Resource Analysis Program Assistant - Seasonal

Overview

Montgomery Parks is seeking two enthusiastic and team-oriented seasonal support staff to help assess stream health, reduce water pollution, and protect aquatic ecosystems.

• Two part-time seasonal positions in the Resource Analysis Section of the Park Planning and Stewardship Division (PPSD).

Work independently and with teams to achieve shared goals across a network of streams, lakes, wetlands, ponds, and stormwater facilities. Examples of duties include:

• Conduct biological monitoring assessments, pollution investigations, and other natural resource evaluations.
• Assist with field data collection for aquatic resources surveys, water quality data, and geospatial data management.
• Perform stream and wetland habitat assessments and collect benthic macroinvertebrates using D-Net sampling techniques (seasonally).
• Assist with collection and identification of fish and herpetofauna using electrofishing equipment (seasonally).
• Lead for conducting stream habitat assessments and identification of non-native invasive riparian plants; collect stream water chemistry data.
• Calibrate, deploy, and maintain water quality sondes and automated data loggers; process benthic macroinvertebrates in the lab.
• Develop and complete investigations of riparian conditions and environmental restoration sites; conduct shallow groundwater well monitoring.
• Collect, organize, interpret, and summarize water quality and geospatial data; investigate advanced watershed monitoring strategies (e.g., environmental DNA).
• Support education and outreach initiatives, including data collection techniques and aquatic organism identification and instruction.
• Work as a team to evaluate stream restoration projects, assess stormwater outfall stability, and investigate illicit discharges.

There are two distinct roles described below, each with its own key duties but with shared goals:

Specific responsibilities include field data collection, laboratory processing, data management, and involvement in ecological restoration and stormwater/permitting activities.

• Bachelor’s degree or ongoing pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, environmental studies, fisheries and wildlife, natural resources management, geography, geospatial analysis, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, follow protocols, and pay close attention to detail.
• Willingness to conduct fieldwork in various weather conditions and navigate park properties.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to use fleet vehicles for travel to Montgomery Parks locations.

• Experience with ArcGIS for data collection, manipulation, and geospatial analyses.
• Experience in field data collection through coursework or prior work experience.
• Strong organizational skills; proficiency with Microsoft Office, GIS software, and databases.
• Familiarity with aquatic ecology, restoration principles, and/or stormwater management and mitigation strategies.
• Excellent communication skills and experience creating educational materials or conducting outreach.

May be subject to medical, drug, and alcohol testing.

Positions are seasonal (part-time) and do not qualify for benefits. In-person reporting to Wheaton Headquarters, 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD 20902, Monday through Thursday, 24–32 hours per week (and may be up to 40 hours). Relocation and housing assistance are not provided; limited commuter reimbursement is available. Salaries are commensurate with experience and within the advertised range.

Potential to attend Maryland Biological Stream Survey (MBSS) summer training in May 2026, schedules permitting. Orientation to the Department of Parks and the Park Planning & Stewardship Division will be provided. Field equipment and techniques will be demonstrated by the project supervisor. Successful completion of an online Defensive Driving course will…