Vegetation Field Crew Member (15123, Grade HL5)

Maryland-National-Capital-Park-and-Planning-Commissio; 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 is seeking a Vegetation Ecology Field Crew Member to help protect and improve natural areas throughout the park system. Based at Waters House, this hands‑on position controls non‑native invasive plants, installs and maintains native plantings, conducts vegetation surveys, and supports the care of forest and meadow habitats.

Working under the general direction of the Natural Areas Horticulturalist, the position helps coordinate day‑to‑day field assignments and provides work‑procedure, equipment, and safety direction to the Field Crew. The role combines conservation fieldwork, vegetation monitoring, equipment operation, pesticide application, prescribed fire support, volunteer engagement, and communication with park visitors.

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, 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/

Habitat Restoration and Invasive Plant Management

• 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. Vegetation Surveys and Field Technology
• 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.
• Document species presence, coverage, diversity, forest stand characteristics, and related site conditions. Equipment, Safety, and Prescribed Fire
• Operate and transport vehicles, trailers, chainsaws, brush cutters, water pumps, utility terrain vehicles, all terrain vehicles, tractors, and related field equipment.
• Follow safety procedures for equipment operation, trailering, pesticide handling, fieldwork, and required personal protective equipment.
• Maintain required pesticide certification and participate as a core member of the prescribed fire team, including required Wildland Firefighter training and certification. Work Coordination and Community Conservation.
• 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.

Important Skills and Characteristics

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior invasive species control experience using chemical and mechanical means.
• Knowledge of common invasive plant species in Maryland.
• Educational or professional background in ecology or natural resources related field.
• General competency for personal computer use, including Microsoft Suite, and familiarity with handheld GPS and mapping applications.
• Commercial Driver’s License

Working Conditions

Primarily works outside but may work inside on occasion or as assigned. May work weekends, evenings and holidays. Occasionally exposed to inclement weather, dirt, waste, odors, caustic chemicals, pesticides, wildlife and potentially harmful insects (e.g. Bees, hornets, wasps) and plants (e.g. poison ivy). Ability to occasionally lift up to 100 pounds and regularly up to 50 pounds.

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.

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 his 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 Pesticide 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

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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 based on 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 accommodation 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.