Garden of Lights Show Assistant

Description

The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission's Horticulture, Forestry, and Environmental Education (HFEE) Division is 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 runs from August 2026 through mid-March 2027.

About the HFEE Division and Brookside Gardens

The HFEE Division contributes to the preservation and maintenance of parks' natural and cultural resources. Brookside Gardens is one of Park's public gardens, featuring horticultural exhibits designed and maintained using ecological landscape practices. The division aims to inspire lifelong learning and stewardship among residents of Montgomery County through educational programs.

Examples of Important Duties

• Light Show Installation and Take-down
• 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
• Light Show Operations
• 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
• Customer Service
• 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

Minimum Qualifications

• We're looking for enthusiastic, reliable team players who enjoy working outdoors and with members of our community. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in parks, recreation, or special events, especially if you're looking to gain hands-on experience.
• Ability to lift to bend, stoop, stretch, climb, and lift up to 50 pounds
• Stand for at least two hours at a time
• Walk at least half a mile up and down moderate hills without difficulty
• Tolerance for working outside in various weather conditions, including heat, rain, humidity, and cold
• High School diploma or GED
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Preferred Qualifications
• 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

Supplemental Information

• May be subject to medical, drug, and alcohol testing
• When You’ll Work
• During light show installation and take-down, the work shift is Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Installation and take-down runs from August through mid-November and January through March. When the light show is operating from mid-November through early January, the work shift is weekday and weekend evenings from approximately 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., depending on the show schedule.
• This position is part-time and not eligible for benefits.
• A background investigation will be completed prior to hire.
• This position is based in Wheaton, MD.
• Position pays at a rate of $18.25 per hour; 24-40 hours/week. The position requires weekday, weekend, and evening availability according to the event schedule.
• 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.

Affirmations

• Are you at least 18 years of age?
• Do you have a high school diploma or GED?