Ecology Field Crew Member — Invasive Control & Restoration

Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission; Germantown (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Montgomery Parks, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, seeks a Vegetation Ecology Field Crew Member to protect and improve natural areas across the park system. Based at Waters House, you will control non-native invasive plants, install native plantings, conduct vegetation surveys, and support forest and meadow habitats.

Under the Natural Areas Horticulturalist, you will coordinate day-to-day field tasks, provide safety guidance, and work with volunteers and park

Qualifications

• Knowledge of invasive plant control, native planting, natural-area maintenance, pesticide application and field safety practices.
• Ability to identify common invasive and native plants and use vegetation survey, GPS, and mapping methods.
• Ability to safely operate and transport vehicles, trailers, off-road equipment, chainsaws, brush cutters, hand tools, and power tools.
• Ability to coordinate field assignments, explain work and safety procedures, solve recurring field problems, and work effectively with staff, volunteers, and the public.

Responsibilities

• Control non-native invasive plants using approved mechanical and chemical methods and established best management practices.
• Identify invasive plants, select appropriate control methods, and complete pesticide posting and treatment documentation.
• Install native plants and support the routine care and restoration of forest and meadow habitats.
• Conduct invasive-species and vegetation surveys to support natural-area management and work prioritization.
• Use handheld GPS devices, mapping applications, field guides, and botanical keys to collect field information and identify plants.
• Operate and transport vehicles, trailers, chainsaws, brush cutters, water pumps, ATVs, tractors, and related field equipment.
• Follow safety procedures for equipment operation, trailering, pesticide handling, fieldwork, and required PPE.
• Maintain required pesticide certification and participate as a core member of the prescribed fire team, including required Wildland Firefighter training and certification.
• Help plan, schedule, and coordinate day-to-day Field Crew assignments with the Natural Areas Horticulturalist.
• Provide work-procedure, equipment, and safety direction to a small work group and report progress, completion, and issues requiring attention.
• Support volunteers during community conservation projects and communicate with park visitors about vegetation management activities.

Skills

Invasive plant control

Native planting

Pesticide application

Field safety practices

Plant identification

GPS & mapping

Vehicle operation

Field coordination

Education

High school diploma or GED

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

Handheld GPS

Mapping applications

Microsoft Office Suite

CDL

Job description

Montgomery Parks, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, seeks a Vegetation Ecology Field Crew Member to protect and improve natural areas across the park system. Based at Waters House, you will control non-native invasive plants, install native plantings, conduct vegetation surveys, and support forest and meadow habitats.

Under the Natural Areas Horticulturalist, you will coordinate day-to-day field tasks, provide safety guidance, and work with volunteers and park