HORTICULTURIST

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications will be accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Division/ Section: Horticulture & Grounds Maintenance
Workdays & Hours: Monday to Friday 7:00a.m. to 3:30 p.m. *Subject to change

PURPOSE OF DIVISION
The purpose of the Horticulture Maintenance Division is to manage the landscaping at all 4 HAS’s campuses; IAH, HOU, EFD & Spaceport, as well as the interior scaping at IAH & HOU by monitoring the existing contracts to the highest level of detail, consistency, and efficiency to ensure the scope is being executed according to not only the best industry practices but also in compliance with the local and state ordinances.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
The horticulturalist will serve as an educated observer; consistently monitoring Houston Airport System’s horticultural contracts, project status and updates, any irregularities, making recommendations for any improvements. This position ensures a high level of compliance, and that the needs of our stakeholders are met both internally and externally. In addition, performs daily inspections of all landscaped areas /features /beds for any physical damage, pest & disease issues, irrigation issues &/or general plant decline and report accordingly making recommendations for any improvements, verifying all work is completed satisfactorily, and in compliance with the best horticultural practices as well as local and state ordinances, to always achieve “OPENING DAY FRESH” appearance.

" Must be able to pass a criminal background check, obtain and maintain federally mandated security clearances where required. Candidates must be able to obtain all security required badge access including Custom Border Patrol access within 6 months from the hire date.”
The HORTICULTURIST responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manages the operations of city greenhouses.
• Develops and implements year-round production schedules.
• Plans and directs maintenance activities for greenhouses and equipment.
• Procures horticulture supplies and plant materials.
• Works with field personnel to review planting plans and provide updates on plant and insect problems.
• Delivers group presentations to garden clubs and other civic or social organizations, addressing citywide horticulture programs.
• Perform daily inspections of all landscaped areas /features /beds for any physical damage, pest & disease issues, irrigation issues &/or general plant decline and report accordingly
• Maintains a contractor issue log
• Conducts and maintains quarterly plant inventory counts.
• Conduct weekly site meetings with the contractor and /or representative thereof to discuss issues, work schedules /plans and projects and submit a weekly report with any critical information to be communicated within the horticulture group.
• Review monthly reports submitted by the contractor ensuring contractual obligations are being met and enforcing contract compliance
• Maintain a seasonal planting schedule and log for annual rotations
• Write OSR’s (Other Services Requests) and document, track, monitor and close in EAMS -INFOR
• Produces, daily and weekly landscaping and interior scaping inspection reports.
• Reviews all contractor invoices for DM’s approval.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The position occasionally requires stooping or bending. Occasional very light lifting, such as three or four reams of papers or books (up to 20 pounds or an equivalent weight) may be required. There are routine discomforts from exposure to moderate heat, cold, moisture/wetness and unpleasant air conditions. The position may involve routine exposure to soiled materials and light chemical substances such as cleaning solutions. Requires the ability to make coordinated gross motor movements in response to changing external stimuli within moderately demanding tolerances; or the ability to make coordinated eye/hand movements on a patterned response space within low tolerance demands with no real speed requirements.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
An Associate degree in Horticulture or a related field is required.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Two years of experience in Horticultural or Nursery Operations are required.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
May require a valid Texas driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston's policy on driving.

PREFERENCES

• Horticulture Level 1 certification highly desirable.
• A Commercial Landscape Maintenance background is a plus.
• Horticultural contract experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Texas native plants and plants in USDA hardiness zones 8-9 highly desirable.
• The ability to work independently under the direction of the division manager.
• Must be extremely organized with a keen attention to detail.
• The ability to produce and maintain proper contract records and reports preferred.
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Management large Horticultural contracts highly desirable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft word and excel.

**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. Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION - 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 active posting period. 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 or call (281-233-1043). If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627. If you need special services or accommodations, call (281-233-1043). (TTY 7-1-1).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.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume along with their completed application when applying. For further information pertaining to the Houston Airport System, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDWLV_sJFoM .

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 identity, 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
• 11 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: 11/19/2025 11:59 PM Central

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• Houston Airport System

• 2812331839

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