Assistant Director for Horticulture (11467, Grade 28)

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission - MC Parks; Wheaton (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits package

Job summary

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission's Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD, seeks an Assistant Director for Horticulture to lead outdoor horticulture and grounds operations at Brookside Gardens and McCrillis Gardens in Bethesda. You will drive the planning, installation, maintenance, and stewardship of garden displays, plant collections, and related programs.

Reporting to the Brookside Gardens Director, this role means guiding a nine-person core team, plus seasonal staff and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in horticulture or related field is required.
• Advanced degree in horticulture, landscape architecture, public garden management, or related field is preferred.
• Four years of professional horticulture experience is required.
• Valid driver’s license per state and commission rules.
• Maryland Pesticide Applicator’s license may be required within 12 months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, design, installation, and renewal of garden displays across Brookside Gardens and McCrillis Gardens.
• Guide stewardship of diverse plant collections focusing on sustainability and biodiversity.
• Manage budgets, contracts, and procurement for horticultural programs and services.
• Direct staff development, mentoring, and volunteer engagement.
• Plan and oversee events such as Garden of Lights to deliver exceptional visitor experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture or related field

Advanced degree in horticulture/public garden management

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.

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.

About the HFEE Division and Brookside Gardens

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

About Montgomery Parks

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.

Learn More About Montgomery Parks: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/

Horticultural Leadership, Garden Design, and Plant Stewardship

• 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.

Staff Leadership, Volunteer Engagement, and Special Events

• 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.

Communication, Operations, and Resource Management

• 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.

Important Skills and Characteristics

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

1. Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture or any related field.
2. Four (4) years of professional experience in horticulture or closely related field.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total eight (8) years.
4. 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.
5. Pass Commission medical examination.
6. Maryland State Pesticide Applicator’s License may be required within twelve (12) months of employment, dependent on assigned duties of the incumbent.

Class/Specification: Principal Horticulturist - Supervisor

Get to know Montgomery Parks and the opportunities available: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/about/divisions/

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

Working Conditions

• 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.

Additional Details

• 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.