Nursery and Grounds Assistant

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

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Montgomery Parks is currently seeking a Nursery and Grounds Assistant to work with our staff at our nursery production facility, Pope Farm Nursery in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Work includes general grounds maintenance, mowing, assisting in the growing and care for trees and shrubs from container to plant material, irrigation, loading/unloading trucks, and other miscellaneous horticultural related tasks throughout our plant production facility. The Horticulture, Forestry, and Environmental Education (HFEE) Division contributes to the preservation and maintenance of our parks’ natural and cultural resources. Pope Farm Nursery is a plant production facility that grows a wide range of plant material that support many ongoing Park projects. As a supporting facility to all Park management areas, Pope Farm also has a green waste recycling operation where landscape debris is generated into end use materials such as mulch, compost and woodchips used in park wide maintenance operations. 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

High School diploma or GED.
One year of experience in grounds maintenance, landscape, nursery or related horticulture field
Applicants must be at least 18 years or older
Strong communication, follows instructions accurately and maintains attention to detail
Reliable and punctual
Able to work in varying outdoor climates and safely operate tools and equipment
Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, plant production and plant care
Works well independently and as part of a team

Responsibilities

Operate zero turn mowers throughout facility
Light landscape maintenance work within facility, pruning, weeding, debris cleanup
Drive off-road utility vehicles to transport supplies, tools and plants
Use of small tractors, skid steers and dingo type machines with various implements to help perform various tasks related to facility operations
Use of handheld power equipment (weed eaters, blowers, trimmers, etc.)
Assist in general low volume herbicide applications in production and non-production areas
Developmental pruning and shaping of trees and shrubs
Irrigation system use and monitoring
Pulling plant orders and assist in loading/unloading trucks
Bareroot tree and shrub liner planting, upsizing container plant material
Staking and tying of in-ground and container trees