ECOSYSTEM SPECIALIST / EDUCATOR

Salary: 112 - $34,175.00 minimum salary.

Purpose of Classification

Performs specialized maintenance work in support and operation of the South Texas Ecotourism Center. Duties include maintaining existing structures and grounds utilizing specific scientific instruction or formulas and educating visitors about native plant and water exhibits. Positions in this class perform routine to complex maintenance and identify needed corrective actions to resolve discrepancies; answer maintenance questions; and maintain repair documents and records.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Maintains the facilities unique ecosystem ensuring the native plant and water exhibits are kept and presented appropriately and clean of any unintended debris.

Trims trees and greenery as needed and properly disposes of shrubs and/or trimmings; paints parking blocks and lines.

Waters and fertilizes lawn areas at proper times of the year; landscapes small grounds projects; operates small landscaping equipment, including small tractor mowers.

Keeps all grounds and parking areas free of trash and disposes of such properly; cleans grounds using rakes, broom, hose, or power blower when requested or as needed.

Handles power tools for the maintenance of county ground areas; maintains tools and machinery in good condition and uses all tools carefully and as instructed; may be expected to operate heavy equipment on occasion;

Provides assistance and information to employees, managers, vendors, citizens, local businesses, and/or and other interested parties regarding assigned garden functions; serves as liaison between supervisors, vendors, and other departments in regards to the garden. Explains policies and procedures.

When necessary, cleans and maintains the inside of the buildings.

Additional Functions

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED; supplemented by two (2) years of experience performing maintenance on specialized plant and water exhibits; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must have a valid Texas Driver's License.

ADA Compliance

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert medium physical effort in medium work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of heavy weight (50 - 100 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion at a keyboard or work station.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed with exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Exposure to damp/wet surfaces, duty conditions, fumes and odors, flammable liquids and high noise levels.

This is a Civil Service covered position. Testing requirements will follow section 2.32 of the Civil Service Rules and Regulations Handbook. Probationary period will follow section 2.35 of the Civil Service Rules and Regulations Handbook.

Benefits: Cameron County Offers Excellent Fringe Benefits, Including: Health and Life Insurance Protection, Sick and Annual Leave, Retirement System, and Paid Holidays. Cameron County has a mandatory direct deposit payroll program.

AA/EEO/MFD EMPLOYER