Horticulturist / Landscaping

General Summary

This position performs entry-level horticulture and landscape maintenance work in parks, community centers, public grounds, medians, trails, and other assigned county properties. This position supports the installation, care, and maintenance of trees, shrubs, turf, flower beds, native plantings, landscaped areas, and related amenities under general supervision.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs routine landscape and horticulture maintenance, including planting, watering, pruning, mulching, fertilizing, edging, weeding, mowing, trimming, and general bed maintenance.
• Assists with soil preparation, including tilling, grading, adding soil amendments, and preparing beds for seasonal plantings.
• Installs and maintains trees, shrubs, flowers, ground covers, turf, and other plant materials in accordance with established standards.
• Assists with irrigation and drainage work, including identifying issues, digging trenches, repairing minor leaks, replacing heads, and supporting installation or repair projects.
• Operates and maintains hand tools, power tools, mowers, trimmers, blowers, utility vehicles, trailers, and other assigned equipment.
• Performs general park maintenance as needed, including litter removal, pressure washing, minor repairs, event setup, and support during weather-related or emergency response activities.
• Follows all safety procedures, uses PPE appropriately, and reports unsafe conditions, equipment issues, vandalism, or facility concerns.
• Interacts professionally with the public, coworkers, volunteers, contractors, and other departments.

Requirements

Work Experience: One year of landscape, grounds maintenance, parks maintenance, horticulture, nursery, turf, irrigation, or related experience preferred.

Valid Texas driver's license may be required, based on assignment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Basic knowledge of landscaping, plant care, mowing, trimming, watering, and safe equipment operation.
• Ability to obtain required county safety, equipment, or pesticide-related training as assigned.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold, rain, and other weather conditions.
• Ability to lift, bend, stoop, walk, stand, and perform physical labor for extended periods.

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

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• Valid Texas driver's license preferred

Position Schedule and Work Hours

• This is a full-time position
• Our parks are open 365 days of the year
• The Parks Department works 5-8 hour shifts
• Hours/days may vary based on business needs of the department
• Some weekends, evening hours or holidays will be required during special events or in times of emergency response/preparedness

Work Environment

Work is performed where extreme temperatures, caustic substances, physical hazards, respiratory hazards, humidity, noise, vibrations, and other hazards may be encountered. This position is outdoors so a strong candidate must enjoy being outside in all weather conditions.

Physical Demands

The work is medium and requires exerting up to 75 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 30 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: balancing, climbing, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, reaching, repetitive motions, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

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 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email [email protected]. 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.