Oversee contractors to ensure maintenance work meets standards and integrate new areas into maintenance activities.
• Conduct habitat vegetation inventories and assessments using best practices as needed.
• Coordinate projects with Houston Parks Board team members and stakeholders.

Skills

Plant identification

Project management

Written and verbal communication

GIS

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

ArcGIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Conservation Technician

With guidance from and under the direction of the Conservation Manager, the Conservation Technician I will coordinate activities within the Bayou Greenways Conservation and Maintenance program. This position involves hands‑on work restoring and maintaining natural areas and landscape resources and requires knowledge of plant and animal ecosystems and landscape techniques.

Main Responsibilities

• Understand, monitor and care for native landscape bed resources and habitats along the Bayou Greenway system.
• Work collaboratively in the field with conservation staff, volunteers and contractors on conservation projects.
• Oversee contractors, ensuring maintenance work is completed to standards, integrating newly completed conservation areas into maintenance activities, and assisting with maintenance Requests for Proposals and Work Orders.
• Conduct habitat vegetation inventories and assessments using best management practices as needed.
• Perform natural resource management tasks, including herbicide control of invasive species.
• Create, replant and rebuild habitats.
• Coordinate projects with Houston Parks Board team members, including the maintenance team.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration with Houston Parks Board staff, stakeholders, government agencies, project partners, volunteers and the general public.
• Attend regular meetings with the Conservation Manager and team.
• Work effectively and independently in the field with minimal guidance.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, natural resources, ecology, forestry, resource management, biology, wildlife biology, urban planning with an emphasis on environmental design, or a related field; equivalent related experience may be considered.

Knowledge and experience:

• At least one year of experience managing natural resource management projects and environmental education programs.
• Strong knowledge of plants native to the Houston area, including tree identification.
• Experience with technical aspects and best practices of landscape and wildlife management.
• Expertise and understanding of landscape systems, ecological systems, green infrastructure and landscape sustainability.
• Understanding of the long‑term implications of construction‑related decisions and practices on future maintenance operations.

Licenses and certifications: Valid Texas driver’s license required. Candidates must be at least 21 years of age to meet insurance eligibility requirements for operating a Houston Parks Board vehicle. Driving an HPB vehicle is an essential function of this position.

Skills and abilities:

• Essential plant identification skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to meet multiple deadlines, define problems, collect data, establish facts and present viable solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with others, build mutual respect and solve problems.
• Ability to respond efficiently to questions from staff, Board members, program partners, funders and community members.
• Ability to manage projects and volunteer and contractual project personnel.
• Ability to work independently, with good judgment and decisiveness.
• Ability to work creatively and resourcefully within a determined budget.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and ability to read and interpret landscape architectural plans.

Work Environment

• Primarily field‑based along the greenway system, using a company vehicle, with periods of office work for meetings and report preparation.
• Outdoor work may involve prolonged exposure to sun, high heat and humidity, rain or cold.
• Driving in the Houston area is required.

This is a salary-exempt position with a salary range of $46,000–$48,000 per year, commensurate with skills and experience. Benefits include full medical, dental and vision coverage, paid time off, short- and long‑term disability, and a 403(b) retirement plan.