Nursery and Grounds Assistant
Montgomery Parks is seeking a Nursery and Grounds Assistant to work with staff at Pope Farm Nursery in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This role involves general grounds maintenance, assisting in the growing and care of trees and shrubs, irrigation, loading/unloading trucks, and other horticultural tasks at our plant production facility.
About The HFEE Division And Pope Farm Nursery
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 supporting ongoing park projects. It also operates a green waste recycling program, converting landscape debris into mulch, compost, and woodchips used in park maintenance.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks is an award-winning park system and part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). With over 1,000 employees, we manage 416 parks, trails, and natural spaces across Montgomery County. Our team works in diverse roles, including park operations, public programs, planning, public safety, and administration, making a visible impact in the community.
Responsibilities
- Operate zero-turn mowers and perform light landscape maintenance, including pruning, weeding, and debris cleanup.
- Drive off-road utility vehicles to transport supplies, tools, and plants.
- Use small tractors, skid steers, and dingo-type machines with various implements for facility operations.
- Operate handheld power equipment such as weed eaters, blowers, and trimmers.
- Assist in low-volume herbicide applications in production and non-production areas.
- Perform developmental pruning and shaping of trees and shrubs.
- Monitor and use irrigation systems.
- Pull plant orders and assist in loading/unloading trucks.
- Plant bareroot tree and shrub liners, and upsize container plant material.
- Stake and tie in-ground and container trees.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- One year of experience in grounds maintenance, landscape, nursery, or a related horticulture field.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
Skills
- Strong communication and ability to follow instructions accurately.
- Reliable, punctual, and detail-oriented.
- Able to work in varying outdoor climates and safely operate tools and equipment.
- Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, plant production and care.
- Works well independently and as part of a team.
Working Conditions
- Primarily outdoor work, exposed to weather elements (heat, humidity, cold), dirt, wildlife, and potential harmful insects (bees, hornets, wasps).
- Must be able to perform strenuous work, including stooping, bending, stretching, pulling, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
- Works independently and as part of a team.
Schedule
This position is Monday through Friday, 30 hours per week, year-round.
Fingerprinting and background investigation required prior to hire. This position is not eligible for benefits.