Laborer, Outdoor​/Nature​/Animal Care, General Labor

Overview

Position Description for the Laborer with the Facilities Maintenance Department at Harris County Flood Control District. The Flood Control District has the mission to reduce the risk of flooding in Harris County, which includes the City of Houston. It oversees primary stormwater facilities in the county, including approximately 1,500 channels totaling nearly 2,500 miles, more than 60 regional stormwater detention basins totaling over 10,000 acres, and several wetlands mitigation banks including Greens Bayou.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need special services or accommodations, please call  or email  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.

Position Type, Hours and Salary:
Regular | Full-Time | Non-exempt; 40 hours per week;
Salary:
To be discussed at interview.

The Harris County Flood Control District is seeking qualified candidates for the role of Laborer with the Facilities Maintenance Department. You will be responsible for operating gasoline powered equipment and various hand tools used in daily operation of maintaining clear channels, drainage elements and rights of way in accordance with the District’s mission to maintain the Infrastructure.

• Cut and chop weeds and other types of vegetation using gasoline-powered equipment such as weed eaters, and non-powered hand tools such as machetes, axes or tree trimmers.
• Remove and stack cut vegetation in, along and around channels, drainage elements and rights-of-way using hand rakes or pitchforks.
• Load or assist in loading cut vegetation and refuse into trash trucks for removal to dump site with or without power or hand tools.
• Clear rights of way of trees, rocks, and any other large obstacles.
• May enter the channel in water up to three feet in depth or from the bank to dislodge and remove drifts and debris (trees, limbs, brush, vines, trash, and refuse) that impede water flow around and under bridges or other areas.
• Spray herbicides on selected weeds and grasses using filled backpacks that weigh between 25 and 30 pounds.
• Perform preventive maintenance on tools and equipment, such as sharpening machetes, axes and shovels, changing line cords for weed eaters, checking fluid levels in gasoline powered equipment and cleaning or replacing air filters.
• Report necessary replacement or repair of defective equipment to supervisor.
• Utilize safety wear equipment as specified by the District and dictated by each job assignment performed.
• Perform other duties that may be added or changed as the course and scope of the job directs.

Education

• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent

Experience

• One (1) year in landscaping, vegetation maintenance, herbicide application, labor work, or a closely related field

Licensure

• Valid Class "C" Texas Driver’s License

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Can effectively communicate with coworkers and the public.
• Must be able to read and follow written instructions.
• Work well in an outdoor setting.
• Work well with a team in a field environment.
• Work independently with limited supervision, relative autonomy, and general review.
• Be a self-starter; assume ownership in completing assigned tasks.
• Knowledge of bayou, drainage area, and rights-of-way maintenance, including application of various herbicides, cutting and clearing brush, and debris removal preferred.

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.

Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure
:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Frequent walking…