Farm Program Interpreter - Seasonal

The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission; Derwood (MD); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is seeking part-time, year‑round staff to support Agricultural History Farm Park programs and tours for K‑12 groups and the public. You will assist with on-site and off-site interpretive activities, and may wear period clothing for certain programs.

Ideal candidates are pursuing or have earned degrees in Education, Public History, or related fields, with strong customer service and public speaking skills, and a willingness to

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• One year of related experience or an equivalent combination.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one.
• Ability and enthusiasm for customer service and public speaking.
• Familiarity with working with school-age children.
• Willingness to learn about American history and regional farming practices.
• Bi-lingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct guided tours for K-12 school groups, youth/adult groups, and individual visitors at Agricultural History Farm Park.
• Assist with development, delivery, and setup/breakdown for on-site and off-site interpretive programs; may wear period clothing.
• Collaborate with the Historic Site Manager to develop content for Facebook posts.
• Assist with maintaining the historic garden, including planting, pruning, weeding, and watering.
• Serve as member of the Harvest Festival Committee.
• Participate in mandatory training and staff meetings.
• Other duties assigned.

Skills

Public speaking

Customer service

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Education degree

Public History

Museum Studies

American History

Agricultural Science

Job description

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].

• 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.

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

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.