Job Summary: The Conservation Horticulture Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and conducting work related to formal, native landscaping through horticulture practices and native plant grow out. This includes proactively caring for formal, native horticulture beds to maintain aesthetics and coordinating grow-out of native plants by sourcing seed, monitoring plant growth, and supporting production of mulch/compost to be used in Park areas. These formal, native horticulture beds include small scale, landscaped areas planted with native plant species within Memorial Park. The Conservation Horticulture Coordinator will be responsible for prioritizing work to be completed weekly and leading a team in designated areas. Through oversight and strong collaboration across all Conservation Operations branches, the Conservation Horticulture Coordinator will lead team members to complete native horticulture-based practices with the guidance of the Conservation Horticulture Supervisor.
Base Schedule: Monday-Friday: 6:00am-2:30pm; may adjust based on season. This is a full-time position.
Responsibilities and Duties Include:
- Use best horticulture management practices to maintain formal, native landscaped beds with continuous assessments and monitoring, seasonal cutbacks and pruning, soil enhancement, native plantings, integrative pest management including invasive species removal and herbicide application, and other formal horticulture-based tasks.
- Use best production practices to grow out native graminoids, forbs, shrubs, trees by collecting plant material, seeding, weeding, watering, fertilizing, pesticides and herbicide application; monitor grow out systems including irrigation; maintain production facilities by cleaning, sweeping; produce mulch/compost, and other plant grow out tasks.
- Coordinate, lead, and direct team members’ daily tasks to maintain assigned areas and plan for routine upcoming tasks or urgent projects.
- Work collaboratively with the Supervisor to enhance and maintain formal, native plantings within the landscaped areas of the Park and to grow native plants.
- Support training of staff, seasonal workers, interns, and volunteers.
- Physically perform formal horticulture and grow out practices including mechanical & chemical vegetation removal, planting & seeding, seed and plant collection, mulching, watering, fertilizing, pruning, edging, turning mulch/compost piles, and other daily and seasonal tasks.
- Conduct work in a range of native, formal landscape beds of various sizes, greenhouse, lathe house, and mulch/compost production area on a regular basis.
- Safely operate small and large equipment and oversee others in safe equipment use including utility vehicles, trucks, spray tanks, tractors, backpack blowers, tri-blades, edgers, and others as needed. Operation may extend for many hours at a time and over the course of several days as needed.
- Monitor irrigation systems of Park areas and production facilities and submit work orders as needed.
- Keep inventory of, coordinate maintenance of, and inform Supervisor when to purchase supplies, tools, and equipment assigned to field and production operations.
- Identify and document flora/fauna and other monitoring data using various data collection tools, as needed.
- Support the coordination of employee schedules to accommodate weekly tasks.
- Demonstrate ownership of assigned work by upholding and maintaining standards to the highest degree by understanding landscape aesthetic practices, plant health and environmental conditions.
- Lead and organize volunteers, delegating tasks to Technicians. This includes occasional weekends.
- Communicate employee observations to Supervisor for recognition or disciplinary action.
- Communicate issues regarding infrastructure, furnishings, safety hazards, quality of the Park user experience issues via work order system, as needed.
- Interact with Park patrons in a courteous and professional manner. Ensure team members are trained and adhering accordingly. Be prepared to provide accurate and pertinent information regarding MPC and the Park.
- Enforce and comply with MPC rules, safety policies, and procedures, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Assist with cleanliness of office and storage spaces.
- Assist with trash and debris removal, as needed.
- Assist with other Park Operations teams, as needed.
Qualifications: the ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
- 3 or more years of professional experience in horticulture, landscaping, plant production, native plant establishment, or related field; in which 1 or more are in a leadership role.
- Knowledge and experience of formal, native landscape management practices and native plant production practices such as: soil development, integrated pest management, planting/seeding, pruning methods, ladscape design and plant stress identification.
- Strong plant ID skills of Texas native and invasive species, preferred.
- Ability to disseminate information regarding industry standards and best practices in conservation horticulture and production to train team members.
- Knowledge and experience in the safe operation of conservation horticulture and production industry tools and equipment, including hand tools, power equipment, and heavy machinery.
- Knowledge of irrigation function, a plus.
- Demonstrated success in working in a team-oriented environment, working effectively with others, ability to work independently, make judgment calls, problem solve, while referring more serious problems to a Supervisor.
- Strong written and oral communication skills; strong time management and organizational skills; highly motivated.?
- Proficiency in PC based Microsoft Office software (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook, and asset management systems.
- Comfortable performing work tasks at heights while using proper PPE.
- At times, guide and perform work that requires the use of fall-protection, but only after full completion of MPC provided training.
- Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License.
Abilities Required:
- Ability to perform heavy, physical labor daily in all weather conditions repeatedly throughout a workday and work week.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs. repeatedly throughout a workday and work week.
- Sufficient strength, stamina, and manual dexterity to operate power equipment throughout a workday, repeatedly in a work week.
- Must be able to bend, crouch, repel, kneel, stand, walk and perform various types of manual labor for extended periods of time throughout the workday, repeatedly in a work week.
Safety Requirements:
Establishment and maintenance of a safe work environment is the shared responsibility of this organization and employees at every level. The Conservancy will make every effort to assure a safe environment and follow federal, state, and local safety regulations. Employees are expected to obey safety rules and to exercise caution in all their work activities. Accordingly, employees should be aware of any hazards, which could cause an injury or accident (e.g., spills, obstacles in walkways). If an employee discovers a potentially dangerous condition, he/she should alert other employees and notify his/her supervisor immediately.
Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Compensation:
This is an hourly, non-exempt position, with a range of $21-$24 per hour. Benefits include full medical, dental and vision benefits, paid time off, short-term and long-term disability, and 401k retirement plan.
