Principal Parks/Facilities Maintenance Worker (10255, Grade HL5)

Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission; Boyds (MD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Union representation

Benefits package

Job summary

Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission seeks a Principal Parks/Facilities Maintenance Worker for Stormwater Management in Boyds, MD. This full-time role focuses on outdoor work, equipment operation, and maintaining parks and stormwater facilities while supporting a reliable crew.

You will operate a range of vehicles and equipment, assist in park grounds and trail maintenance, and perform basic carpentry and maintenance tasks.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Four years of progressively responsible experience in groundskeeping, building maintenance, or park maintenance.
• Valid driver’s license per state and Commission rules; clean record.
• May require CDL and state certifications within 12 months of hire, depending on area.
• Commitment to safety and ability to perform maintenance tasks and basic trades.

Responsibilities

• Operate mid- to large-sized equipment including mowers, tractors with attachments, loaders and backhoes.
• Maintain park grounds, athletic fields, playgrounds, and stormwater facilities.
• Repair playgrounds and park structures; perform trail and tree maintenance.
• Provide direction and guidance on work procedures and safety to crew members.
• Work schedule may include days, nights, and weekends; respond to emergencies and severe weather.

Skills

Park maintenance

Equipment operation

Safety practices

Pesticide handling

Problem solving

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Vehicles

Heavy equipment

Mowers

Chainsaws

Power tools

Job description

Montgomery Parks’ Northern Parks Division is hiring a Principal Parks/Facilities Maintenance Worker at Stormwater Management in Boyds, MD. This is a stable, full-time position for someone who enjoys outdoor work, working with equipment, and being part of a reliable crew that maintains parks used by the community every day.

The Stormwater Management team plays a vital role in safeguarding parks and local waterways. The program maintains an extensive system that includes over 71 bioretention areas, seven (7) dams, 67 dry ponds, 81 trenches, and 41 wet ponds, all designed to manage stormwater runoff and reduce the volume and intensity of water entering streams during storm events.

Working under the direction of a Parks Maintenance Leader, this role performs a wide range of hands‑on maintenance work and provides direction, instruction and basic guidance on work procedures and safety to crew members. Duties include operating trucks and equipment, maintaining stormwater management facilities, maintaining park grounds and athletic fields, repairing playgrounds and park structures, performing trail and tree maintenance, tree planting, pruning, and aftercare, and supporting general park operations.

This position offers steady work, clear expectations, and opportunities to build skills over time. Employees receive training, work with experienced staff, and have opportunities to develop additional equipment and maintenance skills. Schedules may include days, nights, and weekends as needed.

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 417 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, park 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/

Equipment and Vehicle Operation

• Operate mid‑to‑large‑sized equipment, including large mowers, tractors with attachments, loaders and backhoes.
• Operate non‑CDL vehicles such as dump trucks, trash trucks, snowplows, and truck and trailer combinations.

Park, Athletic Field, and Stormwater Maintenance

• Perform general maintenance of park grounds, playgrounds, buildings, athletic fields, and stormwater facilities.
• Maintain athletic fields by raking, dragging, grading, and applying pesticides.
• Perform stormwater facilities preventive maintenance according to the Department of Environment Protection standards.
• Maintain bio‑retention and rain garden facilities with balanced vegetation and free of weeds.
• Wet Pond, Dry Pond, and Sand filter maintenance, including mowing, weed removal, and inspections.

• Complete minor repairs and basic carpentry, custodial, and preventive maintenance tasks.

Work Coordination and Conditions

• Provide limited directions to other maintenance staff as needed.
• Respond to emergencies and severe weather events.

Independent Work

• Work independently and maintain tools, materials, and supplies.

Important Skills and Characteristics

• Demonstrates working knowledge of park, trail, turf, and facility maintenance, including related safety requirements.
• Experience operating a wide range of vehicles and equipment, including vehicles, heavy equipment, tractors with attachments, mowers, chainsaws, and hand and power tools.
• Understanding safety practices and proper use of equipment, pesticides, fertilizers, and cleaning materials.
• Skilled in performing maintenance work and providing support in basic trades such as carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical, masonry, and equipment maintenance.
• Ability to apply pesticides and fertilizers in accordance with certification and safety requirements.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving skills to assess maintenance needs and complete more complex repairs.

Working Conditions

• Primarily works outside but may work inside on occasion or as assigned.
• Exposure to various elements and all types of weather conditions, waste, caustic chemicals, pesticides, wildlife, and potentially harmful insects (e.g. bees, hornets, wasps, etc.).
• Work requires constant kneeling, bending, twisting, lifting, and the ability to occasionally lift 100 pounds and regularly up to 50 pounds.
• An essential employee required to be on‑call 24 hours for any emergencies.
• Must be available to work weekends and evenings as necessary.

Additional Details

• The salary range shown reflects the approved pay range for this position. Starting salary will be determined based on qualifications and experience.
• Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• We offer a flexible and competitive benefits package.
• This position is a union represented role covered by the MCGEO collective bargaining agreement.
• All candidates who apply for this job will be considered not only for current openings but also for future Principal Parks/Facilities Maintenance Worker positions for up to six months, or until there are no more qualified applicants. Once this period ends, another job posting may be issued for new opportunities.

Requirements

1. High school diploma or Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).
2. Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in groundskeeping, building maintenance or park maintenance.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total four (4) 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 of their position.
5. Pass Commission medical examination.
6. Depending upon the area of assignment, some positions in this class require within 12 months of hire (a) Commercial driver’s license (CDL) with appropriate endorsements; (b) obtainment of certifications including:
   • Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Pesticite Applicator certification in the categories appropriate to the work assignment.
   • Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Fertilizer Applicator certification.
   • National Playground Safety Institute certification.

Classification Specification Principal Parks/Facilities Maintenance Worker