Parks Recreation Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $54,998.00 - $97,403.00 Annually
Location : Upper Marlboro, MD
Job Type: Career
Job Number: 14273
Department: PGC Parks and Recreation
Division: Facility Services Division
Opening Date: 09/04/2026
Closing Date: 9/21/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission is an award winning organization with over 5,000 employees that administers over 52,000 acres of stream valley parks, large regional parks, neighborhood parks and park-school recreation areas throughout Montgomery and Prince George's counties. We administer and maintain the park systems, and in Prince George's County, we are also responsible for developing the County's public recreation programs.
Our Department of Parks & Recreation has the overall responsibility for planning, supervising and coordinating all park/recreation facilities and services throughout Prince George's County. The Facility Services Division (FSD) is the largest Division within this Department and is composed of six major work areas: Fleet Management, Buildings & Structures (Trade Shops), Horticulture & Forestry, Major Maintenance & Inspection, Critical Projects (Aquatics, Heavy Equipment and Sustainability) and the Administration section. The mission of FSD is to provide professional, high quality maintenance and maintenance support services for all parks and recreation facilities and to support the diverse work programs of the Parks & Recreation Department in Prince George's County and its customers.
These positions are located in the Northern & Southern Landscape section of the Horticulture & Forestry (H&F) group in the Facility Services Division. This position will work under general supervision to lead a crew(s) in performing skilled gardening and landscaping work in the care and maintenance of Commission parks, public gardens and/or landscaped areas of Commission buildings and facilities.
The successful candidates will perform a full range of gardening and grounds maintenance duties, as assigned, with only occasional instruction or assistance as unusual or unique situations arise. These candidates will provide assistance with landscaping/gardening projects to include design, research and plant selection. They will also have a good knowledge base of the typical horticulture material used in this region, including the ability to ID plants (common and scientific names), shrubs and trees commonly used in landscape beds along with commonly accepted IPM practices. The successful candidates will have a demonstrated ability to lead crews and train new and inexperienced staff.
Examples of Important Duties

• Leads the work of staff engaged in maintaining parks, gardens, specialty horticultural facilities (e.g., conservatory, greenhouse), and other landscaped areas. Discusses work to be performed with supervisor; monitors work in progress and provides technical assistance to crew; and directs corrections and modifications, as appropriate. Trains and instructs new and less experienced staff in proper work methods (i.e., use of tools and equipment, safety precautions and techniques). Participates in the selection of staff or volunteers and provides input into employee performance evaluations. Completes assignments individually or as leader of a work crew. Keeps supervisor informed of status of work and *
• Performs complex gardening and landscaping work for the care and maintenance of Commission parks, public gardens or landscaped areas of buildings and facilities. Prepares planting beds by amending garden soil, rototilling, grading, spading and fertilizing soil to promote plant growth and prevent drainage problems. Leads the planting, transplanting and cultivating of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and other plant materials. Ensures the completion of plant maintenance including fertilization, pruning, trimming and watering; participates in weeding, raking, clearing grounds and mulching plant beds.
• Cleans and maintains water pumps, pools, fertilizer tanks and hoses. Monitors greenhouse and conservatory temperatures, humidity and moisture levels, as well as heating control equipment or systems and other environmental conditions. Maintains and follows crop schedules; grows and maintains plants through daily watering, pruning, fertilizing, staking, dividing and weeding. Performs quality control measures and communicates with stakeholders/crop requestors on changing status of crops. Conducts research on best propagation methods for a variety of plant material.
• Ensures propagation areas are developed and maintained to germinate and provide rooted cuttings.
• Develops general design plans for landscaping and gardens at a variety of Commission sites (i.e., researches and selects plants by coordinating height, color, texture, peak performance; orders plants from greenhouse and vendors in time for growing schedules and planting deadlines); Designs and coordinates the installation of complex outdoor or indoor displays which include extensive horticultural and interpretive theme developments, custom made forms and hardscapes and interpretive materials. Ensure paperwork is completed, permits obtained, and crop deliveries coordinated as necessary. Conducts inspections; complies with Federal, State or County permit conditions. Trains staff in required procedures and practices and ensures compliance. Assists in construction and installation of props and hardscapes in displays; consults with and advises park staff on plant selection for park sites. Ensures soil health is maintained, tests conducted, and results analyzed. Provides consultation to identify ways to improve soil quality; develops solutions to turf-related issues and problems. Takes lead role in managing soil waste to produce stable, usable compost and recyclable biproducts.
• Apply principles of integrated pest management (IPM) for optimal plant health. Observes plant growth, diagnoses diseases, identifies insects, abiotic factors (e.g., sunlight, precipitation, minerals, soil) and other plant problems and determines effective treatments. Determines proper watering, fertilizing, spraying and pruning schedules; appropriately mixes and applies fertilizers, instructs crew in application of sprays and fertilizers; and maintains records of fertilizers and pesticide chemicals used in accordance with the requirements of the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and local jurisdictions. Tracks data on parasites, diseases, and damaging insects and ensures reporting of status to stakeholders, including crop requestors.
• Implement tree care programs, such as pruning, de-staking, mulching and weeding. Directs the digging of plant materials and filling of tree requests. Plans, coordinates and directs grading, seeding or sodding, and wildflower meadow installation and maintenance. Implements reforestation and habitat restoration projects. Responsible for maintaining turf areas and irrigation systems. Establishes production schedules; responsible for maintaining inventory system of all field nursery trees. Assists customers with orders and reservations. Receives and picks up orders, purchases supplies and materials, originates purchase orders, processes invoices and interacts directly with vendors. Maintains plants, trees and crops; reserves, prepares and loads balled and bur lapped trees.
• Operates mowers, tractors with and without attachments, front end loaders, snowplows, trucks with and without trailers, equipment for digging and planting trees, dump trucks and other equipment to maintain facility grounds or deliveries; utilizes a variety of hand and power tools used to perform maintenance work. Performs preventive maintenance and minor repairs on assigned equipment and reports the need for major repairs and maintenance, as required.
• Identifies plants by common and scientific names. Orders labels and places on or near plants to identify them for the public; develops interpretative signage for gardens, as required. Conducts workshops, demonstrations, lectures, and tours for the public and staff. Answers questions and discuss inquiries with visitors.
• Researches and evaluates materials to be purchased and provides recommendations. Reviews product catalogs and meets with vendors to obtain price quotes; prepares purchase requests. Prepares bid specifications and oversees the work of contractors. Utilizes work management system database to enter and retrieve data; and writes standard reports and correspondence, as required.
• Assists in snow removal and performing semi-skilled trade work in building retaining walls, steps, paths, and other landscape structures, as required. Coordinates and interacts with trade shops, exhibit shops, vendors and regulators.

(Work Hours are 6:00 am - 2:45 pm)
The Salary range is $54,998 - $97,403 Annual
Preferred candidates will possess a Maryland Department of Agriculture Pesticide applicator certification. Commercial Driver's License with appropriate endorsements within twelve (12) months of hire.
Working conditions
Works in indoors and outdoor settings Occasionally exposed to inclement weather, dirt, dust, unpleasant odors, and fumes from fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides; and exposure to wildlife and potentially harmful insects (i.e., bees, hornets, wasps) and traffic hazards and noise Maintains situational awareness, adheres to established safety procedures, takes precautions and wears personal protective equipment to minimize potential hazards to self. As required, subject to call back for emergencies and occasionally work overtime, evenings and weekends. Ability to stand, walk, crouch, kneel, bend, or squat for considerable periods of time; lift and carry materials and equipment weighing up to 49 pounds
Minimum Qualifications

1. Associate's Degree in Horticulture, Arboriculture, Forestry or any related field.
2. Four (4) years of experience in landscaping, gardening, greenhouse, nursery or horticultural support work including leading a crew of workers.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total six (6) 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. Contingent upon area of assignment, some positions in this class may require within 12 months of placement in the position: (a) Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements; (b) Maryland Department of Agriculture Pesticide applicator certification; (c) Maryland Department of Agriculture Fertilizer Applicator certification.
6. Pass Commission medical examination.

Supplemental Information
Classification Specification Lead Horticulturalist Support Technician
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 based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor. We will do what we can to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us on 301-495-4525 to request accommodation.
Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
If you require accommodation 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.)