2023 PATRICIA ANDERSON FELLOWS PROGRAM DETAILS
Spend the summer in Maine working to save historic buildings! Maine Preservation’s fellowship program spans nine weeks in the summer, split between five weeks of hands-on work with a trades firm and four weeks of organizational work performed remotely. Program timeline dependent on availability of fellow cohort but will generally run June 5 to August 4.
WORK IN THE FIELD
Project assignments for the five weeks with our professional trades partners will be made according to each Summer Fellow’s skill set and the projects available. Our trades partners are:
- Bagala Window Works, headed by Marc Bagala, has restored historic windows and doors from houses, churches, commercial blocks, etc. since 1988. The Bagala Window Works’ shop, where most work occurs, is located in Westbrook.
- The Heritage Co., headed by Victor Wright, is a fourth-generation business that specializes in the restoration of slate and tile roofs and copper cornicing. The Heritage Co. is based in Waterboro with work concentrated in Portland and on Colby College’s historic campus in Waterville.
- Preservation Timber Framing, headed by Arron Sturgis, a past president and current member of Maine Preservation’s Board of Trustees, repairs and restores 18th and 19th century barns, steeples, and houses. Preservation Timber Framing works across Southern Maine and New Hampshire.
WORK AT THE DESK
Responsibilities with Maine Preservation staff include research and professional writing along with event planning and advocacy initiatives. Special projects this summer may include:
- Most Endangered Historic Places: solicit, research, and help coordinate 2023 Most Endangered Historic Places list
- Protect & Sell Program: assist with easement property inspections and documentation
- Field Services: conduct site visits and develop historic property assessments
- Outreach & Education: research and create content for public initiatives; this year’s emphasis is on the promotion of historic trades
QUALIFICATIONS
An academic or professional background in preservation is required. Current enrollment in or completion of a master’s degree or qualified trades program focusing on historic preservation is strongly preferred.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and to successfully manage multiple projects.
- Knowledge of historic preservation best practices and current issues
- Ability to conduct in-depth research on historic buildings, relevant local and state legislation, and policy initiatives.
Moderate to heavy physical effort and ability to stoop, bend, kneel, climb, and walk in all types of weather is required. Placement-specific requirements include lifting or handling of objects over 50lbs. using proper techniques; climbing ladders; working from scaffolding or platforms, on uneven or angled surfaces, and in confined spaces.
Applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the first day of the fellowship and be able to provide proof of vaccination before starting.
COMPENSATION
Fellows will be compensated at $13.80 per hour and should plan to work 40 hours per week. The maximum allowable hours for the nine-week program is 360 hours.
HOUSING & TRANSPORTATION
Housing and transportation will be the responsibility of the Summer Fellow. Transportation will be required to get to the trades site each day, within a 70-mile radius of Portland.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume (PDFs only) to info@mainepreservation.org with “Summer Fellowship 2023” in the subject line by 5pm on February 27, 2023. Please include in your cover letter:
- a brief introduction to your background
- a description of your relevant experience and skill set
- your plan for transportation and housing in Maine
- any conflicts with the June 5 to August 4 program timeframe
- why you would like to work with Maine Preservation
Maine Preservation will review the applications on a rolling basis with program partners. Select candidates will be provided with instructions for next steps with a final determination made by March 24, 2023.
ABOUT MAINE PRESERVATION
Maine Preservation is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving historic places, buildings, downtowns and neighborhoods, strengthening the cultural and economic vitality of Maine communities. For more information visit www.mainepreservation.org.