NATURAL RESOURCES TECHNICIAN

City of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Houston's Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a Natural Resources Equipment Technician to support Greenspace Operations. This full-time position handles habitat restoration in city parks and operates maintenance equipment on a consistent schedule.

The role emphasizes planting trees and prairie species, invasive species removal, and routine site maintenance while ensuring safe operation of mowing and trimming equipment. Prior field experience is beneficial.

Qualifications

• Requires an Associate’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Science, or a related field.
• No experience required.
• Experience in field work such as invasive species removal, planting, watering, or related work may substitute education on a year-to-year basis.
• Must have a valid Texas driver's license and comply with City of Houston driving policy.
• Preference given to eligible veteran applicants.
• Selection/Skills Tests may be required.

Responsibilities

• Install tree and prairie plantings.
• Assist in mechanical and chemical invasive species removal.
• Provide regular intensive maintenance of habitat restoration sites (watering trees, staking trees, removing vines).
• Operate and maintain equipment such as riding mowing units, lawnmowers, edger, and chainsaw to maintain habitat restoration areas.
• Ensure work equipment and vehicle are safely operated, properly maintained, and serviced.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Outdoor work

Safety awareness

Basic mechanical skills

Communication

Education

Associate degree in Biology/Environmental Science/Ecology/Natural Science

Tools

Riding mowing units

Lawnmowers

Edger

Chainsaw

Job description

Position Overview

Applications Accepted from: All Persons Interested

Division: Greenspace Operations

Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.*

Location: Various

• Subject to change

Description Of Duties/Essential Functions

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department is dedicated to building a sustainable community and enhance the quality of urban life by providing safe well-maintained parks and offering affordable programming for our community. To achieve this mission, HPARD is seeking a Natural Resources Equipment Technician to join its Greenspace Operationsteam.

The potential candidate will play a key role in the following duties:

• Install tree and prairie plantings.
• Assist in mechanical and chemical invasive species removal.
• Provide regular intensive maintenance of habitat restoration sites, such as watering trees, staking trees, and removing vines.
• Operating and maintaining various pieces of equipment such as riding mowing units, lawnmowers, edger, and chainsaw to maintain habitat restoration areas.
• Ensures work equipment and vehicle is safely operated, properly maintained, and serviced.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

There are routine exposures to significant levels of heat, cold, moisture and air pollution. This is an outside job requiring work in natural areas with a range of habitats. The position may involve periodic exposure to chemical substances and physical trauma of a minor nature such as cuts, bruises, and minor burns.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires an Associate’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Science, or a related field.

Experience Requirements

No experience required.

Substitution

Experience in field work such as invasive species removal, planting, watering, or related work may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-to-year basis.

License Requirements

Must have a valid Texas driver's license and comply with the City of Houston's policy on driving.

PREFERENCES

• Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6. **

GENERAL INFORMATION

Selection/Skills Tests Required

The selection process will involve application review and/or interview.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION

Yes If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Pay Grade 8

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.