Garden Center Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $75,336.00 - $135,882.00 Annually
Location : Wheaton, MD
Job Type: Career
Job Number: 10870
Department: MC Parks
Division: Horticulture Frstry and Env Ed
Opening Date: 08/27/2026
Closing Date: 9/10/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
Brookside Nature Center, located within Wheaton Regional Park, is a destination for environmental education, nature exploration, and community engagement. Through exhibits, nature programs, camps, trails, gardens, special events, and volunteer opportunities, the center connects visitors of all ages to the natural world. Maydale Nature Classroom, managed by Brookside Nature Center, is located in Maydale Conservation Park in Colesville, about 6 miles from Brookside. The classroom expands opportunities for outdoor learning, discovery, and connection to local natural resources.
Montgomery Parks is seeking a collaborative leader to manage Brookside Nature Center and Maydale Nature Classroom. Reporting to the Assistant Division Chief for Nature Centers, this position oversees staff, programs, volunteers, budgets, facilities, exhibits, gardens, trails, and visitor services and experiences.
This role blends leadership, community engagement, and operations. You will help shape how visitors experience nature while leading a dedicated team of naturalists, educators, volunteers, and support staff. The ideal candidate is a leader who enjoys building teams, creating meaningful connections between people and nature, and balancing strategic planning with hands-on operational management. One day you may be supporting public programs and community partnerships; the next you could be coaching staff, planning facility improvements, reviewing budgets, or helping develop new educational and interpretive experiences.
About Montgomery Parks Nature Centers
Montgomery Parks operates five nature program sites, Black Hill Discovery Center, Brookside Nature Center, Locust Grove Nature Center, Maydale Nature Classroom and Meadowside Nature Center. The nature centers provide learning opportunities for youths and adults in a variety of ways including school, scout and public programs for all ages; special events, summer camps, birthday parties, volunteer opportunities, internships, engaging interpretive exhibits, live animal exhibits, native plant gardens, trails and nature play areas.
Learn More About Our Nature Centers:
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:
Please Note: The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Examples of Important Duties
Supervision

• Provides exceptional leadership in a collaborative team environment.
• Recruits, screens, hires, onboards new staff and interns.
• Trains, coaches, evaluates, and recognizes staff and interns.
• Recognizes and resolves personnel issues.
• Works with volunteer manager to oversee volunteer program.

Interpretive Programming and Visitor Experiences

• Develops and implements vision, goals, and strategic plan.
• Reviews, approves, and evaluates programs and services.
• Establishes and implements operating and program procedures.
• Collaborates with other Montgomery Parks' nature centers and other sections of Parks to develop and execute programs, events, services, and experiences such as exhibits.
• Coordinates a balance of programs and services in response to community needs and interests, agency priorities, and revenue goals.

Advocacy and Community Building

• Maintains strong relationships with partners and community.
• Proactively grows advocates and community partners with diverse backgrounds and located within Equity Focus Areas.

Building and Grounds Management

• Evaluates facility operating systems for safety and function.
• Plans, designs, and implements facility and grounds improvements with assistance from regional park staff and Facilities Management units.
• Coordinates routine maintenance, repairs, and custodial services with Facilities Management units and contractors.
• Collaborates with natural resources staff to maintain or improve natural areas.

Budget and Procurement

• Manages operating and fee-based budgets
• Submits requests for Major Maintenance and Capital Improvement Projects
• Administers procurement functions including purchase requisitions, purchase cards, and petty cash.

Important Skills and Characteristics

• Provides effective leadership, organizational, and managerial skills in a team-oriented environment.
• Exemplifies a collaborative and cooperative spirit. Shows a proven ability to approach and interact with people of all backgrounds.
• Has the skill and ability to plan, organize and direct the programs, services, and operations of a nature facility. Coordinate effectively other entities, staff, and units within the Commission, outside organizations, and the community in planning and conducting programs, events, and special projects.
• Considerable skills in problem solving to select, organize and logically process relevant information.
• Skill and ability to make presentations and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to perform first aid and CPR*.

*Typically acquired or fully developed primarily after employment in this job class.
Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to communicate in one of Montgomery County's most common languages (Spanish, Chinese, African Languages, Persian, French) is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor's Degree in Natural Science, Life Science, Physical Science, or any related field.
2. Four (4) years of progressively responsible park naturalist experience.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total eight (8) years.
4. 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.
5. Depending on area of assignment, must be able to obtain and maintain all applicable certifications and licenses.

Supplemental Information
Classification Specification Nature Facility Program Manager
May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.
Working Conditions:
Works primarily in an office. Works occasional weekends, evenings, and holidays. Exposed occasionally to inclement weather and outdoor hazards. Incumbents in this class must frequently: remain in a stationary position, move about inside and outside the office, communicate and exchange information with internal staff and the public.
Additional Details

• The salary range shown reflects the full earning potential for this role. Your actual pay will be based on your experience.
• Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• We offer a flexible and competitive benefits package.

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 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 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.
01
Describe a time in your current or most recent role when you used data analytics to inform a decision.
02
Describe a situation where you handled a conflict between two employees reporting to you.
03
Tell us about one or two specific things that you have done to promote diversity, equity and/or inclusion in your current or previous position?
Required Question