Houston Parks and Recreation Department seeks Park Naturalist (GS)

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

DIVISION/ SECTION: GREENSPACE MANAGEMENT 

WORKDAYS & HOURS: MON-FRI (Occasional Weekend Rotations) 6:30 AM – 3:30 PM                

                        
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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. To achieve this mission, HPARD is seeking a Park Naturalist to join its Greenspace Management Division. 

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:

• Provides educational services by explaining regulations; answers community. requests, needs and complaints; and provides information about the surrounding regions and natural area management.
• Prepares, assembles, and distributes educational materials and conducts educational presentations and training programs.
• Assist staff and prepares discussions about park features, biological inventories, and ecological assessments of natural areas.
• Conducts vegetation management, natural area restoration, and invasive species removal utilizing manual, mechanical, and chemical methods.
• Directs research and study for staff, students and other groups to emphasize scientific, historic, and natural features of parks, forests, natural areas, and historic sites.
• May be required to train and supervise volunteers in nature programs, greenhouse operations, or various park activities. 
• Supervises, coordinates, trains, and evaluates personnel job assignments.
• Performs miscellaneous tasks as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position occasionally requires stooping or bending. Occasional light lifting such as three or four reams of papers or books (up to 20 pounds or an equivalent weight) and is physically demanding and will require walking and standing in outdoors approximately 70% of the time. There are routine discomforts from exposure to moderate heat, cold, moisture/wetness and unpleasant air conditions. May involve routine exposure to soiled materials and light chemical substances such as cleaning solutions. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS 
Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Biology (field or wildlife), environmental science, natural science, or a closely related field.

Knowledge of local flora (plants) and fauna (animals) is required.

Required to become a Texas Master Naturalist within 12 months of hire.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
One (1) year of experience in environmental/outdoor education and program planning and implementation are required.

Directly related professional experience may be substituted for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to applicants who have a valid driver’s license and comply with the City of Houston’s policy on driving (AP 2-2).

***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 applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6***    

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
The selection process will involve application review and/or interview.
 
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION    YES               
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
 
Pay Grade 18

SALARY INFORMATION                 
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate’s qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.                      

APPLICATION PROCEDURES 
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.  To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm.  For application status inquiries, please contact 832.395.7091.