Farm & Guest Experience Associate

About Hidden Valley Orchards

Hidden Valley Orchards is a working farm and premier agritourism destination in Lebanon, Ohio. We grow corn, pumpkins, and seasonal crops while creating memorable guest experiences through public events, field trips, private events, retail markets, and interactive farm activities.

We are looking for adaptable, positive, hardworking team members who enjoy outdoor work, engaging with people, and being part of a fast-paced, hands-on farm environment.

Position Overview

The Farm & Guest Experience Associate is a dynamic, cross-functional role that blends:

• Guest service & hospitality
• Educational programming facilitation
• Farm labor & property maintenance
• Event setup & operational support

This role shifts with the seasons and business needs — some days are guest-facing and high energy, while others focus on behind-the-scenes farm work and maintenance.

Key Responsibilities

Visitor Engagement & Hospitality

Greet guests warmly and proactively provide directions, activity information, and safety guidance.

Lead and facilitate school field trips, including:

• Guiding groups through orchard tours and activity stations
• Delivering educational scripts on apples, pumpkins, bees, farm life, and agriculture

Host interactive experiences such as:

• Animal encounters
• Hayrides
• Play yards
• Seasonal games and attractions

Operate retail and market areas:

• Run POS system accurately
• Process admissions and activity wristbands
• Upsell farm products, bakery items, and seasonal offerings
• Restock merchandise and maintain attractive displays

Monitor activity areas for cleanliness and safety throughout the day.

Communicate clearly with guests regarding rules, wait times, and farm policies.

Assist with birthday parties, private events, and seasonal festivals.

Handle minor guest concerns professionally and escalate when necessary.

Maintain a high level of energy and hospitality.

Farm & Property Work

Assist with orchard and crop production tasks:

• Planting, pruning, mulching, watering, and harvesting
• Weed control and basic irrigation checks

Support pumpkin patch preparation and seasonal crop transitions.

Perform daily animal care duties including:

• Feeding, watering, and bedding maintenance

• Cleaning enclosures

Maintain farm grounds:

• Mowing, trimming, and landscaping
• Trash removal across property

Set up and break down seasonal attractions and signage.

Support maintenance tasks such as:

• Painting
• Power washing

Assist with event setup including tables, tents, chairs, staging, and décor.

Help unload deliveries and move produce or materials across property.

Maintain tools and equipment in clean, organized condition.

Teamwork & Operations

Transition between guest-facing and operational roles as needed.

Assist in opening and closing procedures across activity areas.

Complete safety checks before guests enter play zones and activity stations.

Support cross-departmental needs during high-traffic periods.

Uphold farm values of hospitality, safety, teamwork, and integrity.

Model a positive attitude and strong work ethic at all times.

Requirements

• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Able to lift 40–50 lbs and remain on feet for extended periods.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to work weekends, nights, and peak seasonal days.
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-changing environment.

Benefits

• This position offers a starting wage range of $14.00–$20.00 per hour, based on experience, agricultural knowledge, guest engagement skills, mechanical aptitude, and demonstrated leadership qualities.
• Team members may be eligible for pay increases as they develop expanded farm skills, strengthen guest interaction abilities, take initiative on projects, and consistently model strong teamwork and accountability.
• We prioritize promoting from within and offer leadership roles. Team members who work during our peak season (September 15 – October 31) may have access to performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Hands-on agricultural and hospitality experience.
• A fun, team-oriented environment.
• The chance to help create memorable experiences for thousands of guests each season.
• Seasonal position.