Conservation Technician - TREES
The Conservation Technician supports the TREES Initiative by performing hands-on ecological restoration activities including native seed collection, nursery propagation, and planting native trees at restoration sites. This full-time role involves outdoor physical work, maintaining nursery and restoration sites, coordinating volunteers, and assisting with large-scale riparian forest restoration projects in Central Texas.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Botanical Garden & Environmental Conservation (nonprofit).
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is hiring a Conservation Technician to support a long‑term riparian forest restoration program (TREES Initiative). This entry‑level, hands‑on role supports nursery production, seed collection and processing, field planting, and volunteer events.
- Nursery production & plant care:
- Propagate native trees from seed and cuttings using established nursery protocols.
- Pot, transplant, and maintain container‑grown trees through multiple production stages.
- Water, fertilize, weed, prune, and monitor plant health.
- Install and maintain irrigation systems and assist with integrated pest management.
- Maintain clean, organized nursery/greenhouse areas and assist with moving plant material.
- Seed collection & processing:
- Collect, label, transport, clean, sort, and process native tree seed following protocols.
- Document and maintain accurate seed inventories and collection records.
- Ecological restoration & field operations:
- Assist with tree planting and site preparation at restoration locations.
- Install tree protection, mulch, and erosion‑control measures; water and maintain plantings.
- Operate and maintain field tools, trailers, and basic equipment.
- Volunteer support & program assistance:
- Help coordinate and supervise volunteer workdays (nursery, seed collection, planting).
- Prepare tools, supplies, and materials for events; maintain field equipment and vehicles.
- Perform other duties that support the organization’s conservation mission.
Qualifications
- Associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or coursework in horticulture, forestry, botany, ecology, conservation biology, natural resources, or related field preferred.
- Experience in horticulture, landscaping, forestry, agriculture, restoration, or nursery production is desirable but not required.
- Interest in native Texas plants, ecological restoration, and outdoor conservation work.
- Strong work ethic and ability to perform physically demanding outdoor tasks.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Valid Texas driver’s license (or ability to obtain one).
- Ability to pass a criminal background check where required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Basic plant identification and plant care knowledge.
- Familiarity with plant propagation and nursery production is a plus.
- Safe use of hand tools, pruners, shovels, irrigation equipment, and basic power equipment.
- Willingness to learn skid steer / mini‑track loader operation.
- Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow written protocols.
- Ability to work effectively with volunteers and diverse groups; good problem‑solving skills.
Physical Requirements
- Regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Walk long distances over uneven terrain; bend, kneel, squat, climb, and perform repetitive tasks.
- Work outdoors for extended periods in heat, humidity, sun, rain, and wind.
- Safely operate hand tools and small equipment.
Working Conditions
- Primarily outdoor work at nursery facilities, restoration sites, and field locations across Central Texas and the Guadalupe River watershed.
- Frequent travel to restoration sites; occasional weekend work for volunteer events, seed collection, or planting seasons.
- Seasonal workload variation; position requires flexibility during seed collection and planting windows.
Compensation & Schedule
- Employment type: Full‑time (40 hours per week); occasional weekends during peak seasons or volunteer events.
- Compensation: Estimated $39,717 per year (source estimate). Final hourly wage will be commensurate with experience.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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