HORTICULTURIST

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications will be accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Division/ Section: HORTICULTURE & GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
Workdays & Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00a.m. - 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 while communicating with the contractor, division manager and/or director and any other HAS stakeholder with regards to: project status and updates, any irregularities, 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, in order to achieve “OPENING DAY FRESH” appearance at all times.

"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 of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Conducts daily inspections of all landscape areas, features, and beds for any physical damage, pest and
  disease issues, irrigation issues and/or general plant decline and reports accordingly
• Manages the operations of city greenhouses.
• Develops and implements year-round production schedules. Maintains a seasonal planting schedule and logs for annual rotations.
• Plans and directs maintenance activities for greenhouses and equipment.
• Procures horticulture supplies and plant materials. Conducts and maintains quarterly plant inventory counts.
• 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 Houston Airport System additional duties:
• Conducts weekly site meetings with the contractor and/or their representative to discuss issues, work schedules, plans, and projects, and submits a weekly report highlighting critical information to be communicated within the horticulture group.
• Reviews monthly reports submitted by the contractor ensuring contractual obligations are being met.
• Maintains a contractor issue log.
• Writes OSRs (other services requests) and documents, tracks, monitors and closes in system.
• Reviews contractor invoices against completed work for management 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’s degree in Horticulture or a related field is required.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Two years of experience in Horticulture, Nursery operations, Landscape maintenance involving plant health care, or interior plant maintenance are required.

SUBSTITUTION: Two years of directly related experience in horticulture, landscape plant maintenance, or interior plant care may substitute for the degree requirement. Duties must include all of the following: Planting, Pruning, Irrigation, Fertilization, and Pest/Disease management.

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

PREFERENCES

• An associates degree in Horticulture or related field
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience working in either the Landscaping or interiorscaping industry.

**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
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 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 accommodation, 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.

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 .

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: 5/21/2026 11:59 PM Central

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• Houston Airport System

• 2812331839

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