The Campaign for Historic Trades and Preservation Maryland seek applicants for the Cemetery Preservation Workshop Coordinator position.
Position:
Cemetery Preservation Workshop Coordinator
Preservation Maryland Organization Background:
Founded in 1931, Preservation Maryland has been a leader in the preservation movement of the state and nation ever since. The organization’s mission is the preservation of Maryland’s historic buildings, neighborhoods, landscapes and archeological sites through outreach, funding, and advocacy.
Preservation Maryland achieves its mission through an expanding group of core programs. The organization provides leadership to a large coalition of individuals and organizations at the state, county, city, and community level that advocate for critical causes. The organization’s podcast reaches tens of thousands of listeners annually and has produced over 200 episodes since its launch. Additionally, the organization hosts more than a dozen events, large and small, which provide training, award recognition and professional development to historic communities and their leaders.
Preservation Maryland also leads Smart Growth Maryland, a dynamic program which advocates for state and local policy priorities that directs new public and private investment in keeping with the principles of smart growth. The organization partners with Maryland’s leading historic preservation, environmental conservation and land preservation organizations to help achieve this mission.
The organization makes flexible grants to support the preservation of Maryland history and historic properties in partnership with local nonprofit organizations, community groups and churches. A historic property redevelopment program now allows the organization to take direct action to protect threatened historic properties through acquisition, loans and partnerships.
Most recently, the organization became the charitable partner of the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Training Center. This partnership, operating as a program called the Campaign for Historic Trades allows the organization to support the advancement of historic trades training which can open pathways to successful careers for young adults and returning veterans.
To learn more, visit presmd.org
Position Description:
This is a part-time, 20-hours-per-week, 9-month term position which will be responsible for organizing bi-monthly, 2-hour long cemetery cleaning workshops. The position is a part of Preservation Maryland’s Campaign for Historic Trades. Approved cemetery cleaning and restoration tools, methods and materials will be provided and utilized. The position will be provided with necessary preservation and cemetery conservation training prior to leading the public, but prior experience with cemetery preservation or historic preservation is preferred.
The position will work with cemetery owners to gain written consent to host the workshops – utilizing a previously developed, crowdsourced list of rural cemeteries. The position will also work to engage youth groups to participate in the workshops and utilize their networks to advertise, market and build awareness for the program. Youth groups and young adults engaged in the effort will be encouraged and empowered to “adopt” a rural cemetery (with owner consent) to continue to care for these resources.
This is a part-time, 20-hours-per-week, 9-month term, non-exempt position that requires a passion for cemetery preservation and youth engagement. Demonstrated practical experience with cemetery preservation or youth engagement is preferred. Experience specifically in historic preservation and/or construction trades are a plus.
Compensation will be $20 per hour and will not include benefits. Travel expenses, supplies and personal protective equipment will be provided.
Responsibilities & Requirements:
The Cemetery Preservation Workshop Coordinator will engage youth groups and help lead simple cemetery maintenance workshops focused on appropriate grave cleaning, lawn maintenance and care of delicate historic masonry.
A personal vehicle, with appropriate insurance and a valid state driver’s license is required. Mileage will be reimbursed at the standard federal rate.
Specific responsibilities will include:
- Outreach to youth groups across rural regions of state to plan workshops
- Goal of 20-24 workshops over a 9-month period
- Outreach to cemetery owners & caretakers to secure legal access
- Leading workshops on cemetery maintenance and grave cleaning, primarily on weekends
- Safe handling of materials, equipment, tools, etc.
- Develop written materials to assist with outreach
- Create written content for web/social media to promote program and support development of online training materials on proper cemetery conservation and care to help reach a wide audience and create lasting, permanent impact from the year-long program
- Willingness and ability to travel and engage in weekend work
- Other duties as assigned
This position and Save a Grave programming is made possible by a grant from the Rural Maryland Council.
To Apply:
Send your resume and a cover letter summarizing your professional skills, relevant work experience, and interest in the position to: submit@presmd.org with the subject line: Cemetery Preservation. The deadline for submissions is January 19, 2022.
Preservation Maryland is an inclusive workplace that affirmatively values diversity in all its forms. We strongly encourage all qualified candidates to apply.