Turf and Grounds Operations Technician

Memorial Park Conservancy; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 18,184 - 25,898; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully paid medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off

Short-term and long-term disability

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

The Memorial Park Conservancy is looking for a Turf and Grounds Operations Technician to perform year-round lawn and landscape care. Responsibilities include maintaining trails, operating equipment, and assisting with irrigation tasks.

Applicants should have at least one year of landscaping experience, effective communication skills, and the ability to work in a team. The position pays $16.00 per hour and offers various benefits including medical coverage and a retirement plan.

Qualifications

• One or more years of experience in professional landscaping and lawn care.
• Demonstrated success working in a team-oriented environment and independently.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English; Spanish is a plus.
• Willingness to assist with irrigation maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Maintain lawn areas, landscapes, and trails.
• Operate and maintain small and large equipment.
• Assist with pesticide and fertilizer applications.
• Work alongside volunteers and coordinate with teams.

Skills

Professional landscaping and lawn care experience

Safe operation of tools and equipment

Teamwork and independent work skills

Strong communication skills

Experience with PC-based email software

Basic irrigation system knowledge

Valid driver's license

Bilingual (English and Spanish)

Tools

String trimmers

Edgers

Blowers

Utility vehicles

Trucks

Job description

Job Summary

The Turf and Grounds Operations Technician is responsible for year-round, day-to-day lawn, landscape, and walking trail care. This includes weed whacking, blowing, trash pickup, gravel trail maintenance, and general park upkeep. The Technician will work interactively with the Operations Turf and Grounds Supervisor and Coordinators to contribute to a professional level of care for high-use and high-visibility turfgrass areas.

Base Schedule

Monday–Friday, 6:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; schedule may adjust based on seasons.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Upkeep and maintenance of lawn areas, landscapes, and trails.
• Physically perform general landscape maintenance, including blowing, edging, raking, mulching, string trimming, watering, fertilizing, spraying, pruning, and other tasks as needed.
• Operate small and large equipment, including utility vehicles, trucks, backpack blowers, string trimmers, edgers, and others as needed.
• Assist with pesticide and fertilizer applications as needed.
• Assist with irrigation monitoring and repair.
• Communicate issues regarding infrastructure, furnishings, safety hazards, and quality of the visitor experience.
• Demonstrate ownership of assigned work by upholding maintenance standards to the highest degree.
• Work alongside volunteers and lead volunteer groups at the discretion of the coordinator. This includes occasional weekends.
• Comply with all MPC rules, safety policies, procedures, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Interact with park users in a courteous and professional manner.
• Assist with the cleanliness of office, breakroom, and storage spaces.
• Assist with trash and debris removal, sweeping, and blowing areas as needed.
• Assist with other Park Operations teams as needed.
• Assist Irrigation Coordinator with basic tasks such as digging, replacing sprinkler heads, and supporting minor system repairs.

Qualifications

• One or more years of experience in professional landscaping and lawn care.
• Experience in the safe operation of industry tools and equipment, including string trimmers, edgers, and blowers.
• Demonstrated success working in a team-oriented environment, working effectively with others, and the ability to work independently.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; organized and highly motivated.
• Experience with PC-based email software such as Outlook.
• Willingness to assist with irrigation maintenance tasks, including digging and minor repairs.
• Basic familiarity with irrigation system components (e.g., heads, valves) is a plus.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license; must obtain a Texas driver’s license within 60 days of hire.
• Ability to communicate in English and Spanish is a plus.

Abilities Required

• Ability to perform heavy, physical labor daily in all weather conditions.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. repeatedly throughout a given workday.
• Ability to operate power equipment throughout the workday.
• Must be able to bend, crouch, kneel, stand, walk, and perform various types of manual labor for extended periods.

Safety Requirements

Establishing and maintaining a safe work environment is the shared responsibility of this organization and employees at every level. The Conservancy will make every effort to assure a safe environment and remain in compliance with federal, state, and local safety regulations. Employees are expected to obey safety rules and exercise caution in all work activities. Accordingly, employees should be aware of any hazards that could cause an injury or accident (e.g., spills, obstacles in walkways). If an employee discovers a potentially dangerous condition, they should alert others and notify their supervisor immediately.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Compensation

This is an hourly, non-exempt position with a starting pay rate of $16.00 per hour. Benefits include fully paid medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, short-term and long-term disability, and a 401(k) retirement plan.

Salary Description

$16.00 per hour