Traditional Trades Advancement Program – Landscape Stewardship Corps – Weir Farm National Historical Park

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking two members to contribute to landscape stewardship and historic preservation projects alongside Weir Farm National Historical Park staff.

The Traditional Trades Advancement Program-Landscape Stewardship Corps is intended for enthusiastic individuals who possess an interest in gaining experience in the field of landscape preservation or horticulture. No background or previous experience in horticulture is necessary.

For more information about the National Park Service’s Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) – Landscape Stewardship Corps, please visit our website.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: March 17, 2025

Estimated End Date: September 15, 2025

*a 26-week minimum commitment is required*

Location Details/Description: Weir Farm National Historical Park celebrates the life and work of famous American Impressionist painter J. Alden Weir (1852-1919), through the artist’s home, farm, gardens, and studio. The 68-acre park’s beautiful historic gardens, pond, rolling meadows, temperate forests, and wetlands continue to inspire visitors and artists today.

The park is in Wilton, Connecticut, about 60 miles north of New York City near Ridgefield and other historic New England towns, which offer extensive educational, cultural, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Medical facilities and schools are excellent, and the area has many restaurants, farmers’ markets, orchards, breweries, and art-fairs. Public transit to the park is not available. A personal vehicle is required for regular commute to Weir Farm National Historical Park.

For more information about Weir Farm National Historical Park, please visit the NPS website.

Position Overview: As part of the team, you will play a vital role in historic preservation and landscape improvement projects, working closely with dedicated NPS staff to help preserve this important site for future generations. Under guidance from Weir Farm National Park (WEFA) staff, ACE members will experience the full range of behind-the-scenes preservation and maintenance activities required in managing a nationally significant historic landscape and will gain hands-on valuable skills in horticulture, arboriculture, and trails maintenance. Project work will include developing and implementing native planting plans, invasive species management, supporting the implementation of a grassland project alongside WEFA’s biology technician, and building and maintaining trails throughout the park.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 6:30AM-3:00PM

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $720/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age (You must be between the ages of 16 and 30. Some agencies also interpret these guidelines to include veterans up to age 35) and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility or view general eligibility information on our website.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or NPS.

Professional Development Stipend: $1,000 of professional development funds will be available to participants for pre-approved uses.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position-specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Specific training includes OSHA-10 and Introduction to Preservation Horticulture.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts.
• Members must have a High School Diploma or GED.
• Members must be ages 18-30 (up to 35 if a U.S. veteran).
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website located on our Indeed homepage.

Preferred:

• Ability and willingness to learn and work independently and collaboratively with a team.
• Deep interest in historic preservation, horticulture, arboriculture, and/or the environment.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to [15] lbs., ability to move up to [30] pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the NPS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the NPS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the NPS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to NPS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Submitting a resume and cover letter is optional. Please share contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE’s online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact ACE EPIC Historic Preservation Project Manager Kyle Ellison.