Scientific Program Coordinator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 16645
Department: Commissioner Precinct 4
Opening Date: 04/29/2026
Closing Date: 6/30/2026 11:59 PM Central
Position Description
The Outdoor Program Coordinator is responsible for planning, coordinating, and facilitating outdoor recreation programs, classes, and educational activities for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Programs may include gardening workshops, nature walks, ecology lessons, fitness activities, wildlife education, conservation topics, and other park-based experiences that promote outdoor engagement and stewardship.
This role also performs administrative duties related to program scheduling, participant communication, and customer service. The Outdoor Program Coordinator works collaboratively across departments to ensure high-quality, inclusive programming that reflects the park's mission and serves the diverse needs of the community.
This position reports to the Park Foreman.
Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, schedule, and deliver outdoor programs, classes, workshops, and guided activities tailored to a wide range of ages, abilities, and interests.
• Lead on-site programs covering topics such as gardening, fitness, ecology, wildlife, conservation, park stewardship, and general nature-based education.
• Coordinate logistics for each program, including materials preparation, site setup, safety checks, and participant flow.
• Respond to public inquiries regarding programs (phone, email, online platforms), providing clear, timely, and professional communication.
• Maintain program calendars, registrations, attendance records, waivers, and participant feedback.
• Collaborate with park staff, volunteers, community partners, and subject-matter experts to expand and enhance offerings.
• Monitor program areas and ensure all activities are conducted safely and in accordance with park policies and best practices.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend adjustments to improve engagement, accessibility, and educational value.
• Assist with marketing efforts such as program descriptions, photos, social media content, and community outreach.
• Support special events, volunteer projects, and community engagement initiatives as needed.
• Represents Precinct 4 with professionalism at all times, including assisting constituents and reinforcing park rules as necessary.

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:

• High school diploma or GED required; associate's or bachelor's degree in recreation, environmental education, natural sciences, public programming, or a related field preferred.

Experience:

• Experience leading classes, workshops, programs, camps, or public-facing educational activities - especially in outdoor or nature-based settings.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to lead physical outdoor activities and engage diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational skills for managing schedules, records, and program logistics.
• Basic proficiency with email, scheduling software, and digital communication tools.
• Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as program schedules require.

Licensure:

• Valid driver's license.

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.
Preferences

• Knowledge of local ecology, conservation practices, gardening, fitness, or other nature-based recreation topics.
• Experience with public engagement, volunteer coordination, or community outreach.
• Skill in developing creative, educational, and inclusive programming.
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.
• Bilingual capabilities (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.
• Comfort with basic program marketing and outreach (social media posts, flyers, photos).
• Ability to adapt programs based on weather, facility availability, and participant needs.

General Information
Salary:

• Dependent on qualifications

Location:

• Burnett Bayland Park, 6000 Chimney Rock Rd, Houston, TX 77081

WHAT YOU WILL GET IN RETURN:
You will be surrounded by team members who bring "heart, hustle, and higher standards" to work each day. These leaders advance opportunity and justice as they deliver services to and advocate for the residents of Harris County. The team you will be joining is innovative, dynamic, and forward-looking.
Harris County employees receive a competitive salary plus medical, dental, and vision insurance at no cost to the employee after the first two months of full-time continued employment. Vacation, sick-time, and floating holidays allow our employees to recharge and balance work and personal time. Mandatory participation in our retirement program allows employees to save for retirement. Various other benefits and discounts lead to the satisfaction and engagement of our employees.
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.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*

* Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?Qualifying information must be documented in the Education section of your application.

• High School or GED diploma
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher
• None of the above

02
If you selected a college degree in response to the previous question, which of the following best describes your major?

• Recreation
• Environmental Education
• Natural Sciences
• Public Programming
• Other Related Field
• Unrelated Field
• N/A; No Degree

03
Please describe your educational background including level of education completed, area of study and completed major and minor programs.
04
Do you have experience leading classes, workshops, programs, camps, or public-facing educational activities - especially in outdoor or nature-based settings?

• Yes
• No

05
Please provide details about your verifiable experience leading classes, workshops, programs, camps, or public-facing educational activities - especially in outdoor or nature-based settings.Do not use "Please see Resume" or "See Resume"(To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)Please include your (a) role(s), (b) types of organizations, (c) scope of duties and responsibilitiesIf you do not have this experience, please type "None" in the space provided.
06
Do you have experience with public engagement, volunteer coordination, or community outreach?

• Yes
• No

07
Are you bilingual in English and Spanish? If yes, do you consider yourself fluent?

• Yes, I am fluent in both of these languages
• No, I am fluent in only one of these languages
• No, I am not fluent in either one of these languages

08
This role requires a Valid Driver's License (Texas upon hire)Do you have a Valid Driver's License?

• Yes, I have a Valid Texas Driver's License
• Yes, I have a Valid Driver's License but understand I must obtain a Valid Texas Driver's License prior to start date
• No, I do not have a Valid Driver's License

Required Question