Lead Horticultural Technician – Parks & Gardens

Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission; Upper Marlboro (MD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission's Department of Parks & Recreation seeks a Lead Horticulturalist to manage a crew of landscapers and lead gardening projects across Prince George’s County parks. The role emphasizes design, planting, and maintenance of diverse landscapes.

You will apply IPM practices, supervise maintenance, train staff, and ensure soil health and plant production while coordinating with supervisors and vendors.

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree in Horticulture, Arboriculture, Forestry or related field.
• Four (4) years experience in landscaping and leading a crew.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience totaling six (6) years.
• Valid driver’s license; CDL endorsements may be required for some positions.
• Contingent upon area, pesticide applicator or fertilizer certifications may be required.
• Pass Commission medical examination.

Responsibilities

• Leads staff in maintaining parks and landscapes; trains new staff and coordinates work with supervision.
• Performs complex gardening and planting; manages beds, pruning and fertilizing.
• Maintains water pumps, irrigation and equipment; monitors crop schedules and environments.
• Develops landscape design plans and coordinates plant installations across sites.
• Operates mowers and other equipment; ensures safety and preventive maintenance.
• Advises on soil quality, IPM, and pest management; supports vendor coordination.

Skills

lead a crew

IPM

design plans

plant identification

equipment operation

Education

Associate’s Degree in Horticulture, Arboriculture, Forestry or related field

Job description

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission's Department of Parks & Recreation seeks a Lead Horticulturalist to manage a crew of landscapers and lead gardening projects across Prince George’s County parks. The role emphasizes design, planting, and maintenance of diverse landscapes.

You will apply IPM practices, supervise maintenance, train staff, and ensure soil health and plant production while coordinating with supervisors and vendors.