Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) Member – Landscape Stewardship Corps – Fort Donelson National Battlefield

Summary American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service’s Fort Donelson National Battlefield, is seeking two members to contribute to landscape stewardship projects alongside Fort Donelson National Battlefield 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 historic landscape preservation or horticulture. No background or previous experience in horticulture or historic preservation is necessary. A 26 week commitment is required.

For more information about the National Park Service’s Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) – Landscape Stewardship Corps please visit: https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1098/traditional-trades-apprenticeship-program.htm

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: March 2024 – flexible start date

Estimated End Date: September 2024, 26 weeks from start date

Location Details/Description: Spanning both south-central Kentucky and north-central Tennessee, Fort Donelson Battlefield preserves the final resting place of thousands of United States veterans and the beautiful rolling hills of the Cumberland River valley where General Grant and his troops created a pathway to Union victory during the Civil War. Fort Donelson National Battlefield includes Civil War Fort Donelson and Fort Heiman and a national cemetery. The national battlefield is near the rural community of Dover, Tennessee (pop. +/- 1,700). The nearest major city is Nashville, 1.5 hours away. For more information about Fort Donelson Battlefield please visit: https://www.nps.gov/fodo/index.htm

Position Overview: Supported through the funding and guidance of the National Park Service’s National Cemetery Investment Initiative, staff of Fort Donelson National Battlefield are working to improve the condition of the historic landscape of the Fort Donelson National Cemetery. Horticulturists, arborists, conservators, masons, and carpenters at the battlefield park care for the trees, turf, monuments, and gravesites meant to honor and commemorate the thousands of veterans who fought on and are buried in its hallowed ground. ACE members will be able to work alongside and be mentored and trained by park gardeners and arborists and learn skills in plant care, tree pruning, turf management, grave preservation, and cultural landscape management.

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 to Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute about 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. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or the NPS. A housing stipend of $500 per month will be provided.

Professional Development Stipend: The ACE Member will receive $1,000 of professional development funds that can be used for approved purposes.

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 will include OSHA-10 Certification and a Landscape Stewardship Fundamentals course.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts.
• 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 two-part criminal history
• 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.
• Hold a minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent
• Willingness to learn and work as part of a team
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Deep interest in preserving history.
• Interest in horticulture, gardening, and/or tree care.

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. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
• 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 50 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently, working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Mainly indoor, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good, and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools. Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• 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, 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: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact Member Coordinator, HPTC Programs, Kyle Ellison, at kellison@usaconservation.org.

EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.