Memorial Park Conservancy seeks Arboriculture Coordinator

Preserve, restore, and enhance Memorial Park for the enjoyment of all Houstonians, today and tomorrow.Job Summary: The Arboriculture Coordinator is responsible for overseeing hazard tree risk mitigation and tree maintenance through arboricultural practices, as directed by the Forestry and Arboriculture Conservation Supervisor. This includes proactively managing specimen trees to maintain hazard-free and ecologically resilient Park areas. The Arboriculture Coordinator will be responsible for leading a team of staff in designated areas. Through oversight and strong collaboration across all departments, the Arboriculture Coordinator will assist with team member oversight, monitoring, caring for, and reporting on designated Park zones, and ensuring a positive and safe public experience in the Park. Base Schedule: Monday-Friday 6:00am- 2:30pm, may adjust based on seasons.

Responsibilities and Duties Include:

• Lead a team of staff daily to maintain each of the assigned designated areas and plan for upcoming tasks or projects as needed. Direct and train staff, seasonal workers, interns, and volunteers in executing tasks.
• Coordinate tree risk assessment and management tasks via tree removal or risk reduction.
• Falling hazard trees and bucking tree material for chipping and transport.
• Using best arboricultural practices, maintain specimen tree health by mulching, watering, pruning and other tasks.
• Identify plants for and assist with seed collection for forestry plant grow out.
• Identify native trees and pest species that might be associated with native trees.
• Work collaboratively with the Supervisor to develop tree risk assessment and mitigation, specimen tree care, and native planting plans within the forested areas of the Park. 
• Keep inventory and coordinate maintenance of equipment, tools, and supplies assigned to field operations.
• Influence budget needs and coordinate procurement of tools and supplies.  
• Operate equipment to perform tasks and oversee others in appropriate equipment use.
• Demonstrate ownership of assigned work by upholding and maintaining standards to the highest degree by understanding plant health and environmental conditions.
• Document, inventory, report, and catalog data and information.
• Accurately manage employee schedules to accommodate organization programs. 
• Communicate employee observations to Supervisor for recognition or disciplinary action. 
• Communicate issues regarding infrastructure, furnishings, safety hazards, quality of the Park user experience issues as needed via work order system.
• Monitor irrigation systems of Park areas of responsibility, and complete work orders as needed 
• Work collaboratively and creatively with Park Operations leadership in a team-first environment.  
• Interact with Park patrons in a courteous and professional manner. Ensure team members are trained and adhering accordingly. Be prepared to provide accurate and pertinent information regarding MPC and the Park.  
• Enforce MPC rules, safety policies, and procedures, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Conduct and document safety training as needed and ensure compliance with safety protocol.  
• Ensure cleanliness of office and storage spaces.  
• Assist with trash and debris removal, sweeping and blowing of areas as needed. 
• Lead and organize volunteers, delegating tasks to Technicians. This includes an occasional weekend. 
• Assist with other Park Operations teams as needed. 

Qualifications, the ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Ecosystem Science, Natural Resource Management or related field
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working in arboriculture, conservation, native plant establishment, and/or invasive species management.
• In lieu of degree, ISA certifications and related experiences will be considered
• High level of knowledge and experience with Integrated Pest Management Principles
• Strong knowledge of pests native and invasive to the Houston area
• Ability to disseminate information regarding industry standards and best practices and train coworkers in horticultural skills.
• Experience with GIS and operation of associated equipment 
• Demonstrated success in working in a team-oriented environment, as well as ability to work independently and make judgment calls, while referring more serious problems to a Supervisor.   
• Strong written and oral communication skills; highly motivated. 
• Proficiency in PC based Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.  
• Experience with asset management systems a plus, must be comfortable learning new software. 
• Exceptional time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.   
• Ability to work a varied schedule including occasional weekends, holidays, and evenings. 
• Operate and transport equipment to perform tasks
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently, work effectively with others, problem solve
• Valid Driver’s License; (CDL is a plus)

Preferred Certificates and Licensures:

• TDA Pesticide Applicator License
• ISA Certified Arborist and additional, a plus
• S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws

Abilities Required:

• Ability to perform heavy, physical labor daily in all weather conditions
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Sufficient strength and manual dexterity to operate power equipment
• Ability to stand, crouch, and climb to use ladders and perform various types of manual labor

Safety Requirements:

Establishment and maintenance of 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 follow federal, state, and local safety regulations. Employees are expected to obey safety rules and to exercise caution in all their work activities.  Accordingly, employees should be aware of any hazards, which could cause an injury or accident (e.g., spills, obstacles in walkways).  If an employee discovers a potentially dangerous condition, he/she should alert other employees and notify his/her supervisor immediately.

Disclaimer:

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

Compensation:

This is an hourly, non-exempt position. Pay is $20-$23 per hour. Benefits include full medical, dental and vision benefits, paid time off, short-term and long-term disability and 401k retirement plan.

To Apply:

Please send a resume to Careers@memorialparkconservancy.org