Field Trip Guide Job Description

At Arcadia we cultivate not only crops but the heart and mind of our community. We embrace regenerative farming practices to honor the land and to promote its vital long-term health. We foster an environment that supports open communication and positive collaboration. As Arcadians we take an innovative approach to proactively solve problems in and out of the workplace. We believe in creating a workplace where everyone is respected, valued, and feels inspired to contribute their skills and perspectives. Arcadia’s values are Holistic, Equitable, Action, Land, Trust, and Harmony (HEALTH).

Overview: We’re looking for Field Trip Guides for Arcadia’s spring Field Trip program. Field Trip Guides will be primarily responsible for elementary age groups and leading them through a series of educational stations at our Hilltop garden site on the grounds of Woodlawn, a National Trust Historic Site, in Alexandria, VA. 

Through Arcadia’s Field Trip program, we seek to connect children to where their food comes from, the science behind what makes healthy soil, what makes up a plant, and much more! Our goal is to play an integral part in bridging the gap between local food systems and our surrounding elementary schools.

You will be trained in the skills necessary to be part of the Field Trip Education team.

Reports to: On-Farm Education Manager, Charlotte Terry

Hours: Start date is September 22nd and end date is November 20th. Part-time (~1 field trip per week), seasonal for approximately 9 weeks. Dates and hours are as follows: 

• Guide Training: September 22nd, 2026 from 9:00am-3:00pm. 
• Hours on scheduled days: 9:00am-11:45am
• Note: Total Hours are dependent on the number of Field Trips scheduled; hours are estimated. Field Trips will occur on Tuesdays or Wednesdays from September 28th-November 20th, with the potential for occasional Thursdays. If you cannot be available Tuesday and Wednesday every week you may still apply. 

Compensation: $17 per hour 

Location: Arcadia Farm at: 9000 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22309

Responsibilities: 

• Facilitate experiential learning through curriculum-based exploration on Arcadia Farm.
• Lead elementary school aged groups of about 15 students. 
• Lead programmatic discussions, activities, and demonstrations. 
• Effectively supervise, manage, and educate students. 
• Help with set-up and clean-up of the garden site.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications: 

• Experience working with children is desired; 
• An enthusiasm for sustainable agriculture and the environment; 
• A passion for inspiring discovery and fun on the farm for children; 
• A willingness to get dirty, work with animals, and work in the garden; 
• Excellent communication and organizational skills; 
• An ability to work independently and carry out farm-based lesson plans; 

Required for hire:

• Must undergo a background check; 
• Must be at least 18 years old; 

To apply or inquire: Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Send a resume, a short statement explaining why you would like to be a Field Trip Guide, as well as the name, email, and  phone number of two references with the subject line “Field Trip Guide Application: Your Name” to On-Farm Education Manager Charlotte Terry, at charlotte@arcadiafood.org . Arcadia is committed to diversity in the workplace. People of color, LGBTQ and multilingual people are encouraged to apply. 

Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture is dedicated to creating a more equitable and sustainable food system and culture in the Washington, DC area and a collaborative space for the many local efforts and initiatives around better food. Our mission is to improve the health of our community, the viability of local farmers, and preserve our environment for future generations by combining education about healthy food and its sources with better logistical connections between local farmers and the urban and suburban core of the region. 

Learn more at http://arcadiafood.org/