Recreation Assistant

Garden of Lights Show Assistant The Montgomery Parks ‒ Horticulture, Forestry, and Environmental Education (HFEE) Division is seeking a Garden of Lights Show Assistant for the Brookside Gardens Garden of Lights winter light show from August 2026 through mid‑March 2027. This part‑time position supports the fabrication, repair, installation, operation, and takedown of lights and fabricated forms for the show. Responsibilities Clean and repair light forms as needed. Install strands of lights on trees, shrubs, and garden areas. Use ladders, power cords, tools, carts, and other equipment safely. Remove, clean, sort, and store lights and light forms after the show. Scan and redeem tickets using a phone‑based ticketing system. Assess parking lot capacity and direct vehicles to park accordingly. Monitor light show installations, make field repairs, and ensure visitor safety. Provide support to Brookside Gardens staff and assist with related tasks as required. Engage with garden visitors and provide friendly, helpful customer service. Respond to visitor questions and requests in a positive and informative manner. Provide visitors respectful guidance on garden rules. Minimum Qualifications Ability to lift, bend, stoop, stretch, 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. Tolerance for working outside in various weather conditions, including heat, rain, humidity, and cold. High School diploma or GED. Must be at least 18 years old. Preferred Qualifications Experience with technical lighting, set design, or electrical equipment. Experience with and knowledge of special events. Previous customer service experience. Previous retail experience. Experience driving vehicles. Employment Details Position is part‑time and not eligible for benefits. Works Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during installation and takedown (August through mid‑November and January through March). Works weekday and weekend evenings, 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., during show operation (mid‑November through early January). Pay rate is $18.25 per hour, 24‑40 hours per week. Position is based in Wheaton, MD. Background investigation will be completed prior to hire. Position may be subject to medical, drug, and alcohol testing. Equal Employment Opportunity 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 & Selection Services Unit at the time of application at or View phone number on click.appcast.io (Maryland Relay 7‑1‑1). M‑NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you. Learn more about Brookside Gardens: Learn more about Montgomery Parks: #J-18808-Ljbffr