| Location | Riverdale, MD |
Weekend Birthday Party Naturalist
Salary
$18.00 Hourly
Location
Rockville, MD
Job Type
Seasonal
Job Number
WBPN.26
Department
MC Parks
Division
Horticulture Frstry and Env Ed
Opening Date
10/28/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Description
Position Overview
Meadowside Nature center is seeking a Weekend Birthday Party Naturalist. This position will operate out of the nature facility located at 5100 Meadowside Lane in Rockville MD and is a part-time, year-round position that works on weekends, specifically Saturdays 10am-3pm and Sundays from 8:30am to 5pm. However, the weekend schedule may vary from as little as 4 hours up to 16 hours depending on the birthday party reservations and program requests from the public. The ideal candidate is available at least 3 weekends a month and can commit to availability up to 3 months ahead. Candidate will deliver exceptional and engaging birthday party programs for a wide range of audiences as well as facilitate the reservation itself (ensuring nature center rules are being followed, helping direct guests to party room, etc). The weekend naturalist will also work as part of a team to help host the information desk and interact with park patrons coming to visit the nature center exhibits. Additional programs that this position could assist with if there is instructor availability and program requests from the Manager are campfire rentals, summer camps, and evening weekday hikes/programs.
Additional Details
This position is based at Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville MD 20855
Position pays at a rate of $18.00 per hour; 8-16 hours on weekends.
This position is part-time and not eligible for benefits.
A background investigation will be completed prior to hire.
About Meadowside Nature Center
Meadowside Nature Center is part of Montgomery County Parks, operated by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission in Montgomery County, Maryland. We feature new, interactive, and engaging exhibits for the public from infants/toddlers to adults, showcasing local habitats found around Meadowside. Additionally, we care for many animal ambassadors at Meadowside including reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey. Meadowside nature center provides interpretive programming for the public, schools, and special groups (such as birthday parties) that encourage connections to and positive action for our community in nature.
Learn more about our programs and facilities: meadowsidenature.org
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.
For more information about the Seasonal Hiring process and application status for Montgomery County, please contact mcp-parkscareers@montgomeryparks.org.
Examples of Important Duties
Job Function: Delivering birthday party programs
Delivers pre-planned programs birthday party group reservations. Programs may include hikes, nature scavenger hunts, nature art, live animal introductions, and more.
Ability to modify program slightly based on the needs of participants such as age, physical and mental abilities, and knowledge of the topic being presented.
Ability to learn and handle basic care and interpretive skills with a live animal, including but not limited to toads, turtles, and snakes. Must be comfortable handling live animals, including snakes.
Able to work successfully independently as well as with other naturalists and volunteers.
Willingness to learn to build and maintain a campfire
Job Function: Welcome Desk Host
Staffs the front desk of the nature center during open hours on Saturday
Answers visitors questions on trails, exhibits, parks rules and programs at Meadowside nature center
Ensures indoor exhibits and outdoor spaces are clean, organized, and safe for visitors
Communicates with visitors, program participants, volunteers, and co-workers from diverse backgrounds, courteously and accurately.
Minimum Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
CPR/1ST aid certified or ability to become certified within 6 months through Parks' trainings
Some knowledge of Maryland natural history
Comfortable working in outdoor conditions, year-round
Bilingual (specifically Spanish as a second language) is a plus
Minimum Qualifications
Ability to lift 40 pounds and hike for up to 3 miles on uneven terrain
Available to work at least 3 weekends a month
High school diploma or GED
Supplemental Information
May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.
Working Conditions
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 & 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.
THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION
2026 BENEFIT SUMMARY FOR SEASONAL INTERMITTENT EMPLOYEES
The following information is a summary of benefits extended to all Seasonal employees of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). This is for informational purposes only and is subject to change.
Limited Benefits for Seasonal Employees
Health Insurance Plans
You are eligible for specific health insurance benefits if you worked, on average, 30 hours per week during your first 12 months of employment or from October 3rd to October 2nd each subsequent period following your first 12 months of employment. This equates to 1,560 hours over a 12-month period.
If and when you are eligible for benefits, you will receive notification directly from the Health & Benefits Office.
Eligible Employees Pay 35% of the health insurance plan premium and The Commission Pays 65%.
Medical
Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) with Prescription Plan
UnitedHealthcare Select Plan (EPO)
Prescription: CVS Caremark Prescription Plan
Other Benefits
This summary is intended to highlight some of the benefits offered by the M-NCPPC. It is not an all-inclusive agreement and is subject to change. For a more detailed description of benefits, please see the appropriate benefits brochure, service agreement or manual. For more information, contact The Health and Benefits Office at benefits@mncppc.org or 301-454-1694.
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Do you have a high school diploma or GED?
Required Question
Employer The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission
Address 6611 Kenilworth Ave
Riverdale, Maryland, 20737
Website https://www.mncppc.org/jobs