Naturalist / Parks Department Job at Harris County

Harris County Houston, TX

Position Description

The Naturalist will work with other staff, volunteers, and organizations to create an array of outdoor educational programs and various landscaping needs in Precinct 2 parks. Program development will include creating and leading a wide variety of outdoor recreational, environmental education and conservation programs. The ideal candidate would consider connecting the public to the outdoors as a professional and personal priority. Applicant should be self-motivated, expect to work outdoors, yet use technology in applicable circumstances, and not be afraid to get their hands dirty. Typically, no two days are the same and the candidate should be flexible and able to prioritize program needs. Incumbent may be asked to present/submit a sample program. In addition, the successful candidate will design, install, and maintain landscapes and gardens throughout Precinct 2 Parks and Community Centers. The Naturalist will conduct soil analysis, adding soil amendments, till and grade soil to prepare for landscapes and seasonal planting. The Naturalist will also install trees, shrubs and flowers in designated garden areas and maintain equipment and tools.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Develop and lead a variety of outdoor recreational and conservation programs.
  • Write structured program outlines and plans.
  • Build relationships with partner organizations and identify grant opportunities.
  • Help develop annual budgets and supplies pertinent to the position.
  • Maintain quality and appearance of all equipment.
  • Create landscaped areas and help with in installation.
  • Develop, maintain, and present on key performance indicators for related programs.
  • Maintain records pertinent for position such as grants, herbicide, and pesticide usage.
Other Duties:
  • Leadership ability to plan and supervise the work of volunteers and seasonal staff.
  • Ability to work on multiple tasks concurrently and meet expected project deadlines
  • Flexible personalities, open to new ideas and suggestions from senior leadership and staff.
  • Creative and critical thinking.
  • This position will interact daily with other departments, staff, volunteer, and other organizations.
  • It is important to always be professional and represent Precinct 2 in the best manner possible.
  • Maintain pertinent professional certifications.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education and Experience:
  • A four-year bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation, biology, ecology, environmental science, or nature related curriculum
AND/OR
  • Five years minimum experience in a similar position or field work.
PLUS

  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in landscaping and programming.
Licensure:
  • Currently hold or willing to obtain within one year of hire, a Certified Arborist License.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Texas driver's license.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Experience in writing.
  • Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, specifically with Excel.
  • Intermediate knowledge of outdoor recreation activities and Texas history.
  • Experienced in landscape maintenance, design and installation.
  • Experienced in working with children and the public.
  • Experienced in speaking English and Spanish.
  • Budgetary experience

NOTE
: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
  • This position will work 40 hours per week on an 8 hour / 5 shifts schedule or 10 hour / 4 shifts schedule will include some holidays and weekends.
  • This position is also classified as essential personnel and will help in emergency situations such as hurricanes.
Work Environment:
  • Physical ability to walk, lift, bend, climb ladders and stairs, and stand for extended periods of time.
  • Physical ability to regularly lift and/or move at least fifty (50) pounds.
  • Works in inclement weather and confined areas as required.
Physical Demands:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions and is periodically exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high places; fumes or airborne particles; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; extreme heat & humidity night-time shifts; and routine use of a computer monitor.
  • Expect to work in a shared office/work environment.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.


Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.


BENEFITS
Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan.
The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Wellness
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-term disability
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 10 days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service. Accrual rates increase based on years of service.
  • 10 county holidays plus one (1) floating holiday
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
  • Healthcare Reimbursement Account
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are also available to regular (full-time) employment and may be available to part-time employees:
  • Retirement pension (TCDRS)
    • Flexible schedules (varies by department)
      • Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website:
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/Medical.aspx




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