Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission
Salary: $15.45 - $23.00 Hourly
Location : Boyds, MD
Job Type: Seasonal
Job Number: WN.25
Department: MC Parks
Division: Horticulture Frstry and Env Ed
Opening Date: 07/23/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
We are currently seeking a Weekend Naturalist to lead birthday parties and Scout programs, facilitate campfire rentals, and assist with other educational programming at Black Hill Discovery Center and SEED Classroom. This position will work as part of our team to deliver exceptional and engaging educational programs and events for a wide range of audiences.
This position is part-time, year-round, and predominately works on weekends and evenings. The ideal candidate is available on at least 4 weekend dates per month, and the schedule may vary from 5-15 hours per week. The schedule of specific dates and times is flexible - based on instructor availability and programming requests from the public. Weekly hours will vary dependent on program demand. Additional programs that the Seasonal Naturalist could assist with include summer camps, monthly Saturday evening campfire programs, our school-year preschool program, and pontoon programs, if qualified or trained to drive the pontoon boat.
Black Hill Discovery Center is situated in Black Hill Regional Park, which is owned and operated by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission in Montgomery County, Maryland. Black Hill Discovery Center provides interpretive programming for the public, schools, and special groups. BHDC specializes in early childhood education, field trips, summer camps, kayaking and pontoon boat programs, sustainable practices, and community building. The SEED Classroom is a net-zero energy, green building designed for small-group programs.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a six-time National Recreational and Parks Association Gold Medal Award Winner. Behind the vast and diverse Montgomery County Department of Parks system is a career staff complement of nearly 800 employees, 420 parks, and over 37,000 acres of park land that serves a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington DC area. Go to our website to learn more:
Black Hill Discovery Center strongly encourages people from underrepresented groups to apply.
Examples of Important Duties
What the job will involve:
Nature Education Programs
Preferred Qualifications
Working Conditions
May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.
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.
THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION
2025 BENEFIT SUMMARY FOR SEASONAL INTERMITTENT EMPLOYEES
The following information is a summary of benefits extended to all Seasonal employees of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). This is for informational purposes only and is subject to change.
Limited Benefits for Seasonal Employees
Health Insurance Plans
You are eligible for specific health insurance benefits if you worked, on average, 30 hours per week during your first 12 months of employment or from October 3rd to October 2nd each subsequent period following your first 12 months of employment. This equates to 1,560 hours over a 12-month period.
If and when you are eligible for benefits, you will receive notification directly from the Health & Benefits Office.
Eligible Employees Pay 35% of the health insurance plan premium and The Commission Pays 65%.
This summary is intended to highlight some of the benefits offered by the M-NCPPC. It is not an all-inclusive agreement and is subject to change. For a more detailed description of benefits, please see the appropriate benefits brochure, service agreement or manual. For more information, contact The Health and Benefits Office at or 301-454-1694.
01
Describe any experience you have with customer service, program delivery, or birthday parties and scout programs.
02
How do you handle stressful situations? Please give an example of a challenging situation you faced and how you resolved it.
Required Question
Location : Boyds, MD
Job Type: Seasonal
Job Number: WN.25
Department: MC Parks
Division: Horticulture Frstry and Env Ed
Opening Date: 07/23/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
- Are you an outgoing person passionate about protecting public lands and building community?
- Do you want to help people of all ages connect to nature?
- Do you like leading educational and engaging programs?
We are currently seeking a Weekend Naturalist to lead birthday parties and Scout programs, facilitate campfire rentals, and assist with other educational programming at Black Hill Discovery Center and SEED Classroom. This position will work as part of our team to deliver exceptional and engaging educational programs and events for a wide range of audiences.
This position is part-time, year-round, and predominately works on weekends and evenings. The ideal candidate is available on at least 4 weekend dates per month, and the schedule may vary from 5-15 hours per week. The schedule of specific dates and times is flexible - based on instructor availability and programming requests from the public. Weekly hours will vary dependent on program demand. Additional programs that the Seasonal Naturalist could assist with include summer camps, monthly Saturday evening campfire programs, our school-year preschool program, and pontoon programs, if qualified or trained to drive the pontoon boat.
Black Hill Discovery Center is situated in Black Hill Regional Park, which is owned and operated by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission in Montgomery County, Maryland. Black Hill Discovery Center provides interpretive programming for the public, schools, and special groups. BHDC specializes in early childhood education, field trips, summer camps, kayaking and pontoon boat programs, sustainable practices, and community building. The SEED Classroom is a net-zero energy, green building designed for small-group programs.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a six-time National Recreational and Parks Association Gold Medal Award Winner. Behind the vast and diverse Montgomery County Department of Parks system is a career staff complement of nearly 800 employees, 420 parks, and over 37,000 acres of park land that serves a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington DC area. Go to our website to learn more:
Black Hill Discovery Center strongly encourages people from underrepresented groups to apply.
Examples of Important Duties
What the job will involve:
Nature Education Programs
- Delivers pre-planned programs to groups including themed birthday parties, Scout badge programs, and campfire programs. Programs may include hikes, nature scavenger hunts, ecology themes, geocaching, gardening, nature art, and more.
- Develops updated curriculum for birthday parties and other group programs.
- Leads programs with a focus on building community and making outdoor spaces a safe and rewarding place for all.
- Modifies programs to meet the needs of participants based on their age, language, physical or mental abilities, and initial knowledge of the topic.
- As requested, collaborates with the team of Black Hill Discovery Center naturalists on other programming including summer camps, the BHDC nature preschool program, and special events.
- As requested, attends Black Hill Discovery Center staff meetings and division-wide interpretation meetings and provides input.
- As needed, staffs the front desk of the Discovery Center during open hours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- Answers visitors' questions on trails, pavilion and boat rentals, park rules, and programs at Black Hill Regional Park.
- Works with front desk volunteers to make the Discovery Center an enjoyable and welcoming place for all visitors.
- Ensures indoor and outdoor spaces are clean, organized, and safe for visitors at the start and end of each day.
- Communicates with visitors, program participants, volunteers, and co-workers courteously and accurately.
- A positive attitude, strong initiative, and exemplary customer service skills.
- Skilled in collaboration, adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving.
- Skilled in effectively communicating concepts so that others can understand them.
- Experience and/or ability to work and interact well with people of diverse backgrounds.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading educational programs for a variety of audiences and ages.
- Knowledge of Maryland natural history.
- Experience with campfire building and campfire safety.
- Boating experience - kayaking and/or driving boats.
- Available at least 4 weekend dates per month for scheduling programs.
- CPR/AED and First Aid Certified.
- Ability to communicate in another language is a plus.
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Two (2) years of experience in Customer Service, Education, or Interpretation, or as a Naturalist Aide or Camp Counselor.
- An equivalent combination of higher education and experience may be substituted, which together total two (2) years.
Working Conditions
- Works in Outdoor and Indoor Settings, may be exposed to inclement weather and outdoor hazards
- Work is scheduled during weekends, evenings, and holidays and will vary from 5-15 hours per week based on programs and the candidate's availability
- Ability to lift 25 pounds and hike for 3 miles over uneven terrain
May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.
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.
THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION
2025 BENEFIT SUMMARY FOR SEASONAL INTERMITTENT EMPLOYEES
The following information is a summary of benefits extended to all Seasonal employees of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). This is for informational purposes only and is subject to change.
Limited Benefits for Seasonal Employees
Health Insurance Plans
You are eligible for specific health insurance benefits if you worked, on average, 30 hours per week during your first 12 months of employment or from October 3rd to October 2nd each subsequent period following your first 12 months of employment. This equates to 1,560 hours over a 12-month period.
If and when you are eligible for benefits, you will receive notification directly from the Health & Benefits Office.
Eligible Employees Pay 35% of the health insurance plan premium and The Commission Pays 65%.
- Medical
- Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) with Prescription Plan
- UnitedHealthcare Select Plan (EPO)
- Prescription: CVS Caremark Prescription Plan
- Credit Union
- Sick Leave Benefits
This summary is intended to highlight some of the benefits offered by the M-NCPPC. It is not an all-inclusive agreement and is subject to change. For a more detailed description of benefits, please see the appropriate benefits brochure, service agreement or manual. For more information, contact The Health and Benefits Office at or 301-454-1694.
01
Describe any experience you have with customer service, program delivery, or birthday parties and scout programs.
02
How do you handle stressful situations? Please give an example of a challenging situation you faced and how you resolved it.
Required Question