Community Program Assistant Jobs in Sterling, VA

Help grow and support volunteer programs that care for Montgomery Parks' trees, streams, and natural areas. As a Seasonal Tree Care Volunteer Program Assistant, you will support volunteer events, community outreach, and environmental stewardship initiatives that contribute to the care of more than 6,600 park trees across Montgomery County.

Working alongside the Tree Care Volunteer Program Coordinator and Volunteer Services Office staff, you will assist with volunteer-led tree maintenance, community service projects, environmental education programs, tree planting, and public outreach efforts. This role provides hands-on experience working with volunteers, nonprofit organizations, schools, community groups, and Parks staff while helping residents connect with and improve their local parks.

This position includes a combination of office and field work throughout Montgomery County.

About the Volunteer Services Office

The Volunteer Services Office provides central coordination and management of volunteer and community service programs. Functions include planning and consultation, recruitment, outreach, screening, training, recognition, data collection and management, and evaluation. Volunteer resources include students, corporate partners, and traditional volunteers. The Volunteer Services Office serves as a key liaison between Montgomery Parks staff and a variety of volunteer and community-based groups countywide. These include friends groups, watershed groups, non-profit organizations, and volunteer groups that work with Parks on annual projects or seasonal programs while providing participants with valuable volunteer experiences.

Learn more about the Volunteer Services Office: https://montgomeryparks.org/support/volunteer/

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.

Learn More About Montgomery Parks: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/

For more information about the Seasonal Hiring process and application status for Montgomery County, please contact mcp-parkscareers@montgomeryparks.org.

• Support volunteer programs, community service projects, and stewardship initiatives throughout Montgomery Parks.
• Assist with coordinating volunteer events, activities, and participant communications.
• Help track volunteer participation and program data using volunteer management and reporting systems.
• Support tree care, environmental stewardship, and tree planting projects alongside Parks staff and volunteers.
• Assist with community outreach and environmental education programs that engage youth, families, and underserved communities.
• Help prepare project sites by coordinating supplies, equipment, and event logistics.
• Participate in special events such as Earth Month, Community Service Week, and National Public Lands Day.
• Build positive relationships with volunteers, community partners, and park visitors through professional communication and customer service.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Interest in volunteer engagement, environmental education, forestry, watershed science, landscaping, parks and recreation, or community outreach.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Experience supporting outdoor volunteer projects, environmental programs, community service activities, or special events.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook.
• Ability to engage effectively with Montgomery County's diverse communities, volunteers, and program participants.
• Spanish language skills or proficiency in another language are desirable.
• Valid driver's license

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in both office and outdoor environments.
• Frequent work in parks, stream valleys, and natural areas throughout Montgomery County.
• Ability to walk significant distances over uneven terrain and work in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work in streams and other outdoor environments with potentially slippery or unstable surfaces.
• Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Additional Details:

• Hourly Rate: $19.00 - $22.00 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Available to work a minimum of 30 hours per week.
• Selected candidates must successfully complete a background investigation.
• Some remote work may be available based on operational needs.
• Training will be provided on volunteer program administration, volunteer management software, field safety, public engagement, environmental education resources, and other departmental procedures.

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.