Resource Analysis Assistant

Description

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

Are you motivated to protect and improve local water quality across a network of more than 600 stream miles, four lakes, and thousands of wetlands, ponds, and stormwater facilities?

Do you want to develop your skills in watershed monitoring, aquatic ecology, ecological restoration, and stormwater mitigation strategies?

Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and head outdoors to conduct biological monitoring assessments, pollution investigations, and other natural resource evaluations?

If so, one of our part-time seasonal positions in the Resource Analysis Section of the Park Planning and Stewardship Division (PPSD) may be just the opportunity for you! While each position focuses on distinct key responsibilities, the individuals in these roles will work both independently and collaboratively to achieve shared goals.

For more information about the Seasonal Hiring process and application status for Montgomery County, please contact mcp-parkscareers@montgomeryparks.org.

Examples of Important Duties

1. Resource Analysis Program Assistant – Technician (March 2026 – October 2026)

This fieldwork and data management-oriented position assists biological monitoring and environmental restoration staff in completing quantitative and qualitative aquatic resource surveys on Montgomery County Parkland.

Performs stream and wetland habitat assessments and collection of benthic macroinvertebrates using D-Net sampling techniques (March – April).

Assists with the collection and identification of fish and herpetofauna using electrofishing equipment (June – September).

Serves as the lead for conducting stream habitat assessments, including identification of non-native invasive (NNI) riparian plants, and collection of stream water chemistry data.

Performs equipment calibration, deployment, and maintenance duties for water quality data sondes and automated data loggers.

Processes benthic macroinvertebrates in the laboratory for further taxonomic identification.

Develops and completes investigations of riparian conditions related to environmental restoration sites.

Conducts shallow groundwater well monitoring and maintenance.

Collects, organizes, interprets, and summarizes water quality and geospatial data.

Investigates advanced strategies for watershed monitoring and assessment (e.g., environmental DNA).

Provides support with education and outreach initiatives to include data collection techniques and aquatic organism identification and instruction.

Works as a team to perform field visits to evaluate stream restoration projects, assess stormwater outfall stability, and investigate storm drain systems for illicit discharge.

2. Resource Analysis Program Assistant – Summer Survey Support (May 2026 – August 2026)

This position focuses on collecting and interpreting field and geospatial data to fulfill aquatic resource assessment, stormwater permit requirements, and ecological restoration and review project needs.

Serves on a crew conducting summer stream sampling of fish, herpetofauna, and crayfish using electrofishing techniques; assists with field data collection, entry, and processing.

Supports ongoing pond and lake habitat assessments for fisheries management and algal bloom response.

Processes benthic macroinvertebrate samples, calibrates and loads equipment, and performs other laboratory duties as assigned.

Advances data management, analysis, and synthesis for the biological monitoring, stormwater, and environmental restoration programs.

Develops social media content and other strategies to educate the public on species identification, field facts, pollution reduction, and other work program highlights.

Assists with the implementation of pollution reduction strategies and the six minimum control measures (MCMs) in support of Montgomery Parks’ Phase II National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Program.

Works as a team to perform field visits to evaluate stream restoration projects, assess stormwater outfall stability, and investigate storm drain systems for illicit discharge.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or working to obtain 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 complete tasks both independently and under supervision as part of a team, while following protocols and paying close attention to detail.
• Comfortable conducting fieldwork in various weather conditions and navigating park properties.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to satisfy requirements for fleet vehicle usage for travel to various Montgomery Parks locations as required.
• Preferred Qualifications
• Previous experience with ArcGIS software for data collection, manipulation, and geospatial analyses.
• Previous experience in field data collection through college-level courses and/or previous work experience.
• Strong organizational skills, including experience working with Microsoft Office and GIS software and databases.
• Familiarity with aquatic ecology and restoration principles and/or stormwater management and mitigation strategies.
• Excellent communication skills, including experience with creating educational materials or conducting outreach.

Position Details

Positions are seasonal (part-time) and do not qualify for benefits. Reporting in-person to the Wheaton Headquarters located at 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD 20902, Monday through Thursday, and working between 24 and 32 hours a week is required.

Relocation and housing assistance are not provided; limited commuter reimbursement is available. Salaries are commensurate with experience and cannot exceed the advertised range.

The opportunity to attend Maryland Biological Stream Survey (MBSS) summer training in May 2026, schedules permitting, is included (https://dnr.maryland.gov/streams/Pages/mbsstraining.aspx). Orientation to the Department of Parks and the Park Planning & Stewardship Division will be provided by staff. Specific project requirements will be discussed with supervisory staff members. Field equipment and techniques will be demonstrated by the project supervisor. Successful completion of an online Defensive Driving course will be required.

Working Conditions

Resource Analysis Program Assistants participate in office, fieldwork, and laboratory tasks which include:

• Punctual morning arrival reporting to Wheaton Headquarters (2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD, 20902) within a prearranged schedule Monday through Thursday, averaging 24-32 hours and not to exceed 40 hours per week.
• Frequent laboratory and equipment gathering, maintenance, and loading/unloading tasks are required, including lifting supplies weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Considerable time outside working under somewhat arduous field conditions (e.g., sun, heat, insects), including walking significant distances while carrying cumbersome equipment and working in fast-flowing water with slippery and/or unstable substrate. Lug sole waders and other protective gear are provided.
• Frequent use of multiple technical equipment and software applications in an office setting for processing and synthesizing data as well as communicating findings and educational opportunities via graphics, documents, and presentations.
• Benthic macroinvertebrates are field-collected in the spring and preserved in denatured ethanol. Subsampling and identification include handling preserved samples, picking organisms out of a tray with precision forceps, and using a dissecting microscope.
• Summer stream survey work involves the capture and transfer of stunned fish, crayfish, amphibians, and reptiles using nets and buckets prior to sample processing and release.

Applicant Instructions

• Complete the application and answer the supplemental questions, indicating the role(s) of interest.
• Upload a cover letter detailing your interest in the position and relevant experience. In your cover letter, be sure to explain why you are a good fit for the role and how your skills will contribute to the success of Resource Analysis programs (biological monitoring, Phase II NPDES MS4 Permit Program, ecological restoration).
• Unofficial transcripts are preferred, but not required.
• A complete background investigation will be completed prior to hire. May be subject to medical, drug, and alcohol testing.
• Successful completion of an online Defensive Driving Course is required upon hire.

For more information on aquatic resources in Montgomery Parks, please visit our program websites at:

https://montgomeryparks.org/caring-for-our-parks/natural-spaces/biological-monitoring/

https://montgomeryparks.org/caring-for-our-parks/natural-spaces/stormwater-management/

https://montgomeryparks.org/caring-for-our-parks/natural-spaces/water-quality-information