Urban Sawmill Operator (15273, Grade HL3)

Do you:

Enjoy working outside?

Love working with wood?

Like being creative on the job?

Enjoy operating equipment?

Thrive working as part of a team?

If so, consider joining the Horticulture, Forestry, and Environmental Division at Montgomery Parks in Gaithersburg, MD . Montgomery Parks is seeking a highly motivated Urban Sawmill Operator to 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 Departments 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

Very competitive and flexible benefits programs available!

• 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.

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.

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 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 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)

M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.