Houston Arboretum & Nature Center seeks Native Landscape Technician

About the Arboretum
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide education about the natural environment to people of all ages, and to protect and enhance the Arboretum as a haven and sanctuary for native plants and animals. Located on the western edge of Memorial Park, this 155-acre urban nature sanctuary encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy the natural world. One of the first nature education facilities for children in the state of Texas, the Arboretum proudly welcomes over 10,000 school children and 600,000 visitors annually.

Job Description

The Native Landscape Technician will work with conservation staff and volunteers to develop, maintain, and enhance ecologically landscaped garden beds and assist with the native plant grow-out program. This is a full-time exempt position, base schedule Monday-Friday 7am-3:30pm.

Responsibilities:

• Physically perform general landscape maintenance including planting, seeding, weeding, watering, fertilizing, mulching, edging, raking, blowing, spraying, pruning, and other tasks as needed.
• Assist with the development of aesthetic designs and layouts of garden areas.
• Assist with native plant nursery management, involving grow-out of plants from seed or cuttings.
• Operate small equipment including utility vehicles, brush cutters, blowers, string strimmer, edgers, and others as needed.
• Lead volunteers in daily activities and assume responsibility for the safety and security of volunteers under his/her supervision.
• Collaborate with the Conservation staff to identify and develop ecological gardening projects appropriate for volunteer groups and staff.
• Assist with other operations and occasional staff-wide events as needed.

Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Degree from accredited institution in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science or related fields is preferred.
• In lieu of not possessing a degree, two or more years of verifiable experience working in horticulture, conservation, native plant establishment, and/or invasive species management.
• Knowledge of conservation horticulture practices such as: weeding, pruning and installing plants, and operation of associated equipment.
• Working knowledge of plant ID skills of native and invasive species in the Houston area.
• Demonstrated success in working in a team-oriented environment, as well as ability to work independently.
• Strong communication skills; highly motivated.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Basic knowledge in PC based Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Abilities Required:

• Ability to perform heavy, physical labor daily in all weather conditions.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. repeatedly throughout a given workday.
• Ability to operate power equipment throughout a workday.
• Ability to stand, crouch, and climb to use ladders and perform various types of manual labor throughout the day.

Safety Requirements:
Creating and upholding a secure work setting is a joint duty of both the organization and its employees, regardless of their position. The Arboretum is committed to ensuring a safe environment by adhering to safety regulations at the federal, state, and local levels. Employees are required to comply with safety protocols and to be cautious in their tasks.
Disclaimer:
The preceding statements aim to outline the typical scope and intensity of tasks carried out by individuals in this role. They should not be interpreted as an exhaustive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills expected of personnel. All personnel might occasionally be called upon to fulfill tasks beyond their usual responsibilities as necessary.
Reports to: Native Landscape Specialist
Compensation:
This is a salaried, exempt position. Pay is commensurate with skills and experience with a range of $18-$20 per hour.
Benefits include full medical, dental and vision benefits, paid time off, and 401k retirement plan.
Interested candidates should send the following documents to Stephen Benigno, sbenigno@houstonarboretum.org:

• A one page resume with work history, education, and any other relevant information.
• A one page cover letter explaining why you are interested in and qualified for this opportunity.
  Thank you for your interest!