Tour Guide & Greeter at Retreat Farm
Reports to: Program Director
Position type: Part-time, hourly
Location: Brattleboro, VT - Onsite
Retreat Farm is on a mission to connect people to the land and to one-another. We do this with the vision of creating a more just, healthy, and sustainable community.
Retreat Farm seeks outgoing, dynamic, and organized Tour Guides & Greeters (up to 2) to welcome the 90,000+ annual visitors to Retreat Farm. Tour Guides & Greeters provide exceptional customer service, lead interpretive tours around the farm, and assist with events set-up.
Tour Guides & Greeters are highly visible Retreat Farm ambassadors responsible for ensuring a safe and welcoming guest experience, assisting with event set-up and breakdown, and providing logistical support to fellow Retreat Farm team members. These individuals may tend bar at the Thirsty Goat bar as needed, if certified (Retreat Farm will pay for certification).
The Tour Guide & Greeter position requires at least some daytime availability Thursdays through Sundays. This position also requires both independent and collaborative work, and is typically 12-24 hours per week. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, who loves people, and who knows the power and joy of connection to place.
Guests at Retreat Farm span over 500 zip codes ranging from Brattleboro to Buenos Aires. Our visitorship reflects the many communities we serve, and we actively strive to provide an environment that is dynamic, growth-minded, and welcoming to all.
Core Responsibilities:
- Enhance Retreat Farm visitors’ experiences by greeting visitors to Farmhouse Square and providing information about Retreat Farm events, partnerships, programming, and products.
- Lead daily, one-hour site tours for groups of up to 10 each, highlighting Retreat Farm’s history and mission, as well as the interconnectedness of Retreat Farm programming.
- Work in collaboration with Retreat Farm and Retreat Farm Market staff to provide a fun, welcoming visitor experience.
Additional Responsibilities May Include
- Assist in the setup and breakdown of events.
- Occasionally tend bar at the Thirsty Goat during Retreat Farm events and open hours, and for private events, if certified.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Is a strong communicator with strong presentation and/or education skills
- Has informal education or historical interpretation experience
- Is a people-person who loves interacting with the public
- Demonstrates a commitment to the mission and vision of Retreat Farm
- Has experience in events, hospitality, and/or customer service
- Is comfortable with farm animals and working outdoors
- Has up-to-date First Aid and CPR certifications
- Has background in bartending, mixology, or the Vermont craft beer industry
- Is detail-oriented, able to work independently and with teams, and can multitask in a busy environment
- Has a keen eye for detail and accuracy
Work Environment:
Retreat Farm is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. Candidates must be able to switch focus as needed, to address frequently changing priorities while maintaining mental focus in an environment with high noise levels and interruptions.
Physical Demands:
- Ability to stand for prolonged periods, climb stairs, navigate uneven terrain, and lift and move up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to lift and move tables and chairs to various sites on the property
- Ability to work in indoor and outdoor environments in various weather conditions
- Ability to perform repetitive motions (bending, twisting)
Reporting:
Tour Guides & Greeters report to the Program Director and are part of the larger programming and events team, which includes the Program Director, Events Coordinators, and Bartenders. Tour Guides & Greeters will also work in close coordination with the lands and farm team and other Retreat Farm staff.
Compensation:
$20-22/hour based on experience, eligibility for enrollment in a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with 3% employer matching, and discounts at the Retreat Farm Market.
TO APPLY:
To be considered, please email a resume AND cover letter expressing your interest in Retreat Farm to Jenny Crowell at [email protected]. Application review begins immediately and will continue until all positions are filled.
Retreat Farm is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe diverse teams make the strongest teams and encourage qualified people of all backgrounds, identities, ages, and abilities to apply.
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ABOUT RETREAT FARM
Located in Brattleboro, VT, Retreat Farm is an essential Vermont place whose mission is to connect people to the land and to one-another. This is a place where people of all ages come to learn, gather, and connect with the natural world through a variety of public programs. These programs, together with the forests, farmlands, trails, waterways, and historic barns and grounds of the Farm, are central to the health and life of surrounding communities.
Established in 1837, the original Retreat Farm was a working and therapeutic farm serving patients at the nearby Brattleboro Retreat. A prominent feature of the region for 180 years, the Farm today encompasses 500 acres of conserved forests, farmlands, trails, and waterways, and a historic eight-structure Farmstead. Retreat Farm sits adjacent to downtown Brattleboro, a gateway to Vermont and the geographic center of New England.
The nonprofit Retreat Farm, Ltd. was formed in 2015 to restore the lands and structures and establish a vibrant program of education, stewardship, and community gatherings. By connecting people to the land and one another, Retreat Farm is helping to ensure a healthy future for the region. Learn more at retreatfarm.org.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour
Expected hours: 10 – 30 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Employee discount
Schedule:
- 4 hour shift
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Evenings as needed
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person
