Weekend Conservatory Manager

Montgomery Parks is currently seeking a WeekendConservatoryManagerto 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 Parks 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.

• Learn More About Brookside Gardens: 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 1000 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.

  • Learn More About Montgomery Parks: more information about the Seasonal Hiring process and application status for Montgomery County please contact.

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

• 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

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.

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 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)

M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.