Assistant Manager, Community Garden (14993, Grade 18)

• Are you passionate about people, horticulture, food systems, or urban agriculture?
• Are you highly organized with a keen eye for the details? 
• Do you enjoy working outside and helping others grow their own food? 
• Are you interested in learning more about careers in Parks?

The Community Garden Assistant Manager will report directly to the Community Garden Program Manager. The Assistant Manager will assist the Montgomery County Department of Parks with yearly plot registration and renewals, manage and conduct regular inspections at 14 community gardens across Montgomery County, and focus on cultivating a positive and inclusive experience for all program participants, while highlighting cultural diversity within the program. Responsibilities also include creating a quarterly newsletter. Additionally, the Assistant Manager will take leadership in implementing Foodie Fridays, an annual speaker series focused on fostering deeper connections around food, culture, and sustainability within our community. Go to our website to learn more:  https://www.montgomeryparks.org/community-gardens

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a six-time National Recreational and Parks Association Gold Medal Award Winner. Behind the vast and diverse Montgomery County Department of Parks system is a career staff complement of nearly 800 employees, 414 parks and over 37,000 acres of park land that serves a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington, DC area. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/

Please note that the salary range listed above represents full earning potential. The budgeted salary range for this position is $49,651 - $74,000. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Very competitive and flexible benefits programs available!

Administrative Support 

• Administer and assign community garden plots at 14 garden sites across the county
• Assists with registration and renewal process for garden plots each season, contact new residents based on availability
• Utilize ESRI GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software for updating plot information, gardener information, and conducting inspections

Assist in the Coordination of the Community Garden Program  

• Visit assigned gardens (7 or 8) on a bi-weekly basis to perform on-site inspections to ensure enforcement and compliance of Conditions of Use
• Documents violations of the Conditions of Use, provides guidance on compliance, and follows up as needed to maintain the integrity, safety, and shared values of the community garden spaces
• Recruit, direct, and train Community Garden Volunteer Liaisons; coordinate volunteer appreciation events

Education and Advocacy

• Coordinate the annual summer speaker series, “Foodie Fridays” by selecting speakers, booking the location, securing catering, etc.
• Establish and maintain partnerships in equity-focus areas across the county
• Provide interpretive and educational programs, including classes, workshops, and symposia in horticulture and related topics to the public

• Collaborative with a strong work ethic; excellent communication, creative thinking, and interpersonal skills. 
• Proven ability to approach and interact with people of all backgrounds and the ability to think collaboratively with various members of the organization. 
• Ability to work with highly confidential documents and data while ensuring confidentiality.  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team.

• Knowledge of common fruit and vegetable plants in Central Maryland region and their insect pests or diseases.
• Two years of experience working in urban agriculture, local food production, or food systems
• Time Management; Problem solving and critical thinking skills; customer service or public service oriented.
• GIS Experience or coursework.
• Superb written, verbal, organizational and interpersonal skills.  Proficient in office software (MS Office), communicating (email), word processing, collecting, and reporting data, preparing presentations, and researching (Internet). 
• Ability to communicate in another language a plus.

1. Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture or any related field.
2. One (1) year of professional experience in horticulture or closely related field.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total five (5) years.
4. Valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver's licenses 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 of the position.
5. Maryland State Pesticide Applicator License may be required within twelve (12) months of employment, depending on area of assignment.

Class/Specification: Horticulturist

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 ofrace, 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.