PARK NATURALIST (GS)

Job Description:

PARK NATURALIST (GS)

Description

POSITION OVERVIEW


APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

DIVISION/ SECTION: GREENSPACE MANAGEMENT / LAKE HOUSTON - 25840 FM 1485, NEW CANEY, TX 77357

WORKDAYS & HOURS: TUES-FRI 7AM-4PM SAT 8AM-5PM *Subject to Change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department is dedicated to building a sustainable community and enhancing 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 Park Naturalist to join its Greenspace Management Division.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:

• The Naturalist position will report to Lake Houston Wilderness Park and will be required to work weekends/ holidays.
• Provides educational services by explaining regulations; answers community requests, needs and complaints; and provides information about the surrounding regions and natural area management.
• Prepares, assembles, and distributes educational materials and conducts educational presentations and training programs.
• Responsible for training and hiring nature center seasonal staff and oversee volunteer workdays and events.
• Oversee nature center operations including programs for children and the community about the Pineywoods Ecoregion.
• Responsible for live animal care of various snakes, turtles, and other native animals.
• Create curriculum and operate summer camp, field trips, and weekly public programs.
• Conducts vegetation management, natural area restoration, and invasive species removal utilizing manual, mechanical, and chemical methods
• Required to train and supervise volunteers in nature programs or various park activities.
• Confers with staff to determine subjects and schedules for educational projects.
• May construct historical, scientific, and nature visitor-center displays, many containing live specimens.
• Work in conjunction with cashiers and other park staff to ensure quality customer service.
• Work directly with Division Manager to create new projects and purchasing.
• Performs miscellaneous tasks as assigned .

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position occasionally requires stooping or bending. Occasional light lifting such as three or four reams of papers or books (up to 20 pounds or an equivalent weight) and is physically demanding and will require walking and standing in outdoors approximately 70% of the time. There are routine discomforts from exposure to moderate heat, cold, moisture/wetness and unpleasant air conditions. May involve routine exposure to soiled materials and light chemical substances such as cleaning solutions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Biology (field or wildlife), environmental science, natural science, or a closely related field.

Knowledge of local flora (plants) and fauna (animals) is required.

Required to become a Texas Master Naturalist within 12 months of hire.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
One (1) year of experience in environmental/outdoor education and program planning and implementation are required.

Directly related professional experience may be substituted for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to applicants who have a valid driver's license and comply with the City of Houston's policy on driving (AP 2-2).

***Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6***

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.

Pay Grade 18

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.

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: www.houstontx.gov . To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm . For application status inquiries, please contact 832.393.0241.

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.

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

If you need special services or accommodations call 832.393.0241 (TTY 7-1-1).

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 identify, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

Closing Date/Time: 3/31/2026 11:59 PM Central

Salary:

$2,100.00 - $2,325.60 Biweekly