Farm Program Interpreter - Seasonal

Montgomery Parks; Derwood (MD); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

A local park authority in Maryland seeks an enthusiastic individual for a part-time role conducting guided tours at a historic farm park. The successful candidate will engage school groups and support educational programs. Ideal for those with a passion for history and education, this year-round position requires customer service skills and the ability to work with children. Bilingual applicants, especially those fluent in Spanish, are encouraged to apply. Work schedule includes 3-4 days per week with availability on weekends.

Qualifications

• Experience in conducting K-12 student tours, programs, or activities.
• Knowledge of traditional and modern agricultural practices.
• Ability to work with school-age children.
• Willingness to learn about American history and farming practices.
• Customer service, public speaking and flexibility required.
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct guided tours for K-12 school groups.
• Assist with onsite and offsite interpretive programs.
• Maintain the historic garden and assist with related activities.
• Maintain historic garden through planting, pruning and watering.
• Participate in Harvest Festival Committee and mandatory trainings.

Skills

Customer service

Public speaking

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Attention to detail

Bilingual English/Spanish

Flexibility

Organizational skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Degree in Education or related field

Bachelor's degree in Public History

Bachelor's degree in Museum Studies

Bachelor's degree in American History

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science

Job description

Overview

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a six-time National Recreation and Parks Association Gold Medal Award Winner, has a career staff complement of nearly 800 employees and we serve a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington, DC area. We manage 421 parks on more than 37,000 acres of parkland. Go to our website to learn more: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/

DIVERSITY STATEMENT: Montgomery County Department of Parks believes that diversity in all dimensions of the organization supports and bolsters the innovative thinking essential to its success. Montgomery County Parks does not make hiring decisions based on race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, political affiliation, or ideology or status as a Veteran.

For more information about the Seasonal Hiring process and application status for Montgomery County, please contact [e-mail].

Responsibilities

• Conduct guided tours for K-12 school groups, youth/adult groups, and individual visitors at Agricultural History Farm Park using interpretive materials provided by AHFP Historic Site Manager.
• As needed, assist with development, delivery, and set-up/breakdown, for onsite, and offsite interpretive programs. May occasionally be dressed out in period clothing for programs.
• Collaborate periodically with the Historic Site Manager to develop content for Facebook posts.
• Assist with maintaining the historic garden, including planting, pruning, weeding, and watering, as necessary.
• Serve as member of the Harvest Festival Committee.
• Participate in mandatory training and staff meetings.
• Other duties assigned.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ideal candidates should be pursuing or have earned a college degree in Education, Public History, Museum Studies, American History, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• Experience working in a historical, farm-based education, tourism, or cultural related setting.
• Experience in conducting K-12 student tours, programs, or activities in a museum, park, or classroom setting.
• Knowledge and/or experience with traditional and modern agricultural practices; operation and maintenance of antique and modern farm equipment; field crop enterprises; and/or animal husbandry.
• Proven ability to excel in written and verbal communications, attention to detail, flexibility to multitask and maintain stability under pressure
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service, inclusion, diversity, equity, and access
• Bi-lingual skills (English/Spanish especially) are a plus

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• One year of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid driver’s license, or the ability to acquire one.
• Ability and enthusiasm for customer service and public speaking
• Familiarity working with school age children
• Ability and enthusiasm for conducting and facilitating interactive tours and activities
• Knowledge or willingness to learn about American history and lifeways
• Knowledge or willingness to learn about regional farming practices and farm animals

Supplemental Information

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

Work Conditions

• Ability to continually work onsite/in person with staff, volunteers, and the public
• Ability to regularly move between the Farmhouse (staff offices), historic buildings, and grounds
• Ability to regularly walk 1 mile outdoors on a wooded, natural surface hiking trail fields in a variety of weather conditions
• Ability to lift and carry boxes weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent use of multiple technical equipment and software applications
• Ability to provide regular transportation to work, as there is no access to public transportation to this job site.

Supplemental Information

• This part-time, year-round position does not qualify for benefits
• Salary is based on experience. A complete background check will be completed prior to hire

Work Schedule

Availability 3-4 days per week and occasional weekends or evenings. Up to 24 hours per week.

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.