Garden of Lights Show Assistant

Position Title Garden of Lights Show Assistant About the Position Montgomery Parks – Horticulture, Forestry, and Environmental Education (HFEE) Division is currently seeking a Garden of Lights Show Assistant to assist with the fabrication, repair, installation, operation, and takedown of lights and fabricated forms for the Garden of Lights winter light show at Brookside Gardens. This part‑time position runs from August 2026 through mid‑March 2027. About the HFEE Division and Brookside Gardens The HFEE Division preserves and maintains the natural and cultural resources of Montgomery County’s parks. Brookside Gardens is one of the county’s public gardens, featuring horticultural exhibits that are designed, installed, and maintained using ecological landscape practices. The gardens host educational programs that ignite curiosity and lifelong learning, with a vision to mobilize Montgomery County residents as stewards of the natural world. About Montgomery Parks Montgomery Parks is an award‑winning park system and part of the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M‑NCPPC). With over 1,000 employees, the organization cares for 416 parks, trails, and natural spaces across the county, offering roles in park operations, public programs, planning, safety, and administration. Responsibilities Light Show Installation and Take‑down Clean and repair light forms as needed Install strands of lights on trees, shrubs, and structures Use ladders and equipment safely to install lights and light forms Store lights and light forms after dismantling the show Support daily tasks through teamwork and communication Light Show Operations Scan and redeem tickets via a phone‑based system Assess parking capacity and direct vehicles Monitor installations and perform field repairs Ensure visitor safety and event success Provide support to Brookside Gardens staff Perform additional related tasks as required Customer Service Engage visitors and provide friendly service Respond to visitor questions positively Guide visitors on garden rules respectfully Minimum Qualifications Physical ability to lift, bend, stoop, climb, and lift up to 50 pounds Stand for at least two hours at a time Walk at least half a mile up and down moderate hills without difficulty Tolerate various outdoor weather conditions High school diploma or GED required Minimum age 18 years Preferred Qualifications Experience with technical lighting, set design, or electrical equipment Experience with special events Previous customer service or retail experience Experience driving vehicles Supplemental Information This position is part‑time and not eligible for benefits. A background investigation will be completed prior to hire. Location: Wheaton, MD Pay rate: $18.25 per hour; 24–40 hours per week. Availability for weekday, weekend, and evening shifts as required by the event schedule. May be subject to medical, drug, and alcohol testing. Work Schedule Installation and take‑down: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m., from August through mid‑November and January through March. During show operation (mid‑November to early January): weekday and weekend evenings, approximately 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., depending on the schedule. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement 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 are encouraged to apply. If you require accommodations due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selection Services Unit during application. M‑NCPPC will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate you. #J-18808-Ljbffr Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission