Principal Parks/Facilities Maintenance Worker - PAC (10369, Grade HL5)

Principal Parks/Facilities Maintenance Worker - Pesticide Applicator Certified (PAC)

Montgomery Parks' Northern Parks Division is hiring a Principal Parks/Facilities Maintenance Worker - Pesticide Applicator Certified (PAC) at South Germantown Recreation Park in Germantown, MD. This is a stable, full-time position for someone who enjoys outdoor work, working with equipment, and being part of a reliable crew that maintains parks used by the community every day.

The South Germantown Management Area comprises 4.5 parks and stream valley units, including South Germantown Recreational Park, three local parks, a portion of the Hoyles Mill Conservation Park, 0.5 conservation parks, and a combination of 11 miles of natural and hard surface trails and 12 athletic fields. Under the supervision of a Park Maintenance Leader, this role performs a wide variety of professional park operations. The selected candidate will be responsible for the maintenance of given parks/park areas to ensure that areas are safe, clean, and provide passive and active recreation opportunities for patrons to enjoy.

Working under the direction of a Parks Maintenance Leader, this role performs a wide range of hands-on maintenance work and provides direction, instruction and basic guidance on work procedures and safety to crew members. Duties include operating trucks and equipment, maintaining park grounds and athletic fields, repairing playgrounds and park structures, performing trail and tree maintenance, and supporting general park operations. A Pesticide Applicator License (PAC) is required within 12 months of hire, and trade skills in carpentry or painting are a plus.

This position offers steady work, clear expectations, and opportunities to build skills over time. Employees receive training, work with experienced staff, and have opportunities to develop additional equipment and maintenance skills. Schedules may include days, nights, and weekends as needed.

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.

Core Areas of Responsibility

Equipment and Vehicle Operation

• Operate mid- to large-sized equipment, including large mowers, tractors with attachments, loaders, and backhoes

Park, Athletic Field, and Stormwater Maintenance

• Perform general maintenance of park grounds, playgrounds, buildings, athletic fields, and stormwater facilities
• Maintain athletic fields by raking, dragging, grading, and applying pesticides
• Perform preventive maintenance of stormwater, bioretention, and rain garden facilities, including vegetation and weed control
• Complete minor repairs and basic carpentry, custodial, and preventive maintenance tasks

Work Coordination and Conditions

• Provide limited direction to other maintenance staff as needed
• Respond to emergencies and severe weather events
• Work independently and maintain tools, materials, and supplies

Important Skills and Characteristics

• Demonstrated working knowledge of park, trail, turf, and facility maintenance, including related safety requirements
• Experience operating a wide range of vehicles and equipment, including tractors with attachments, mowers, chainsaws, and hand and power tools
• Understanding of safety practices and proper use of equipment, pesticides, fertilizers, and cleaning materials
• Skilled in performing maintenance work and providing support in basic trades such as carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical, masonry, and equipment maintenance
• Ability to apply pesticides and fertilizers in accordance with certification and safety requirements
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills to assess maintenance needs and complete more complex repairs

Working Conditions

• Primarily works outside but may work inside on occasion or as assigned.
• Exposure to various elements and all types of weather conditions, waste, caustic chemicals, pesticides, wildlife, and potentially harmful insects (e.g.: bees, hornets, wasps etc.).
• Work requires constant kneeling, bending, twisting, lifting, and the ability to occasionally lift up to 100 pounds and regularly up to 50 pounds.
• An essential employee required to be on-call 24 hours for any emergencies.
• Must be available to work weekends and evenings as necessary.

Additional Details

• The salary range shown reflects the approved pay range for this position. Starting salary will be determined based on qualifications and experience.
• Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• We offer a flexible and competitive benefits package.
• All applicants will be considered not only for current openings but also for future Principal Parks/Facilities Maintenance Worker positions for up to six months, or until there are no more qualified applicants. Once this period ends, another job posting may be issued for new opportunities.
• This position is a union-represented role covered by the MCGEO collective bargaining agreement.

Minimum Qualifications

1. High school diploma or Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).
2. Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in groundskeeping, building maintenance or park maintenance.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total four (4) 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 of their position.
5. Pass Commission medical examination.
6. Depending upon the area of assignment, some positions in this class require within 12 months of hire (a) Commercial driver's license (CDL) with appropriate endorsements; (b) obtainment of certifications including:
   • Maryland Department of Agriculture's Pesticide Applicator certification in the categories appropriate to the work assignment;
   • Maryland Department of Agriculture's Fertilizer Applicator certification; and
   • National Playground Safety Institute certification.

Benefits

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.
• Plan C - 9.5%* of base salary (FOP members only)
• Plan E - 4% 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%)