Brookside-Maydale Park Naturalist (14691, Grade 24)

Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission; Greenbelt (MD); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the Montgomery County Department of Parks as a Principal Park Naturalist, where you will run programs at Brookside Nature Center and Maydale Nature Classrooms. This role calls for someone with a strong background in Maryland natural history, dedicated to engaging the community and promoting environmental sustainability through education and stewardship.

Benefits

Competitive benefits programs

Flexible work hours

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Experience in developing and leading educational programs.
• Knowledge of Maryland natural history is required.
• Certification in CPR/First Aid preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead interpretive programs for various age groups.
• Assist with the care of animal ambassadors at Nature Center.
• Build partnerships with local organizations for community engagement.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Interpersonal Skills

Horticulture

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Natural Science or related field

Job description

5 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

• Are you creative and enjoy being a part of a team that is always looking for new ways to engage and grow community?
• Do you enjoy working with children?
• Are you passionate about inspiring others to live more sustainably?
  
  

Description

• Are you creative and enjoy being a part of a team that is always looking for new ways to engage and grow community?
• Do you enjoy working with children?
• Are you passionate about inspiring others to live more sustainably?
  
  

If this sounds like you, The Montgomery County Department of Parks is the place you want to be! We are currently seeking a full-time Principal Park Naturalist to run programs at our Brookside Nature Center and Maydale Nature Classrooms. We are looking for an individual with knowledge of Maryland natural history that is eager to help connect our diverse community to our local natural resources and foster its stewardship.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a six-time National Recreational and Parks Association Gold Medal Award Winner. Behind the vast and diverse Montgomery County Department of Parks system is a career staff complement of nearly 800 employees, 420 parks and over 37,000 acres of park land that serves a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington DC area. Go to our website to learn more: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/

Please Note: The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Examples of Important Duties

• Interpretive Programs-This position is responsible for developing and leading programs from pre-school – adult audiences. This includes general public programs for a diverse audience, scout programs, school field trips, summer camps and informal interpretation with a nature and environmental education focus.
• Program in different locations– This position will require the naturalist to program at Brookside Nature Center and Maydale Nature Classroom; in addition, outreach events may be assigned around the county.
• Maryland Natural History expertise-interpreting natural resources and building upon that knowledge through self-learning and training courses/certifications
• Diverse Community Building – researches, develops and builds local and regional partnerships with organizations.
• Animal Care- Assists when need with the care of the Nature Center’s animal ambassadors. Follow all protocols to ensure high animal welfare standards. Must be comfortable with reptiles, amphibians, insects.
  
  

Important Skills And Characteristics

• Ability to perform quality work within deadlines and with or without direct supervision.
• Skilled in problem solving and thinking creatively to meet the needs of a new and growing work plan and facility.
• Skilled in communication to understand written and verbal information and to express such information so that others will gain greater understanding of our natural resources and global environment.
• Skilled in horticulture and gardening practices with emphasis on plants native to Montgomery County, Maryland.
• Skilled in interpersonal communication and dynamics to interact well with people of diverse backgrounds and flourish as a member of the Brookside Nature Center and Maydale Nature Center teams.
• Collaborative, with a strong work ethic, creative, adaptable, and hard working.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to communicate in one of Montgomery County’s most common languages (Spanish, Chinese, African Languages, Korean, Vietnamese, French, Persian) is a plus.
• Possess one or both of the following preferred certifications: Maryland Master Naturalist and/or National Association for Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and qualify to drive Commission vehicles; ability to transport program participants in vans.
• CPR/1st Aid Certified, or the ability to obtain certification within six (6) months of hire.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Natural Science, Life Science, Physical Science, or any related field.
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible park naturalist experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total six (6) years.
• Valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license 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 by the position of assignment.
• Pass Commission medical examination.
  
  

Supplemental Information

Class/Specification: Principal Park Naturalist

Working Conditions

Works in indoor or outdoor settings. Works scheduled weekends, evenings, and holidays. Exposed to inclement weather and outdoor hazards, Incumbents in this class must frequently: remain in stationary position, move about and position self to complete work, communicate and exchange information with internal staff and the public, distinguish between colors and lift objects and equipment weighing up to 49 pounds. Drives to attend various meetings and educational programs.

Very competitive and flexible benefits programs available!

Get To Know Montgomery Parks And The Opportunities Available

https://www.montgomeryparks.org/about/divisions/

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.

May be subject to medical, drug, and alcohol testing.

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 application at 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

2025 Benefit Summary For Merit System Employees

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.

Eligibility

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.

Retirement Programs

• Defined Benefit Plan (Mandatory Participation) – Plan E excludes FOP members.
  
  

PlanEmployee ContributionPlan C9.5%* of base salary (FOP members only)Plan E4% of base salary up to maximum Social Security Wage Base (SSWB) and 8% in excess of SSWB.

• Deferred Compensation ICMA-RC 457 plan (Optional)
• Traditional and Roth IRAs (Optional)
  
  

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) with Prescription Plan – (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.
  

Flexible Spending Accounts (Employee Pays 100%)

• Medical Account – Maximum annual contribution: $3,200
• Dependent Care Account – Maximum annual contribution: $5,000
  
  

Long-Term Disability Insurance (Mandatory Participation)

• Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80% (FOP Members Pay 100%)
• Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary, maximum of $6,000/month
  
  

Supplemental Long-Term Disability Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)

• Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary that exceeds $108,000; capped at $216,000
  
  

Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80%)

• Two (2) times base salary; maximum benefit is $200,000 for each
• Automatic coverage with opt-out provision
  
  

Supplemental and Spouse/Dependent Life Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)

• 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
  
  

Sick Leave Bank (Contribution and Benefit hours prorated for part-time employees)

• 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 (birthadoption or foster care), and 80-160 hours for serious medical condition of an immediate family member
  
  

Leave Programs

• Annual: 15 days per year
• Personal: 3 days per year (12-month waiting period)
• Sick: 15 days per year
• Holidays: 11 days per year
  
  

Other Benefits

• 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 [e-mail] or 301-454-1694.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Part-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Government Administration

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