Garden of Lights Show Seasonal Assistant

Montgomery Parks; Wheaton (MD); On-site; USD 18,000 - 19,200; Part time

Job summary

Montgomery Parks is seeking a part-time Garden of Lights Show Assistant for the winter light show at Brookside Gardens. Responsibilities include light show installations, engaging with visitors, and ensuring safety during the event.

The role requires teamwork, reliability, and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions. Perfect for individuals interested in parks and recreation, with availability for weekday, weekend, and evening shifts.

Qualifications

• Must stand for at least two hours at a time.
• Should be able to walk half a mile without difficulty.
• Tolerance for outdoor work in various weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Assist with light show installations and take-down.
• Engage with visitors and provide customer service.
• Monitor installations and ensure visitor safety.

Skills

Customer service

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

Technical lighting experience

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Description

Montgomery Parks – Horticulture, Forestry, and Environmental Education (HFEE) Division is currently seeking Garden of Lights Show Assistant to assist with the fabrication, repair, installation, operation and takedown of lights and fabricated forms for the Garden of Lights winter light show at Brookside Gardens. This part time position is from August 2026 through mid-March 2027.

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 Gardens is one of Park’s public gardens, displaying horticultural exhibits that 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 that are planned to excite curiosity and encourage lifelong learning, with the vision of mobilizing residents of Montgomery County as dedicated stewards of the natural world. We welcome applicants who reflect the diversity of our community and can help us become a more inclusive garden for staff and visitors.

Learn More About Brookside Gardens

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/

For more information about the Seasonal Hiring process and application status for Montgomery County, please contact [e-mail].

Examples of Important Duties

What You’ll Do

Light Show Installation and Take-down

• Clean and repair light forms as needed
• Install strands of lights on trees and shrubs
• Install light forms in garden areas
• Use ladders to safely install lights and light forms on trees, shrubs and structures
• Use power cords, tools, carts and other equipment safely
• Remove, clean, sort and store lights and light forms at the end of the show
• Support effective execution of daily tasks through teamwork and communication

Light Show Operations

• Scan and redeem tickets using a phone-based ticketing system
• Assess parking lot capacity and direct vehicles to park accordingly
• Monitor light show installations and make repairs in the fieldMonitor event operations to ensure visitor safety and event success
• Provide support to Brookside Gardens staff
• Perform related tasks as required

Customer Service

• Engage with Garden visitors and provide friendly, helpful customer service
• Respond to visitor questions and requests in a positive and informative manner
• Provide visitors with respectful guidance on Garden rules

Minimum Qualifications

Who We’re Looking For

We’re searching for enthusiastic, reliable team players who enjoy working outdoors and with members of our community. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in parks, recreation, or special events, especially if you’re looking to gain hands‑on experience.

• Ability to lift, bend, stoop, stretch, climb and lift up to 50 pounds
• Stand for at least two hours at a time
• Walk at least half a mile up and down moderate hills without difficulty
• Tolerance for working outside in various weather conditions, including heat, rain, humidity and cold
• High School diploma or GED
• Must be at least 18 years or older

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with technical lighting, set design or electrical equipment
• Experience with and knowledge of special events
• Previous customer service experience
• Previous retail experience
• Experience driving vehicles

Supplemental Information

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

When You’ll Work

During light show installation and take-down, the work shift is Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Installation and take-down runs from August through mid-November and January through March. When the light show is operating from mid-November through early January, the work shift is weekday and weekend evenings from approximately 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., depending on the show schedule.

Additional Information

• This position is part-time and not eligible for benefits.
• A background investigation will be completed prior to hire.
• This position is based in Wheaton, MD.
• Position pays at a rate of $18.25 per hour; 24-40 hours/week. The position requires weekday, weekend, and evening availability according to the event schedule.

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.