Native Plant Production Assistant

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is hiring a Seasonal Native Plant Production Assistant at Pope Farm Nursery in Gaithersburg, MD. Responsibilities include seed collection, plant maintenance, watering, and loading plant orders. Candidates should have experience in horticulture or related fields, be able to lift 50 lbs, and possess a valid driver's license. The role requires teamwork and an interest in native plants.
Description

The Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Montgomery County Parks, Horticultural, Forestry, Environmental and Education Division is seeking a Seasonal Worker. The position is located within Pope Farm Nursery, (7400 Airpark Road, Gaithersburg, MD) the plant production facility that grows a wide range of plant material for Montgomery Parks.

Under direct supervision, the successful candidate will work with other staff members in the production of local ecotype native plants. General work includes, seed collection and cleaning, stock garden maintenance, potting up seedlings, upsizing plugs, watering, grooming and cutting back plants, assisting in loading/unloading plant orders and other miscellaneous horticultural related tasks in the Native Plant Program section.

We seek an energetic person with initiative, an outstanding work ethic, and desire to work as part of a team to help with our production operations and the maintenance of our facility. Interest in and knowledge of native plants would be ideal.

Examples of Important Duties
• Container planting/transplanting/upsizing
• Watering/irrigation, fertilization, cutting back plants
• Organization and maintenance of native plant inventory
• Operate handheld battery equipment (blowers, weed eaters, etc)
• Pulling and loading plant orders for customers
• Maintaining native plant stock gardens

Minimum Qualifications
• Pass Commission medical examination.
• One year of experience in groundskeeping, nursery, landscape or 1 year of schooling in a horticulture related field
• Ability to read and write.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions

Primarily works in greenhouse and outside. Exposed to weather, dirt, waste, odors, pesticides, wildlife, and potentially harmful insects (for example, bees, hornets, wasps, etc.).

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

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

2025 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
• Credit Union
• Sick Leave 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.