NATURAL RESOURCES EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN

Division: Greenspace Operations
Workdays & Hours: M-F, 6:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.*
Location: 1801 Memorial Dr. Houston, Texas 77007*

About the role

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

Responsibilities

• Performs a variety of manual tasks and activities on a daily basis, including herbicide application, auguring, mowing, planting, and weeding.
• Installs tree and prairie plantings, and assists in plant propagation.
• Assists in mechanical and chemical invasive species removal.
• Operates and maintains various pieces of equipment such as brush cutters, weed eaters, riding mowing units, lawnmowers, edgers, tractors, skid steers, and chainsaws to maintain habitat restoration areas.
• Operates equipment within sensitive natural areas, such as prairies and wetlands, with minimal disturbance.
• Maintains, cleans, and services equipment, vehicles, tools, and facilities. Inspects vehicles for required supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Observes and follows safety procedures and precautions at work site.

Work Environment

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.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Science, or a related field.
• Six (6) months of experience using equipment to improve or maintain parks, landscapes, or habitats.
• Valid Texas driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston's policy on driving.

Preferences

• Substitution: Experience using heavy equipment to improve or maintain parks, landscapes, habitats, or related field may substitute for the education requirement on a year-to-year basis.
• 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.
• May be required to obtain a valid Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) based on the type of equipment assigned to operate.

Physical Skill

Requires the ability to make complex coordinated and sequenced motor movements in response to quickly changing external stimuli.

Pay

Pay Grade 13. Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.