Conservation Technician jobs in Texas

The Organization

Houston Parks Board (HPB) expands, improves, and protects parks and greenspace in the Houston region. Since 1976, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization has utilized public-private partnerships and its extensive philanthropic, government, and community relationships to provide equitable access to quality parks and greenspace to the Greater Houston region.

Houston Parks Board has reached a major milestone with substantial completion of the boldest and most exciting capital project in its history: Bayou Greenways. This ambitious $225M project significantly expands and enhances Houston’s parks system, creating a continuous system within the city limits of 150 miles of linear parks and trails along Houston’s bayous. In addition to leading the transformational Bayou Greenways initiative, Houston Parks Board cares for more than 2,800 acres of greenspace and supports park projects large and small.

For more information about Houston Parks Board and its high-impact work in the community, please visit houstonparksboard.org.

The Position

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

Main Responsibilities

· Capable of working effectively and independently in the field with minimal guidance

· Understanding, monitoring, and caring for the forestry resources and/or habitats along the Bayou Greenway system

· Natural resource management tasks, such as herbicide control of invasive species

· Work collaboratively in the field with other conservation staff, volunteers and contractors on conservation projects

· Vegetation inventory/assessment within prairies, meadows, wetlands and wooded areas

· Creation, replanting and rebuilding of prairies, wetlands and wooded areas

· Project coordination with HPB team members, including Greenspace Managers and the HPB Volunteer Manager

· Regular meetings with Conservation Manager and Team

· Additional duties as required

Qualifications

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 related field, or equivalent experience in a related field

Knowledge and Experience:

· 2 or more years 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 long-term implications of construction-related decisions and practices on future maintenance operations

Skills and Abilities:

· Plant identification skills are essential for a successful candidate, particularly tree identification skills

· Excellent organizational skills with the ability to meet multiple deadlines with attention to detail, define problems, collect data, establish facts, and present viable solutions

· Good communicator, including clear, concise and accessible reports, correspondence, procedural manuals and verbal presentations

· Ability to work effectively with others in order to build mutual respect and solve problems

· Ability to efficiently respond to questions from staff, Board members, program partners, funders and members of the community

· Ability to effectively manage projects and project personnel, both volunteer and contract

· Demonstrated ability to work independently

· Evidence of good judgment and decisiveness

· Ability to work creatively and resourcefully within a determined budget

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite products, working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), ability to read and interpret landscape architectural plans

Work Environment:

• Primarily “in the field” along the greenway system, via company vehicle, with periods of office time for meetings, preparing reports, etc.
• The Conservation Technician will be outside exposed to long periods of sun, high heat and humidity, rain, or cold
• Driving in the Houston area will be required
• Must have valid Driver’s License

This is a salary exempt position with a range of $45,000 - $50,000 based on relevant skills and experience. HPB’s benefits package includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance, and a 403b retirement plan. To apply for this position, email resume, cover letter and application (https://houstonparksboard.org/about/careers) to: marissallosa@houstonparksboard.org with “Conservation Technician” in the subject line of your email.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $55,000.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Houston, TX: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person