Natural Resources Equipment Technician

Natural Resources Equipment Technician

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department is dedicated to building a sustainable community and enhance 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 Natural Resources Equipment Technician to join its Greenspace Operations team. The potential candidate will play a key role in the following duties:

• Performs a variety of manual tasks and activities on a daily basis, i.e., herbicide application, auguring, mowing, planting, weeding.
• Install tree and prairie plantings, and assist in plant propagation.
• Assist in mechanical and chemical invasive species removal.
• Operating and maintaining various pieces of equipment such as brush cutters, weed eaters, riding mowing units, lawnmowers, edger, tractor, skid steer and chainsaw to maintain habitat restoration areas.
• Operates equipment within sensitive natural areas, such as prairies and wetlands, with minimal disturbance.
• Maintains, cleans and services equipment, vehicles, tools, and facilities. Inspects vehicles for required supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Observes and follows safety procedures and precautions at work site

WORKING CONDITIONS The position involves considerable physical exertion, such as lifting of heavy objects (up to 50 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.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Requires an Associate's degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Science, or a related field. EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Six months of experience using equipment to improve or maintain parks, landscapes, or habitats. OR Experience using heavy equipment to improve or maintain parks, landscapes habitats, or related field may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-to-year basis. LICENSE REQUIREMENTS May be required to obtain a valid Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and comply with the City of Houston's policy on driving based on the type of equipment the individual is assigned to operate.

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. 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. Pay Grade 13 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: To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: or call View phone number on click.appcast.io. If you need special services or accommodations, call View phone number on click.appcast.io). (TTY 7-1-1). If you need login assistance or technical support call View phone number on click.appcast.io. Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process. All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided. EOE Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.