Brookside-Maydale Park Naturalist (14691, Grade 24)

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

Job summary

Join the Montgomery County Department of Parks as a Principal Park Naturalist, responsible for creating engaging community programs at Brookside Nature Center and Maydale Nature Classroom. This role requires expertise in Maryland natural history and a passion for educating and fostering stewardship among diverse communities. Ideal candidates possess a Bachelor's degree, strong communication skills, and willingness to work flexible hours.

Benefits

Competitive benefits programs

Qualifications

• Two years of progressively responsible park naturalist experience.
• Ability to communicate in languages like Spanish or Korean is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead educational programs for diverse audiences.
• Research and build community partnerships for local environmental stewardship.
• Care for the Nature Center's animal ambassadors.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Interpersonal Communication

Horticulture

Creative Thinking

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Natural Science or related field

Job 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 afull-time Principal Park Naturalistto 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.

• 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 :

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

1. Bachelor's Degree in Natural Science, Life Science, Physical Science, or any related field.
2. Two (2) years of progressively responsible park naturalist experience.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total six (6) years.
4. 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.
5. Pass Commission medical examination.

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.