Garden of Lights Show Assistant

The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission•Wheaton, MD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Montgomery Parks – Horticulture, Forestry, and Environmental Education (HFEE) Division is currently seeking a Garden of Lights Show Assistant to assist with the fabrication, repair, installation, operation, and takedown of lights and fabricated forms for the Garden of Lights winter light show at Brookside Gardens. This part-time position is from August 2026 through mid-March 2027. The Horticulture, Forestry, and Environmental Education (HFEE) Division contributes to the preservation and maintenance of our parks’ natural and cultural resources. Brookside Gardens is one of the Park’s public gardens, displaying horticultural exhibits that are designed, installed, and maintained using ecological landscape practices as a model and inspiration to more than a million visitors per year. Our public gardens offer a wide variety of educational programs for children and adults planned to excite curiosity and encourage lifelong learning, with the vision of mobilizing residents of Montgomery County as dedicated stewards of the natural world. We welcome applicants who reflect the diversity of our community and can help us become a more inclusive garden for staff and visitors. 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.

Requirements

Ability to lift, bend, stoop, stretch, climb, and lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to stand for at least two hours at a time.
Ability to walk at least half a mile up and down moderate hills without difficulty.
Tolerance for working outdoors in various weather conditions, including heat, rain, humidity, and cold.
High School diploma or GED.
Must be at least 18 years or older.

Nice To Haves

Experience with technical lighting, set design, or electrical equipment.
Experience with and knowledge of special events.
Previous customer service experience.
Previous retail experience.
Experience driving vehicles.

Responsibilities

Assist with the fabrication, repair, installation, operation, and takedown of lights and fabricated forms for the Garden of Lights winter light show.
Clean and repair light forms as needed.
Install strands of lights on trees and shrubs.
Install light forms in garden areas.
Use ladders to safely install lights and light forms on trees, shrubs, and structures.
Use power cords, tools, carts, and other equipment safely.
Remove, clean, sort, and store lights and light forms at the end of the show.
Support effective execution of daily tasks through teamwork and communication.
Scan and redeem tickets using a phone-based ticketing system.
Assess parking lot capacity and direct vehicles to park accordingly.
Monitor light show installations and make repairs in the field.
Monitor event operations to ensure visitor safety and event success.
Provide support to Brookside Gardens staff.
Perform related tasks as required.
Engage with Garden visitors and provide friendly, helpful customer service.
Respond to visitor questions and requests in a positive and informative manner.
Provide visitors with respectful guidance on Garden rules.