Urban Sawmill Operator (15273, Grade HL3) presso The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission, MD

About the Department

From Salvaged Wood to Lasting Impact – are you a fit for our Green Waste Recycling Program?

Ask yourself -

Do you enjoy working outdoors in all seasons?

Do you love working with wood and building things with your hands?

Do you thrive on creativity and problem-solving on the job?

Do you enjoy operating tools and equipment safely and confidently?

Do you work best as part of a supportive, hands-on team?

If you answered yes to any of the these, this might be the perfect role for you! Consider joining the Horticulture, Forestry, and Environmental Division at Montgomery Parks in Gaithersburg, MD. Montgomery Parks is seeking a highly motivated Urban Sawmill Operatorto support our Urban Wood Utilization and Green Waste Recycling Program in light to medium equipment operation. 

The Urban Sawmill Operator, under general supervision, performs semi-skilled maintenance work and operates equipment of light to medium size. This role provides support to Montgomery County Parks Department’s urban wood utilization and Green Waste Recycling Program by utilizing sawmill and wood processing equipment to convert salvaged urban trees into usable lumber and wood products. The Urban Sawmill Operator plays a key role in reducing wood waste, supporting department sustainability initiatives, and contributing to the production of materials used in park facilities, furnishings, and community projects. This role is also responsible for providing support to public engagement and education by participating in on-site tours and presentations and assisting in public wood sales. Our Urban Sawmill Operator will report directly to the Senior Urban Forester, and is lead and directed by the Urban Forestry Specialist.

The ideal candidate will have excellent safety-awareness, works well both individually and as a team, and has a passion and desire to continually learn new skills and adapt to new work initiatives.  For more information on our unit, check out our website at https://montgomeryparks.org/about/divisions/arboriculture/

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a six-time National Recreational and Parks Association Gold Medal Award Winner.  Behind the vast and diverse Montgomery County Department of Parks system is a career staff complement of nearly 800 employees, 415 parks and over 37,000 acres of park land that serves a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington, DC metro area. 

Visit our website to learn more: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/

Please note that this is an entry-level, maintenance worker position. The salary range listed above represents full earning potential. Salary is commensurate with experience. 

Very competitive and flexible benefits programs available!

Position Duties

Operation and Maintenance of Sawmill Equipment

• Safely operates portable and fixed sawmill equipment to process logs into dimensional lumber, slabs, and specialty wood products.
• Performs routine maintenance, adjustments, and cleaning of sawmill equipment, including band saws, slabbers, edgers and chainsaws.
• Assists the Urban Forestry Specialist and Equipment Operator II with receiving, staging, and sorting logs and wood materials delivered from forestry crews from tree removals. 

Performs Routine Maintenance and Repairs to Buildings and Structures

• Regularly cleans and organizes tool storage areas. 
• Repairs and maintains facility infrastructure such as roads, buildings and yard area utilizing hand tools, specialized power tools, and power equipment.
• Maintains trees, mulch and turf within the facility utilizing hand tools, specialized power tools, and power equipment

Important Skills and Characteristics

• Ability to work daily within a team to achieve program goals.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• General knowledge of:
  • Parks and parks/ general maintenance operations*;
  • M-NCPPC organization, policies, and procedures*;
  • Equipment operation, landscaping, building and equipment maintenance;
  • Tree maintenance and removal
• Possess a desire to continually learn new skills and be creative.

*Starred general knowledge and skills are typically developed after hire.

• Previous experience in:
  • Operation of Sawmills and other wood processing machinery.
  • Parks and parks/ general maintenance operations;
  • Equipment operation, landscaping, building and equipment maintenance;
  • Tree maintenance and removal with chainsaws.
  • Ability to communicate in another language a plus. 

Minimum Qualifications

1. Pass Commission medical examination.
2. 18 years of age.
3. Two (2) years of experience in groundskeeping, building maintenance or park maintenance, semi-skilled trade work (HVACR, plumbing, painting, masonry, electrical, carpentry). 
4. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total two (2) years.
5. 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 of their position. 

Other Qualifications

Classification Specification Senior Parks/Facilities Maintenance Worker

https://www.montgomeryparks.org/about/divisions/

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