Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
Historic Horticultural Specialist
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Greenbelt, Maryland, us, 20771
The Maryland‑National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M‑NCPPC), a six‑time National Recreation and Parks Association Gold Medal Award Winner, employs approximately 800 staff members and serves more than one million residents in the Washington, DC area. M‑NCPPC manages 421 parks on more than 37,000 acres of parkland.
The seasonal position is full‑time year‑round, up to 30 hours per week, at the Bussard Farmstead in the Agricultural History Farm Park. The candidate will plan, manage, maintain, and interpret both the vegetable and herb demonstration gardens representing plantings during the interpretive period of the 1890s to 1940s. Responsibilities include researching historically appropriate crops, contributing to interpretive gardening programs, and maintaining a garden plan.
Responsibilities
Maintain garden through planting, watering, weeding, pruning, mulching, and other outdoor tasks. Research and create plans for historically appropriate crops. Develop and maintain a planting plan balancing historic interpretation, beauty, visitor experience, ease of maintenance, year‑round interest, and food production. Inventory and recommend acquisition of plant materials, supplies, and tools. Monitor and manage soil health and fertility. Maintain and repair irrigation systems. Operate M‑NCPPC gardening equipment, including leaf blower, weed trimmer, sprayers, and various manual tools. Scout plantings for evidence of insect and disease problems and treat as necessary. Coordinate with M‑NCPPC ground crews to ensure proper weeding, mulching, etc. Manage and schedule gardening volunteers. Work with other AHFP staff to develop and run public programming, special tours, and workshops. Assist with AHFP Gardening Club. Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or higher AND at least two years of relevant experience; OR 3 years of combined education and experience in horticulture, agriculture, botany, plant science, or gardening with in‑depth knowledge of plant culture, maintenance, and identification. Must be able to lift 50 lbs and work outdoors year‑round. Must be able to operate motor vehicles, e.g., F‑250 pickup truck. Valid Maryland driver’s license. Preferred Qualifications
Experience with organic vegetable gardening; fruit tree cultivation experience desired. Good color vision, depth perception, and senses of taste and smell. Experience supervising volunteers or staff. Candidate Will
Self‑motivate and work independently, organizing tasks. Learn the basic history of the site. Interact with the public and give garden tours or demonstrations. Write occasional articles for newsletters, volunteer bulletin, and social media. Perform other duties as assigned. Additional Information
May be subject to medical, drug, and alcohol testing. Year‑round part‑time position, up to 30 hours per week, with some evenings and weekends required. A background investigation will be completed prior to hire. Equal‑Opportunity Employer
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 are accommodated under the Americans with Disabilities Act; please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at any time for accommodations. Contact: mcp-parkscareers@montgomeryparks.org for seasonal hiring process and application status.
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Maintain garden through planting, watering, weeding, pruning, mulching, and other outdoor tasks. Research and create plans for historically appropriate crops. Develop and maintain a planting plan balancing historic interpretation, beauty, visitor experience, ease of maintenance, year‑round interest, and food production. Inventory and recommend acquisition of plant materials, supplies, and tools. Monitor and manage soil health and fertility. Maintain and repair irrigation systems. Operate M‑NCPPC gardening equipment, including leaf blower, weed trimmer, sprayers, and various manual tools. Scout plantings for evidence of insect and disease problems and treat as necessary. Coordinate with M‑NCPPC ground crews to ensure proper weeding, mulching, etc. Manage and schedule gardening volunteers. Work with other AHFP staff to develop and run public programming, special tours, and workshops. Assist with AHFP Gardening Club. Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or higher AND at least two years of relevant experience; OR 3 years of combined education and experience in horticulture, agriculture, botany, plant science, or gardening with in‑depth knowledge of plant culture, maintenance, and identification. Must be able to lift 50 lbs and work outdoors year‑round. Must be able to operate motor vehicles, e.g., F‑250 pickup truck. Valid Maryland driver’s license. Preferred Qualifications
Experience with organic vegetable gardening; fruit tree cultivation experience desired. Good color vision, depth perception, and senses of taste and smell. Experience supervising volunteers or staff. Candidate Will
Self‑motivate and work independently, organizing tasks. Learn the basic history of the site. Interact with the public and give garden tours or demonstrations. Write occasional articles for newsletters, volunteer bulletin, and social media. Perform other duties as assigned. Additional Information
May be subject to medical, drug, and alcohol testing. Year‑round part‑time position, up to 30 hours per week, with some evenings and weekends required. A background investigation will be completed prior to hire. Equal‑Opportunity Employer
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 are accommodated under the Americans with Disabilities Act; please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at any time for accommodations. Contact: mcp-parkscareers@montgomeryparks.org for seasonal hiring process and application status.
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