Conservation Planner Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Description

With guidance from, and under the direction of the Conservation Manager, the Conservation Technician I will coordinate the following activities within the Bayou Greenways Conservation and Maintenance program. This position involves hands-on work in restoring and maintaining natural areas and landscape resources; therefore it requires knowledge of plant/animal ecosystems and landscape techniques.

Main Responsibilities:

Understanding, monitoring, and caring for the native landscape bed resources and/or habitats along the Bayou Greenway system

Work collaboratively in the field with other conservation staff, volunteers and contractors on conservation projects

Essential oversight of contractors including ensuring maintenance work is completed and complies with standards, integrating newly completed conservation areas into maintenance activities, and assisting in the creation of maintenance Requests for Proposals (RFP's) and Work Orders (WO's)

Habitat vegetation inventory/assessment, as needed, utilizing best management practices

Natural resource management tasks, such as herbicide control of invasive species

Creation, replanting and rebuilding of habitats

Project coordination with HPB team members, including the maintenance team

Facilitate positive communication and collaboration with HPB staff, all key stakeholders, government agencies (including Houston Parks and Recreation Department "HPARD", Harris County Precincts and Harris County Flood Control District "HCFCD"), project partners/volunteers and the general public

Regular meetings with Conservation Manager and Team

Capable of working effectively and independently in the field with minimal guidance

Additional duties as required

Requirements

Education:

Bachelor's degree in landscape architecture, natural resources, ecology, forestry, resource management, biology, wildlife biology, urban planning with an emphasis on environmental design or related field, or equivalent experience in a related field

Knowledge and Experience:

1 or more years of experience managing natural resource management projects and environmental education programs

Strong knowledge of plants native to the Houston area, including tree identification

Experience with technical aspects and best practices of landscape and wildlife management

Expertise and understanding of landscape systems, ecological systems, green infrastructure and landscape sustainability

Understanding of long-term implications of construction-related decisions and practices on future maintenance operations

Licenses & Certifications:

• Valid Texas Driver's License required. 
• Must be at least 21 years of age to meet insurance eligibility requirements for operating an HPB vehicle. Driving an HPB vehicle is an essential function of this position.

Skills and Abilities:

Plant identification skills are essential for a successful candidate

Excellent organizational skills with the ability to meet multiple deadlines with attention to detail, define problems, collect data, establish facts, and present viable solutions

Good communicator, including clear, concise and accessible reports, correspondence, procedural manuals and verbal presentations

Ability to work effectively with others in order to build mutual respect and solve problems

Ability to efficiently respond to questions from staff, Board members, program partners, funders and members of the community

Ability to effectively manage projects and project personnel, both volunteer and contractual

Demonstrated ability to work independently

Evidence of good judgment and decisiveness

Ability to work creatively and resourcefully within a determined budget

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite products, working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), ability to read and interpret landscape architectural plans

Work Environment:

Primarily "in the field" along the greenway system, via company vehicle, with periods of office time for meetings, preparing reports, etc.

Will be outside exposed to long periods of sun, high heat and humidity, rain, or cold

Driving in the Houston area will be required

This is a salary exempt position, with a range of $46,000-$48,000/ year commensurate with skills and experience. Benefits include full medical, dental and vision benefits, paid time off, short-and long-term disability, and 403b retirement plan.