Houston Arboretum and Nature Center Seeks Part-Time Landscape Design Technician – Citizens’ Environmental Coalition

Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is looking for a Part-time Native Landscape Specialist

Reports To: Conservation Director
Employment status: Contract, up to 40 hours per week
Salary: $18 an hour

About Arboretum
The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate people of all ages about the natural environment, and to protect and improve the Arboretum as a haven and sanctuary for native plants and animals. Located on the western edge of Memorial Park, this 155-acre urban nature preserve encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy the natural world. One of the first nature-study institutions for children in the state of Texas, the Arboretum welcomes more than 11,000 students and 625,000 visitors annually. Please visit our website for more information about the history, people and programs of the Arboretum.

Vacancy description
The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is looking for a part-time native landscaper to work with conservation staff and volunteers to design, maintain and improve sustainable garden beds and assist with a native plant growing program. This is a contract hourly job, Monday through Friday and the fourth Saturday of each month, with occasional extra hours during Arboretum events for all staff throughout the year.

Duties and responsibilities
• Assistance with sustainable landscaping, including aesthetic garden design and layout, planting native plants to expand or improve existing gardens, soil preparation, identifying and removing invasive plants, and applying water, mulch, compost, fertilizer, or herbicides as needed . .
• Assistance with the management of a native plant nursery, including growing plants from seeds or cuttings for use in the garden, or selling plants biennially.
• Assistance with trail maintenance, natural resource management, or other site duties as needed.
• Collaborate with the director of conservation and conservation staff to identify and develop environmental and horticultural projects suitable for volunteer groups and staff.
• Responsible for the safety of volunteers under his/her supervision.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds and be able to stand and walk for several hours.

Education and experience
• A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in horticulture, botany or horticulture is preferred.
• Working knowledge of plants native to the Texas Gulf Coast prairie ecoregions, pine forests, or post-oak savanna.
• The ability to work effectively with others to build mutual respect.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds, move safely over uneven terrain, climb stairs, and often work outdoors year-round in a variety of weather conditions.

Interested candidates should send the following documents to Stephen Benigno, [email protected]:
• A one-page resume with work history, education and any other relevant information.
• A one page cover letter explaining why you are interested in and suitable for this opportunity

Thank you for your interest!