What are the responsibilities and job description for the Resource Analysis Program Assistant position at The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning...?
Description
Montgomery Parks is seeking three enthusiastic and team-oriented seasonal support staff to help monitor and improve water quality, reduce the discharge of pollutants into waterways, and protect aquatic ecosystems throughout Montgomery Parks.
Are you motivated to protect and improve local water quality?
Do you want to develop your skills in watershed monitoring, aquatic ecology, ecological restoration, and stormwater mitigation strategies?
Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and head outdoors to conduct biological monitoring assessments, pollution investigations, and other aquatic natural resource evaluations?
If so, one of our three seasonal positions in the Resource Analysis Section of the Park Planning and Stewardship Division (PPSD) may be just the opportunity for you! While each of the three seasonal positions focuses on distinct key responsibilities, the individuals in these roles will work both independently and collaboratively to also achieve shared goals.
Examples of Important Duties
1. Resource Analysis Program Assistant – Technician (March 2025 – October 2025)
This fieldwork and data management-oriented position assists biological monitoring and environmental restoration and project review staff in completing quantitative and qualitative aquatic surveys on Montgomery County Parkland.
Performs stream and wetland habitat assessments and collection of benthic macroinvertebrates using D-Net sampling techniques (March – April).
Assists with the collection and identification of fish and herpetofauna using electrofishing equipment (June – September).
Serves as the lead for conducting stream habitat assessments, including identification of non-native invasive (NNI) riparian plants, and collection of stream water chemistry data.
Develops and performs investigations of riparian conditions related to environmental restoration sites.
Performs equipment calibration, deployment, and maintenance duties for water quality data sondes and automated data loggers.
Captures, organizes, interprets, and summarizes water quality and geospatial data.
Processes benthic macroinvertebrates in the laboratory for further taxonomic identification.
Provides support with education and outreach initiatives to include data collection techniques and aquatic organism identification and instruction.
2. Resource Analysis Program Assistant – Summer Survey Support (May 2025 – August 2025)
Serves on a crew conducting summer stream sampling of fish, herpetofauna, and crayfish using electrofishing techniques; assists with field data collection, entry, and processing.
Processes benthic macroinvertebrate samples, calibrates and loads equipment, and performs other laboratory duties as assigned.
Advances data management, analysis, and synthesis for the biological monitoring and environmental restoration and project review programs.
Performs field visits to evaluate stream restoration projects, assess stormwater outfall stability, and investigate storm drain systems for illicit discharge.
Develops social media content and other strategies to educate the public on species identification, field facts, pollution reduction, and other work program highlights.
Assists with the implementation of pollution reduction strategies in support of Montgomery Parks’ Phase II National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Program.
3. Resource Analysis Program Assistant – Stormwater Permit Support (May 2025 – August 2025)
Helps Montgomery Parks to meet the requirements of the Phase II NPDES Permit Program and supports our stormwater management goals to eliminate pollutant discharge into local waterways through the implementation of the six minimum control measures: public education and outreach; public participation/involvement; illicit discharge detection and elimination; construction site runoff control; post-construction runoff control; and pollution prevention/good housekeeping.
Helps to prepare documentation to ensure compliance with the NPDES permit, including tracking efforts towards meeting impervious area treatment goals and the six minimum control measures.
Utilizes GIS to gather, process, and interpret spatial data and create visually engaging story maps. Manipulates data on ArcGIS Online to ensure data accuracy across various platforms.
Creates and shares educational materials on stormwater pollution prevention and best management practices for public and park staff, plus supports outreach and training activities.
Gets out into the field to inspect stormwater outfalls for illicit discharges, assess stormwater outfall stability, and assist with biological monitoring efforts per the MBSS protocols.
Assists with and learns about the maintenance of stormwater facilities across park property
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or working to obtain a bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, environmental studies, fisheries and wildlife, natural resources management, geography, geospatial analysis or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to complete tasks both independently and under supervision as part of a team, while following protocols and paying close attention to detail.
Comfortable conducting fieldwork in various weather conditions and navigating park properties.
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to various Montgomery Parks locations as required.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience with ArcGIS software for data collection, manipulation, and geospatial analyses;
Previous experience in field data collection through college-level courses and/or previous work experience;
Strong organizational skills, including experience working with Microsoft Office and GIS software and databases;
Excellent communication skills, including experience with creating educational materials or conducting outreach.
Supplemental Information
Position Details
Positions are seasonal (part-time) and do not include benefits. Reporting in-person to the Wheaton Headquarters located at 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD 20902, Monday through Thursday, and working between 24 and 32 hours a week is required.
Relocation and housing assistance are not provided; limited commuter reimbursement is available. Salaries are commensurate with experience and cannot exceed the advertised range.
The opportunity to attend Maryland Biological Stream Survey (MBSS) summer training, schedules permitting, is included (https://dnr.maryland.gov/streams/Pages/mbsstraining.aspx). Orientation to the Department of Parks and the Park Planning & Stewardship Division will be provided by staff. Specific project requirements will be discussed with supervisory staff members. Field equipment and techniques will be demonstrated by the project supervisor. Successful completion of an online Defensive Driving course will be required.
Working Conditions
Resource Analysis Program Assistants participate in office, fieldwork, and laboratory tasks which include:
Punctual morning arrival reporting to Wheaton Headquarters (2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD, 20902) within a prearranged schedule Monday through Thursday, averaging 24-32 hours and not to exceed 40 hours per week.
Frequent laboratory and equipment gathering, maintenance, and loading/unloading tasks are required, including lifting supplies weighing up to 50 lbs.
Considerable time outside working under somewhat arduous field conditions (e.g., sun, heat, insects), including walking significant distances while carrying cumbersome equipment and working in fast-flowing water with slippery and/or unstable substrate. Lug sole waders and other protective gear are provided.
Frequent use of multiple technical equipment and software applications in an office setting for processing data, assisting with tasks that support Montgomery Parks’ stormwater permit, and working on a capstone presentation to be presented at the end of the position.
Benthic macroinvertebrates are field-collected in the spring and preserved in denatured ethanol. Subsampling and identification include handling preserved samples, picking organisms out of a tray with precision forceps, and using a dissecting microscope.
Summer stream survey work involves the capture and transfer of stunned fish, crayfish, amphibians, and reptiles using nets and buckets prior to sample processing and release.
Applicant Instructions
Complete the application and answer the supplemental questions, indicating the role(s) of interest.
Upload a cover letter detailing your interest in the position and relevant experience. In your cover letter, be sure to explain why you are a good fit for the role and how your skills will contribute to the success of Resource Analysis programs (biological monitoring, Phase II NPDES Permit Program, environmental restoration).
Unofficial transcripts are preferred, but not required.
A complete background investigation will be completed prior to hire. May be subject to medical, drug, and alcohol testing.
Successful completion of an online Defensive Driving Course is required upon hire.
For more information on aquatic resources in Montgomery Parks, please visit our program websites at:
https://montgomeryparks.org/caring-for-our-parks/natural-spaces/biological-monitoring/
https://montgomeryparks.org/caring-for-our-parks/natural-spaces/stormwater-management/
https://montgomeryparks.org/caring-for-our-parks/natural-spaces/water-quality-information/
Diversity Statement: Montgomery County Department of Parks believes that diversity in all dimensions of the organization supports and bolsters the innovative thinking essential to its success. Montgomery County Parks does not make hiring decisions on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, political affiliation, or ideology or status as a Veteran.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a six-time National Recreation and Parks Association Gold Medal Award Winner, has a career staff complement of nearly 800 employees and we serve a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington, DC area. We manage 421 parks on more than 37,000 acres of parkland. Go to our website to learn more: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non- merit factor.
Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)
M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.
