Assistant Director for Horticulture (11467, Grade 28)
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
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Job summary
Montgomery Parks seeks an Assistant Director for Horticulture to lead Brookside Gardens and McCrillis Gardens, guiding design, installation, maintenance, and stewardship of diverse plant collections for year-round public enjoyment.
The role directs a nine-person full-time team plus seasonal staff and volunteers, delivering exceptional garden spaces and signature programs while managing projects, budgets, and operations.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture or related field required.
- 4 years of professional horticulture experience required; advanced degree preferred.
- Demonstrated supervisory experience leading staff and volunteers.
- Driver's license and ability to pass medical examination may be required.
Responsibilities
- Lead planning, design, installation, and renewal of garden displays across Brookside Gardens and McCrillis Gardens.
- Oversee stewardship of diverse plant collections and environmental programs.
- Manage budgets, contracts, procurement, and plant records for horticultural programs.
- Direct staff, interns, seasonal workers, and volunteers; foster collaboration and safety.
- Plan and execute signature events like the Garden of Lights; coordinate across teams.
Skills
Education
Job description
Montgomery Parks is seeking an Assistant Director for Horticulture to lead the outdoor horticulture and grounds operations at Brookside Gardens, a nationally recognized 50-acre public garden in Wheaton, Maryland, and McCrillis Gardens, a six-acre shade garden in Bethesda known for its distinctive plant collections. Reporting to the Director of Brookside Gardens, this position provides leadership for the design, installation, maintenance, and stewardship of gardens and plant collections that attract and inspire visitors throughout the year.
Montgomery Parks is seeking an Assistant Director for Horticulture to lead the outdoor horticulture and grounds operations at Brookside Gardens, a nationally recognized 50-acre public garden in Wheaton, Maryland, and McCrillis Gardens, a six-acre shade garden in Bethesda known for its distinctive plant collections. Reporting to the Director of Brookside Gardens, this position provides leadership for the design, installation, maintenance, and stewardship of gardens and plant collections that attract and inspire visitors throughout the year. The Assistant Director leads a team of nine full-time staff, as well as seasonal employees, interns, and volunteers, who help maintain exceptional garden spaces and deliver signature programs and events. We are seeking a collaborative leader who is passionate about horticulture, developing people, and creating outstanding public garden experiences. The ideal candidate combines horticultural expertise and creativity with sound judgment in managing projects, budgets, and operations, while helping ensure both gardens continue to thrive as valued community destinations.
The Horticulture, Forestry, and Environmental Education (HFEE) Division contributes to the preservation and maintenance of our parks’ natural and cultural resources. Brookside and McCrillis Gardens are living museums that display horticultural exhibits which are designed, installed, and maintained using ecological landscape practices as a model and inspiration to more than a million visitors per year. Our public gardens offer a wide variety of educational programs for children and adults to excite curiosity and encourage lifelong learning, with the vision of mobilizing residents of Montgomery County as dedicated stewards of the natural world.
- Learn more about our programs and facilities: www.BrooksideGardens.org
Montgomery Parks is an award-winning park system and part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). Supported by more than 1,000 dedicated employees, we care for 416 parks, including trails, and natural spaces across Montgomery County, with team members working in a wide range of roles including park operations, public programs, park planning, public safety, and administration. Our work is visible in everyday moments, from safe, well-maintained trails to welcoming parks and community programs. Careers with Montgomery Parks offer purpose, stability, and the opportunity to make a visible, lasting impact where people live, work, and connect.
https://www.montgomeryparks.org/about/divisions/
- Lead the planning, design, installation, and renewal of seasonal and permanent garden displays across Brookside Gardens and McCrillis Gardens, creating beautiful and engaging experiences for visitors.
- Guide the stewardship of diverse plant collections while promoting horticultural excellence, sustainability, biodiversity, plant health, and environmental stewardship.
- Support garden improvement projects, landscape renovations, and long-term planning initiatives that enhance the beauty, functionality, and resilience of the Gardens.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of career, seasonal, intern, and volunteer staff while fostering a culture of collaboration, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Build partnerships with volunteers, schools, community organizations, and other stakeholders that strengthen public engagement and support the Gardens' mission.
- Direct the planning and implementation of the annual Garden of Lights event, coordinating cross-functional teams, contractors, volunteers, and partners to deliver an exceptional visitor experience.
- Serve as a horticultural ambassador and technical resource, sharing expertise with visitors, community groups, schools, volunteers, and industry professionals.
- Collaborate on outreach, educational programming, and communications that promote the Gardens' mission and connect people with plants and nature.
- Manage budgets, contracts, procurement activities, plant records, and operational resources to ensure efficient, high-quality horticultural programs and services.
- Positive, adaptable, and solutions-oriented leader who thrives in a dynamic environment.
- Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Sound judgment, professionalism, and a track record of delivering results.
- Commitment to mentoring others and fostering an inclusive, collaborative workplace.
- Passion for horticulture, environmental stewardship, and public gardens.
- Experience managing a complex horticultural work program at a public garden or similar institution, including participation in small- and large-scale garden construction projects.
- Demonstrated supervisory experience leading, developing, and evaluating staff, including setting clear expectations, managing performance, and fostering a collaborative and accountable work environment.
- An advanced degree in horticulture, landscape architecture, public garden management, or a related field.
- Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture or any related field.
- Four (4) years of professional experience in horticulture or closely related field.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total eight (8) years.
- A valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver's licenses must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee's ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required of the position.
- Pass Commission medical examination.
- Maryland State Pesticide Applicator’s License may be required within twelve (12) months of employment, dependent on assigned duties of the incumbent.
https://www.montgomeryparks.org/about/divisions/
- Works primarily in an office setting but may also work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
- Works under considerable pressure to meet deadlines.
- Some evening and weekend work is required.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, bend, squat, kneel, stand, walk for extended periods, and navigate uneven grounds and stairs.
- The salary range shown reflects the full earning potential for this role. Your actual pay will be based on your experience.
- Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- We offer a flexible and competitive benefits package.
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.
THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION
The following benefit summary is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor should be construed as an employment agreement with the M-NCPPC, implied or actual. It is not all-inclusive and is subject to change. Benefits listed are extended to all Merit System employees of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). All plans are optional except the Defined Benefit and Long-Term Disability plans.
You have 45 days from your hire date to elect your benefits. Your coverage begins on the first of the month following receipt of your enrollment forms and required documentation.
- Defined Benefit Plan (Mandatory Participation) – Plan E excludes FOP members.
Plan Employee Contribution Plan C 9.5%* of base salary (FOP members only) Plan E 4% of base salary up to maximum Social Security Wage Base (SSWB) and 8% in excess of SSWB.
- 457 (b) Plan (Optional) [Pre-tax and Roth]
- Traditional and Roth IRAs (Optional)
- Retiree Healthcare – Eligibility requires, at least 10 years of eligible service and continuous enrollment in M-NCPPC plans (or proof of continuous enrollment in comparable plans) during the 36 months immediately preceding your retirement date. Premium cost share based on years of service.
Health Insurance Plans (FOP Members Pay 23% for Medical, Prescription and Dental and same as all other employees for Vision.) All other employees pay percentage below.*
- Medical
- Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) – (15%)
- UnitedHealthcare Select Exclusive Provider Organization Health Plan (EPO) – (20%)
- UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Point of Service (POS) – (20%)
- Prescription – CVS Caremark – (15%)
- Dental – Delta Dental PPO and DeltaCare USA HMO – (20%)
- Vision – EyeMed – (80% of Low Option plan paid by Commission. Any balance paid by employee.)
- Low, moderate, and high options are available. Frequency of covered services differs.
- Medical Account – Maximum annual contribution: $3,300
- Dependent Care Account – Maximum annual contribution: $7,500
- Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80% (FOP Members Pay 100%)
- Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary, maximum of $6,000/month
- Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary that exceeds $108,000; capped at $216,000
- Two (2) times base salary; maximum benefit is $200,000 for each
- Automatic coverage with opt-out provision
- Supplemental – 1,2,3,4, or 5 times base salary; maximum benefit is $750,000
- Spouse/Dependent Combination - $10,000/$5,000, $20,000/$10,000, or $30,000/$15,000
- Employees have 60 days from date of hire to enroll.
- Employee contributes 8 leave hours each year
- Annually covers up to 688 hours for own serious medical condition, and 480 hours for parental responsibilities (birth, adoption or foster care), and 80-160 hours for serious medical condition of an immediate family member
- Annual: 15 days per year
- Personal: 3 days per year (12-month waiting period)
- Sick: 15 days per year
- Holidays: 11 days per year
- Credit Union
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Legal Services Plan
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Wellness Program
- Work-Life Program
For a more detailed description of benefits, please contact the Commission’s Health and Benefits Office at benefits@mncppc.org or 301-454-1694.
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Describe your experience with complex, multi-day special events. What was your role?
02
What is your experience with software related to landscape design, GIS, mapping, and plant records management?
03
Do you posses a valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations? Driver's licenses must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, and points that could limit the employee's ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required of the position.
- Yes
- No
- Required Question
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