Manager Brookside Nature Center and Maydale Nature Classroom (10870, Grade 28)

Brookside Nature Center, located within Wheaton Regional Park, is a destination for environmental education, nature exploration, and community engagement. Through exhibits, nature programs, camps, trails, gardens, special events, and volunteer opportunities, the center connects visitors of all ages to the natural world.  Maydale Nature Classroom, managed by Brookside Nature Center, is located in Maydale Conservation Park in Colesville, about 6 miles from Brookside. The classroom expands opportunities for outdoor learning, discovery, and connection to local natural resources.

Montgomery Parks is seeking a collaborative leader to manage Brookside Nature Center and Maydale Nature Classroom. Reporting to the Assistant Division Chief for Nature Centers, this position oversees staff, programs, volunteers, budgets, facilities, exhibits, gardens, trails, and visitor services and experiences.

This role blends leadership, community engagement, and operations. You will help shape how visitors experience nature while leading a dedicated team of naturalists, educators, volunteers, and support staff. The ideal candidate is a leader who enjoys building teams, creating meaningful connections between people and nature, and balancing strategic planning with hands-on operational management. One day you may be supporting public programs and community partnerships; the next you could be coaching staff, planning facility improvements, reviewing budgets, or helping develop new educational and interpretive experiences.

About Montgomery Parks Nature Centers

Montgomery Parks operates five nature program sites, Black Hill Discovery Center, Brookside Nature Center, Locust Grove Nature Center, Maydale Nature Classroom and Meadowside Nature Center. The nature centers provide learning opportunities for youths and adults in a variety of ways including school, scout and public programs for all ages; special events, summer camps, birthday parties, volunteer opportunities, internships, engaging interpretive exhibits, live animal exhibits, native plant gardens, trails and nature play areas. 

Learn More About Our Nature Centers: https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-trails/nature-centers/

About Montgomery Parks

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.

Learn More About Montgomery Parks: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/ 

Please Note: The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Supervision

• Provides exceptional leadership in a collaborative team environment. 
• Recruits, screens, hires, onboards new staff and interns.
• Trains, coaches, evaluates, and recognizes staff and interns.
• Recognizes and resolves personnel issues.
• Works with volunteer manager to oversee volunteer program. 

Interpretive Programming and Visitor Experiences

• Develops and implements vision, goals, and strategic plan. 
• Reviews, approves, and evaluates programs and services. 
• Establishes and implements operating and program procedures.
• Collaborates with other Montgomery Parks’ nature centers and other sections of Parks to develop and execute programs, events, services, and experiences such as exhibits.
• Coordinates a balance of programs and services in response to community needs and interests, agency priorities, and revenue goals. 

Advocacy and Community Building 

• Maintains strong relationships with partners and community.
• Proactively grows advocates and community partners with diverse backgrounds and located within Equity Focus Areas.

Building and Grounds Management

• Evaluates facility operating systems for safety and function.
• Plans, designs, and implements facility and grounds improvements with assistance from regional park staff and Facilities Management units.
• Coordinates routine maintenance, repairs, and custodial services with Facilities Management units and contractors. 
• Collaborates with natural resources staff to maintain or improve natural areas. 

Budget and Procurement

• Manages operating and fee-based budgets
• Submits requests for Major Maintenance and Capital Improvement Projects
• Administers procurement functions including purchase requisitions, purchase cards, and petty cash.  

Important Skills and Characteristics  

• Provides effective leadership, organizational, and managerial skills in a team-oriented environment.
• Exemplifies a collaborative and cooperative spirit. Shows a proven ability to approach and interact with people of all backgrounds. 
• Has the skill and ability to plan, organize and direct the programs, services, and operations of a nature facility. Coordinate effectively other entities, staff, and units within the Commission, outside organizations, and the community in planning and conducting programs, events, and special projects.
• Considerable skills in problem solving to select, organize and logically process relevant information.
• Skill and ability to make presentations and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to perform first aid and CPR*.

 
*Typically acquired or fully developed primarily after employment in this job class.
 
Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to communicate in one of Montgomery County’s most common languages (Spanish, Chinese, African Languages, Persian, French) is a plus.

1. Bachelor's Degree in Natural Science, Life Science, Physical Science, or any related field.
2. Four (4) years of progressively responsible park naturalist experience.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total eight (8) 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. Depending on area of assignment, must be able to obtain and maintain all applicable certifications and licenses.

Classification Specification Nature Facility Program Manager

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing. 

Working Conditions:
 
Works primarily in an office. Works occasional weekends, evenings, and holidays. Exposed occasionally to inclement weather and outdoor hazards. Incumbents in this class must frequently: remain in a stationary position, move about inside and outside the office, communicate and exchange information with internal staff and the public.

Additional Details

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.