Historic Horticultural Specialist

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/

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 based on race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, political affiliation, or ideology or status as a Veteran.

The candidate will be responsible for planning, managing, maintaining, and interpreting both the vegetable and herb demonstration gardens at the Bussard farmstead in the Agricultural History Farm Park, which represent plantings during the interpretive period of the 1890s to 1940s. This includes researching historically appropriate crops, contributing to the development of interpretive gardening programs, and maintaining a garden plan. This job is year-round, with up to 30 hours per week.

• Maintain garden through planting, watering, weeding, pruning, mulching, and other outdoor tasks as necessary.

• Research and create plans for historically appropriate crops.

• Develop and maintain a planting plan to balance considerations of historic interpretation, beauty, visitor experience, ease of maintenance, year-round interest, and food production.

• Inventory and recommend acquisition of plant materials, supplies, and tools.

• Monitor and manage soil health and fertility.

• Maintain and repair irrigation systems.

• Operate M-NCPPC gardening equipment, including leaf blower, weed trimmer, sprayers, and a wide range of manual tools.

• Scout plantings for evidence of insect and disease problems and treat as necessary.

• Coordinate with M-NCPPC ground crews to ensure proper weeding, mulching, etc.

• Manage and schedule gardening volunteers

• Work with other AHFP staff to develop and run public programming, special tours, and workshops.

• Assist with AHFP Gardening Club

Minimum Qualifications for the position:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher AND two or more years of relevant experience; OR 3 years of combined education and experience in horticulture, agriculture, botany, plant science, gardening with in-depth knowledge of plant culture, maintenance, and identification.

• Must be able to lift 50lbs, work outdoors all year round.

• Must be able to operate motor vehicles, i.e. F250 pickup trucks

• Valid Maryland driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications for the position:

• Organic vegetable gardening experience highly desired; Fruit tree cultivation experience desired; Good color vision, depth perception, and senses of taste and smell.

• Experience supervising volunteers or staff.

Candidate will:

• Self-motivate and be able to work independently and organize tasks.

• Learn the basic history of the site.

• Interact with the public and give garden tours/demonstrations.

• Writing occasional articles for newsletters, volunteer bulletin, and social media.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• The position is year-round, part-time, up to 30 hours a week, with some evenings and weekends required.

• A background investigation will be completed prior to hire.

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.

Salary : $16 - $19