The City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) Natural Resources Management Program (NRMP) works to preserve the biodiversity and natural heritage of Houston and surrounding areas by supporting green space preservation, protecting and restoring natural communities, and cultivating a sense of environmental awareness through research, education, and stewardship. Within Houston’s urban environment, there are significant green spaces and natural resource areas. HPARD owns and manages an extensive network of parks and green spaces including 382 parks encompassing over 25,000 acres in and around Houston. Of those 382 parks, 80 have been identified as having natural areas, which total over 16,000 acres. Learn more about NRMP: https://www.houstontx.gov/parks/naturalresources.html  NRMP is seeking a Natural Resources Technician to join our Natural Resources field crew.   The potential candidate will play a key role in the following duties:  

• Install tree and prairie plantings. 
• Provide regular intensive maintenance of habitat restoration sites, such as watering trees, staking trees, and removing vines.
• Operate and maintain various pieces of equipment such as riding mowing units, lawnmowers, edger, and chainsaw used to maintain habitat restoration areas.
• Ensure work equipment and vehicle is safely operated, properly maintained, and serviced.
• Assist in prescribed burns, forest management, and vegetation management.
• Work in the HPARD greenhouse to propagate hyper-local native plants for habitat restoration. Includes seed collection, developing plant ID skills, and habitat plantings.
• Conduct volunteer workdays, planting events and conservation service events.
• Perform trash cleanup of riparian areas.
• Conduct invasive species removal using mechanical and/or chemical methods.
• Perform technical data collection, research, analysis, evaluations, inspections, or surveys to determine the impact on natural resources.
• Participate in community outreach events to educate citizens about the value of native habitat.  
• Participate in online and hands-on training provided by various organizations.
• Perform related work as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS     

The position involves considerable physical exertion, such as lifting of heavy objects (up to 80 pounds) on a frequent basis and/or assuming awkward positions. There are occasional minor discomforts from exposure to less-than-optimal temperature and air conditions.