Job Title: 2026 Seasonal Field Technician

Employer: White House Farm Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation

Job Type: Seasonal (Fixed Term: March 2026 – November 2026). Not to exceed 1,480 hours.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 4:30 PM. Some evening and weekend work required.

Work Location: Leopold’s Preserve, 16290 Thoroughfare Road, Broad Run, VA 20137.

Salary Range: $20 - $23 per hour, commensurate with experience

Application Deadline: Review of applications will be ongoing, with a deadline of February 16th, 2026.

Required Experience: 1-3 years (early career). This is an ideal role for someone with baseline land management experience seeking to grow their skills in trail maintenance and habitat restoration.

The White House Farm Foundation (WHFF) is seeking a Seasonal Field Technician to support our work at Leopold’s Preserve. This role will support and report to our Park Manager. Work will involve outdoor manual labor, including trail maintenance, invasive species removal, management of native plants and wildlife, and volunteer engagement. This role requires outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions, including on hot, cold, and windy days. Outdoor work will include walking and standing for extended periods, lifting heavy objects, operating power tools and machinery, and exposure to mud, ticks, poison ivy, and other outdoor hazards.

The mission of the White House Farm Foundation is to enrich individuals with knowledge of and involvement with our natural ecological systems, holistic community planning, and respect for local history and culture. We carry out our mission by managing land, facilitating community education and engagement events, and supporting partner organizations throughout our region. This position will support our land management efforts at Leopold’s Preserve, a 380-acre park in Haymarket, Virginia, which we own and manage. Learn more about the Preserve at leopoldspreserve.com.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with trail maintenance, including mowing, removing downed trees, cleaning trail corridors, repairing bridges, regular string-trimming, weed-whacking, and trash cleanup. (50%)
• Removal of invasive species using herbicides, hand tools, or chainsaws. (25%)
• Work with volunteer groups to complete larger trail and invasive plant removal projects (10%)
• Assist with installing and maintaining wildlife habitats, such as bluebird houses, duck boxes, and wildflower meadows. (10%)
• Assist in maintaining equipment, including chainsaws, brushcutters, a John Deere tractor, farm UTVs, and tools. (5%)

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds without assistance.
• Comfort and familiarity with a variety of hand and power tools.
• Ability to navigate rough, uneven terrain in wooded areas and on steep slopes.
• Ability to spend extended periods standing, walking, and lifting.
• Must be able to work outdoors in challenging weather conditions.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Applicants with one or more of these Additional Qualifications are highly desired:

• Knowledge of conservation, outdoor manual labor, wildlife ecology, environmental studies, land conservation, or related fields.
• Proficiency or strong interest in operating and maintaining zero-turn mowers, chainsaws, pole saws, string trimmers, and similar power tools.
• Experience in trail building, maintenance, sustainable trail design, and public relations.
• Knowledge of basic plant identification, especially invasive species in Virginia.
• Experience or strong interest in leading weekly volunteer workdays, communicating with volunteer preserve stewards.
• Experience with basic carpentry and/or landscaping.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Independent problem-solving skills.

Benefits:

• Gain land management experience and contribute to meaningful ecological improvements.
• Five unpaid holidays during the 37-week work period.
• This role is not eligible for insurance coverage and does not accrue paid time off (PTO).