Weekend Conservatory Manager - Seasonal
Salary
$18.81 Hourly
Location
Wheaton, MD
Job Type
Seasonal
Job Number
WCM.26
Department
MC Parks
Division
Horticulture Frstry and Env Ed
Opening Date
05/08/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Description
Montgomery Parks is currently seeking a Weekend Conservatory Manager to help care for plants, provide customer service to visitors, and securely open and close the Conservatory at Brookside Gardens, a public horticulture display garden located in Wheaton, Maryland. This is a year-round, part-time 30-hours/week position, working all weekends and holidays, and one to two weekdays. The ideal candidate is energetic, enthusiastic about plants, and enjoys interacting with people.
About the HFEE Division and Brookside Gardens
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 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 are planned to excite curiosity and encourage lifelong learning, with the vision of mobilizing residents of Montgomery County as dedicated stewards of the natural world.
About Montgomery Parks
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.
For more information about the Seasonal Hiring process and application status for Montgomery County, please contact mcp-parkscareers@montgomeryparks.org.
Examples of Important Duties
Conservatory Operations & Plant Care
Open and close the Conservatory during scheduled weekend and holiday hours
Assist Conservatory Gardeners with installation and maintenance of plants within the glass display space
Perform daily plant care, including watering, grooming, planting, weeding, and pruning
Ensure plants are properly watered while minimizing impact on visitors
Facilities Maintenance & Presentation
Maintain clean, safe, and unobstructed aisles throughout the Conservatory
Remove debris promptly to ensure a polished, welcoming environment for visitors
Visitor Experience & Engagement
Provide visitors with respectful guidance on Conservatory rules and permit requirements
Respond to visitor questions and requests in a positive, helpful, and informative manner
Volunteer Coordination & Team Support
Direct and collaborate with volunteers on a variety of horticultural maintenance tasks
Support effective execution of daily operations through teamwork and volunteer engagement
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
High School diploma or GED.
One year of customer service experience
Applicants must be at least 18 years or older
Preferred Qualifications:
Previous horticulture experience in a greenhouse or conservatory.
Previous experience of handling insects or other live animals.
Previous experience with interpretation, teaching, or public speaking/engagement.
Important Skills and Characteristics
Follows detailed instructions accurately and maintains strong attention to detail, including recordkeeping
Reliable and punctual
Strong communication, leadership, and customer service skills, including confidently addressing groups
Able to work in hot, humid conditions and safely operate tools and equipment
Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, plant care, pest/disease identification, and greenhouse systems
Works well independently and as part of a team
Supplemental Information
May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.
Working Conditions
Primarily works inside a glass Conservatory with exposure to temperature extremes such as high heat, humidity, and cold damp conditions.
Must be able to perform strenuous work, including the ability to: stoop, bend, stretch, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds.
Works independently and as part of a team.
Works all weekends and holidays and two weekdays per week.
Additional Information
This position is not eligible for benefits.
A fingerprinting and background investigation will be completed prior to hire.
Additional duties and full list of Job Description available upon request.
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.
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 SEASONAL INTERMITTENT EMPLOYEES
The following information is a summary of benefits extended to all Seasonal employees of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). This is for informational purposes only and is subject to change.
Limited Benefits for Seasonal Employees
Health Insurance Plans
You are eligible for specific health insurance benefits if you worked, on average, 30 hours per week during your first 12 months of employment or from October 3rd to October 2nd each subsequent period following your first 12 months of employment. This equates to 1,560 hours over a 12-month period.
If and when you are eligible for benefits, you will receive notification directly from the Health & Benefits Office.
Eligible Employees Pay 35% of the health insurance plan premium and The Commission Pays 65%.
Medical
Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) with Prescription Plan
UnitedHealthcare Select Plan (EPO)
Prescription: CVS Caremark Prescription Plan
Other Benefits
This summary is intended to highlight some of the benefits offered by the M-NCPPC. It is not an all-inclusive agreement and is subject to change. For a more detailed description of benefits, please see the appropriate benefits brochure, service agreement or manual. For more information, contact The Health and Benefits Office at benefits@mncppc.org or 301-454-1694.
01
Are you at least 18 years of age?
02
Do you have a High School Diploma or GED?
Required Question
Employer The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission
Address 6611 Kenilworth Ave
Riverdale, Maryland, 20737
Website https://www.mncppc.org/jobs