Weekend Birthday Party Naturalist

Maryland-National-Capital-Park-and-Planning-Commissio; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Meadowside Nature Center is seeking a Weekend Birthday Party Naturalist to deliver engaging party programs on Saturdays 10am-3pm and Sundays 8:30am-5pm in Rockville, MD. This part-time, year-round position requires weekend availability and the ability to handle live animals and guest interactions.

Pay is $18.00 per hour with 8–16 weekend hours; it is not eligible for benefits. A background check is required prior to hire and CPR/1st aid certification or willingness to obtain it is expected.

Qualifications

• CPR/1ST aid certified or willingness to obtain certification within 6 months.
• Knowledge of Maryland natural history is preferred.
• Comfortable outdoors year-round and able to work on weekends.
• Available to work at least 3 weekends a month.

Responsibilities

• Deliver pre-planned birthday party programs, including hikes, scavenger hunts, and live-animal introductions.
• Facilitate party reservations and ensure center rules are followed.
• Assist at the information desk and greet park visitors during open hours.
• Support additional programs such as campfires, summer camps, and evening hikes when requested.

Job description

Position Overview

Meadowside Nature center is seeking a WeekendBirthday PartyNaturalist. This position will operate out of the nature facility located at 5100 Meadowside Lane in Rockville MD and is a part-time, year-round position that works on weekends, specifically Saturdays 10am-3pm and Sundays from 8:30am to 5pm. However, the weekend schedule may vary from as little as 4 hours up to 16 hours depending on the birthday party reservations and program requests from the public. The ideal candidate is available at least 3 weekends a month and can commit to availability up to 3 months ahead. Candidate will deliver exceptional and engaging birthday party programs for a wide range of audiences as well as facilitate the reservation itself (ensuring nature center rules are being followed, helping direct guests to party room, etc). The weekend naturalist will also work as part of a team to help host the information desk and interact with park patrons coming to visit the nature center exhibits. Additional programs that this position could assist with if there is instructor availability and program requests from the Manager are campfire rentals, summer camps, and evening weekday hikes/programs.

Additional Details

• This position is based at Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville MD 20855
• Position pays at a rate of $18.00 per hour; 8-16 hours on weekends.
• This position is part-time and not eligible for benefits.
• A background investigation will be completed prior to hire.

About Meadowside Nature Center

Meadowside Nature Center is part of Montgomery County Parks, operated by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission in Montgomery County, Maryland. We feature new, interactive, and engaging exhibits for the public from infants/toddlers to adults, showcasing local habitats found around Meadowside. Additionally, we care for many animal ambassadors at Meadowside including reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey. Meadowside nature center provides interpretive programming for the public, schools, and special groups (such as birthday parties) that encourage connections to and positive action for our community in nature.

Learn more about our programs and facilities: meadowsidenature.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]

Job Function: Delivering birthday party programs

• Delivers pre-planned programs birthday party group reservations. Programs may include hikes, nature scavenger hunts, nature art, live animal introductions, and more.
• Ability to modify program slightly based on the needs of participants such as age, physical and mental abilities, and knowledge of the topic being presented.
• Ability to learn and handle basic care and interpretive skills with a live animal, including but not limited to toads, turtles, and snakes. Must be comfortable handling live animals, including snakes.
• Able to work successfully independently as well as with other naturalists and volunteers.
• Willingness to learn to build and maintain a campfire

Job Function: Welcome Desk Host

• Staffs the front desk of the nature center during open hours on Saturday
• Answers visitors questions on trails, exhibits, parks rules and programs at Meadowside nature center
• Ensures indoor exhibits and outdoor spaces are clean, organized, and safe for visitors
• Communicates with visitors, program participants, volunteers, and co-workers from diverse backgrounds, courteously and accurately.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPR/1ST aid certified or ability to become certified within 6 months through Parks’ trainings
• Some knowledge of Maryland natural history
• Comfortable working in outdoor conditions, year-round
• Bilingual (specifically Spanish as a second language) is a plus

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to lift 40 pounds and hike for up to 3 miles on uneven terrain
• Available to work at least 3 weekends a month
• High school diploma or GED

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

Working Conditions

• Works in indoor and outdoor settings, year-round. Will be exposed to inclement weather and outdoor natural hazards

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.