Natural Areas Horticulturalist (11423, Grade 16)
Salary: $48,563.00 - $86,008.00 Annually
Location : Germantown, MD
Job Type: Career
Job Number: 11423
Department: MC Parks
Division: Park Planning and Stewardship
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Closing Date: 8/19/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
The M-NCPPC, Montgomery Parks, Maryland seeks a skilled Natural Areas Horticulturalist as part of the Natural Resources Stewardship Section in the Park Planning and Stewardship Division. The incumbent will focus on care and maintenance of Commission parks, to care for and amend growing conditions for native plants within forest and meadow management units having specific objectives and occasional wildlife food plots and community support projects. The incumbent will report to the department's Vegetation Ecology & Management Unit Leader and will be a part of a small group of specialists with this focus, working both as a group and independently, depending upon safe and standard operating procedures. The office site is located at 12535 Milestone Manor Lane, Germantown.
The Natural Areas Horticulturalist will require the willingness and ability to learn, within 6 months, use of tractor and/or front-end loader with implements, skid steer with and without implements, and truck and trailer combinations. A CDL may be required for the job, with the Commission providing for on-the-job training, if necessary. A State Pesticide Applicators License is a requirement and must be achieved within 12 months of employment. Additional equipment use will include various hand tools (e.g., clippers, loppers, weed wrench, etc.) power equipment (e.g., string trimmer, chainsaw, brush cutting mowers), pressurized spray equipment, and other more common tools. And the individual chosen for this role will perform routine maintenance and upkeep of tools and equipment. In addition, this person will participate as a core member of the department's annual prescribed burn team, applying controlled fire to natural area habitat to restore and enhance growing conditions of desired plant communities, receiving both formal and on-the-job training throughout, and working towards certifications.
If this fits with your skillset and interests, you have the willingness and ability to learn, are hardworking and are a hands-on person who enjoys working outside in nature, please consider applying.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a six-time National Gold Medal Award Winner. Behind the vast and diverse Montgomery Parks system is a career staff complement of over 800 employees, 417 parks and more than 37,000 acres of park land that serves a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington, DC metro area.
Go to our website to learn more: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/
Very competitive and flexible benefits programs available!
Please Note: The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position.
Salary is commensurate with experience.
Examples of Important Duties
The Natural Areas Horticulturalist will:
Maryland Certified Pesticide Applicators License Working Conditions: Work is performed in greenhouse or outdoors with exposure to a variety of weather conditions. Some driving may be required. Exposed to dirt and dust, unpleasant odors and fumes from fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides and pesticides; and exposure to wildlife and potentially harmful insects (i.e., bees, hornets, wasps) and traffic hazards and noise. Personal protective equipment is required to apply certain pesticides. May be subject to call back for emergencies and occasionally work overtime, evenings and weekends. Ability to stand, walk, crouch, kneel, bend or squat for considerable periods of time; lift and carry materials and equipment weighing in excess of 50 pounds; and push and pull materials and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds with or without assistance.
Minimum Qualifications
Supplemental Information
Classification Specification Senior Horticulturalist Support Technician
May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.
Get to know Montgomery Parks and the opportunities available: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/about/divisions/
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 ofrace, 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
2026 BENEFIT SUMMARY FOR MERIT SYSTEM EMPLOYEES
The following benefit summary is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor should be construed as an employment agreement with the M-NCPPC, implied or actual. It is not all-inclusive and is subject to change. Benefits listed are extended to all Merit System employees of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). All plans are optional except the Defined Benefit and Long-Term Disability plans.
Eligibility
You have 45 days from your hire date to elect your benefits. Your coverage begins on the first of the month following receipt of your enrollment forms and required documentation.
Retirement Programs
PlanEmployee ContributionPlan C9.5%* of base salary (FOP members only)Plan E4% of base salary up to maximum Social Security Wage Base (SSWB) and 8% in excess of SSWB.
Health Insurance Plans (FOP Members Pay 23% for Medical, Prescription and Dental and same as all other employees for Vision.) All other employees pay percentage below.*
Flexible Spending Accounts (Employee Pays 100%)
Long-Term Disability Insurance (Mandatory Participation)
Supplemental Long-Term Disability Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)
Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80%)
Supplemental and Spouse/Dependent Life Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)
Sick Leave Bank (Contribution and Benefit hours prorated for part-time employees)
Leave Programs
Other Benefits
For a more detailed description of benefits, please contact the Commission's Health and Benefits Office at or 301-454-1694.
Location : Germantown, MD
Job Type: Career
Job Number: 11423
Department: MC Parks
Division: Park Planning and Stewardship
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Closing Date: 8/19/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
The M-NCPPC, Montgomery Parks, Maryland seeks a skilled Natural Areas Horticulturalist as part of the Natural Resources Stewardship Section in the Park Planning and Stewardship Division. The incumbent will focus on care and maintenance of Commission parks, to care for and amend growing conditions for native plants within forest and meadow management units having specific objectives and occasional wildlife food plots and community support projects. The incumbent will report to the department's Vegetation Ecology & Management Unit Leader and will be a part of a small group of specialists with this focus, working both as a group and independently, depending upon safe and standard operating procedures. The office site is located at 12535 Milestone Manor Lane, Germantown.
The Natural Areas Horticulturalist will require the willingness and ability to learn, within 6 months, use of tractor and/or front-end loader with implements, skid steer with and without implements, and truck and trailer combinations. A CDL may be required for the job, with the Commission providing for on-the-job training, if necessary. A State Pesticide Applicators License is a requirement and must be achieved within 12 months of employment. Additional equipment use will include various hand tools (e.g., clippers, loppers, weed wrench, etc.) power equipment (e.g., string trimmer, chainsaw, brush cutting mowers), pressurized spray equipment, and other more common tools. And the individual chosen for this role will perform routine maintenance and upkeep of tools and equipment. In addition, this person will participate as a core member of the department's annual prescribed burn team, applying controlled fire to natural area habitat to restore and enhance growing conditions of desired plant communities, receiving both formal and on-the-job training throughout, and working towards certifications.
If this fits with your skillset and interests, you have the willingness and ability to learn, are hardworking and are a hands-on person who enjoys working outside in nature, please consider applying.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a six-time National Gold Medal Award Winner. Behind the vast and diverse Montgomery Parks system is a career staff complement of over 800 employees, 417 parks and more than 37,000 acres of park land that serves a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington, DC metro area.
Go to our website to learn more: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/
Very competitive and flexible benefits programs available!
Please Note: The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position.
Salary is commensurate with experience.
Examples of Important Duties
The Natural Areas Horticulturalist will:
- Core to the job is non-native, invasive plant management, and restoration of these sites following abatement, as well as meadow establishment and maintenance Park Planning and Stewardship Natural Areas Horticulturalist
- Identify native and non-native plants of the Mid-Atlantic and especially the Piedmont physiographic region, soil characteristics and growing conditions, pesticide and fertilizer mixing and application, collecting data and assessing.
- Recognize the signs of unhealthy plants: Utilize departmental Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Best Management Practices, and policy to ensure both naturally growing and cultivated plantings.
- Calculate ratio and application rates and calibrate equipment, test growing conditions apply correct plantings.
- Prepare suitable planting site, plant, stake, and mulch, weed, water, as necessary;
- Inspect naturally occurring and cultivated plantings for signs of insect or disease impacts and other stressors
- Select plant stock for projects, in coordination with the department's nursery staff
- May transplant native plants for preservation or restocking.
- Often guide, set pace, and work alongside staff, lower in position, engaged in similar efforts
- Coordinate with other administrative and operating divisions in the department to advance the priorities of the Parks Department and deliver exceptional parks for our residents.
- Meet with citizens, community groups, Planning Board, County Council, and representatives to advance the Department's work and advocacy efforts.
- Keep record of work accomplished, chemical application, chemical storage compliance, and chemical inventory.
- Promote recommendations for purchase of tools and materials in support of the work.
Maryland Certified Pesticide Applicators License Working Conditions: Work is performed in greenhouse or outdoors with exposure to a variety of weather conditions. Some driving may be required. Exposed to dirt and dust, unpleasant odors and fumes from fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides and pesticides; and exposure to wildlife and potentially harmful insects (i.e., bees, hornets, wasps) and traffic hazards and noise. Personal protective equipment is required to apply certain pesticides. May be subject to call back for emergencies and occasionally work overtime, evenings and weekends. Ability to stand, walk, crouch, kneel, bend or squat for considerable periods of time; lift and carry materials and equipment weighing in excess of 50 pounds; and push and pull materials and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds with or without assistance.
Minimum Qualifications
- Associate's Degree in Horticulture, Arboriculture, Forestry or any related area.
- Two (2) years of gardening, greenhouse, nursery experience or horticulture support work.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total four (4) years.
- Valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver's license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions or points that could limit the employee's ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.
- Contingent upon area of assignment, some positions in this class may require (a) Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements within 12 months of hire; (b) Maryland Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator registration within 12 months of placement in the position.
- Pass Commission medical examination.
Supplemental Information
Classification Specification Senior Horticulturalist Support Technician
May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.
Get to know Montgomery Parks and the opportunities available: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/about/divisions/
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 ofrace, 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
2026 BENEFIT SUMMARY FOR MERIT SYSTEM EMPLOYEES
The following benefit summary is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor should be construed as an employment agreement with the M-NCPPC, implied or actual. It is not all-inclusive and is subject to change. Benefits listed are extended to all Merit System employees of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). All plans are optional except the Defined Benefit and Long-Term Disability plans.
Eligibility
You have 45 days from your hire date to elect your benefits. Your coverage begins on the first of the month following receipt of your enrollment forms and required documentation.
Retirement Programs
- Defined Benefit Plan (Mandatory Participation) - Plan E excludes FOP members.
PlanEmployee ContributionPlan C9.5%* of base salary (FOP members only)Plan E4% of base salary up to maximum Social Security Wage Base (SSWB) and 8% in excess of SSWB.
- 457 (b) Plan (Optional) (Pre-tax and Roth)
- Traditional and Roth IRAs (Optional)
- Retiree Healthcare - Eligibility requires, at least 10 years of eligible service and continuous enrollment in M-NCPPC plans (or proof of continuous enrollment in comparable plans) during the 36 months immediately preceding your retirement date. Premium cost share based on years of service
Health Insurance Plans (FOP Members Pay 23% for Medical, Prescription and Dental and same as all other employees for Vision.) All other employees pay percentage below.*
- Medical
- Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) - (15%)
- UnitedHealthcare Select Exclusive Provider Organization Health Plan (EPO) - (20%)
- UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Point of Service (POS) - (20%)
- Prescription - CVS Caremark - (15%)
- Dental - Delta Dental PPO and DeltaCare USA HMO - (20%)
- Vision - EyeMed - (80% of Low Option plan paid by Commission. Any balance paid by employee.)
- Low, moderate, and high options are available. Frequency of covered services differs.
Flexible Spending Accounts (Employee Pays 100%)
- Medical Account - Maximum annual contribution: $3,300
- Dependent Care Account - Maximum annual contribution: $7,500
Long-Term Disability Insurance (Mandatory Participation)
- Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80% (FOP Members Pay 100%)
- Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary, maximum of $6,000/month
Supplemental Long-Term Disability Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)
- Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary that exceeds $108,000; capped at $216,000
Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80%)
- Two (2) times base salary; maximum benefit is $200,000 for each
- Automatic coverage with opt-out provision
Supplemental and Spouse/Dependent Life Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)
- Supplemental - 1,2,3,4, or 5 times base salary; maximum benefit is $750,000
- Spouse/Dependent Combination - $10,000/$5,000, $20,000/$10,000, or $30,000/$15,000
Sick Leave Bank (Contribution and Benefit hours prorated for part-time employees)
- Employees have 60 days from date of hire to enroll.
- Employee contributes 8 leave hours each year
- Annually covers up to 688 hours for own serious medical condition, and 480 hours for parental responsibilities (birth, adoption or foster care), and 80-160 hours for serious medical condition of an immediate family member
Leave Programs
- Annual: 15 days per year
- Personal: 3 days per year (12-month waiting period)
- Sick: 15 days per year
- Holidays: 11 days per year
Other Benefits
- Credit Union
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Legal Services Plan
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Wellness Program
- Work-Life Program
For a more detailed description of benefits, please contact the Commission's Health and Benefits Office at or 301-454-1694.