Memorial Park Conservancy seeks Arboriculture Technician

Preserve, restore, and enhance Memorial Park for the enjoyment of all Houstonians, today and tomorrow.

Job Summary: Arboriculture Technician I is responsible for assisting with hazard tree mitigation, maintaining trees through arboricultural practices, and assisting with native forest plantings as directed by the Forestry and Arboriculture Conservation Supervisor. Arboriculture Technician I reports to the Arboriculture Coordinator. The Arboriculture Technician I will work with other Forestry and Arboriculture Conservation branch members to maintain hazard-free and ecologically resilient Park areas. The Arboriculture Technician I will focus on tree care utilizing arboriculture techniques, IPM, and increasing native plant diversity. Base Schedule: Monday-Friday 6:00am- 2:30pm, may adjust based on seasons.

Specific Duties Include:

• Assist with tree risk assessment and management tasks via tree removal or risk reduction.
• Falling hazard trees and bucking tree material for chipping and transport.
• Help maintain specimen tree health through arboricultural practices including mulching, watering, pruning and other tasks.
• Daily maintenance of tools and supplies used for arboriculture practices.
• Operate equipment, as needed, to perform tasks.
• Demonstrate ownership of assigned work by upholding maintenance standards to the highest degree.
• Communicate issues regarding infrastructure, furnishings, safety hazards, quality of the Park user experience issues as needed via work order system.
• Interact with Park users in a courteous and professional manner.
• Comply with all MPC rules, safety policies, and procedures, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Assist with cleanliness of office and storage spaces.  
• Assist with trash and debris removal, sweeping and blowing of areas as needed.
• Work alongside volunteers and lead volunteer groups at the discretion of the coordinator. This includes an occasional weekend.  
• Assist with other Park Operations teams as needed. 

Qualifications: the ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• 1-year professional experience in arboriculture and/or forestry
• Experience with arboriculture techniques
• Experience with forestry management techniques
• Safe operation of equipment including heavy machinery and chainsaws
• Demonstrated success in working in a team-oriented environment, as well as ability to work independently.  
• Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 
• Strong communication skills; highly motivated. 
• Completion of the Tree Care Industry Association Chain Saw Specialist and Chipper Operator Specialist Training program within the first 6 months of employment.
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work independently and highly motivated
• Valid Driver’s License

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 AND BENEFITS – This is an hourly non-exempt position. Pay range is $16-18/hr; pay is commensurate with experience. Benefits include full medical, dental and vision benefits, paid time off, short-term and long-term disability and 401k retirement plan.

TO APPLY – Send resume and application materials to careers@memorialparkconservancy.org