Traditional Trades Advancement Program – Landscape Stewardship Corps – Andersonville National Historic Site

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service is seeking two members to contribute to landscape stewardship projects alongside Andersonville National Historic Site 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: https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1098/landscape-stewardship-corps.htm

For more information about ACE, please visit our website at usaconservation dot org.

Start Date: October 7, 2024

Estimated End Date: April 4, 2025

*a 26-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Located in southwest Georgia, Andersonville National Historic Site is rich in American history. As one of the Civil War’s most deadly prison camps, Andersonville preserves stories of those captured and the National Cemetery that began as a result. Horticulturists, arborists, conservators, masons, and carpenters at Andersonville care for the trees, landscape, monuments, and gravesites meant to honor and commemorate the thousands of veterans who fought on and are buried in its hallowed ground. Andersonville National Cemetery within the National Park Service that continues active burial of veterans. Andersonville is approximately fifty miles from Macon, Georgia.

For more information about Andersonville National Historic Site, please visit the National Park Service website.

Position Overview: Guided by the National Park Service’s National Cemetery Investment Initiative and by Andersonville NHS Horticulturist (certified arborist), the ACE members will help rehabilitate the cultural landscape of Andersonville National Cemetery. The ACE members will learn to understand Cultural Landscape Reports and implement long-term care of landscape features, including turf, shrubs, and trees, many of which are over 100 years old. Proper care includes soil de-compaction, soil amendments (composting and mulching), installing lightning protection, shaping, and pruning. In addition, regenerating genetic stock to replace the historic trees when they die. The ACE members will also learn proper tree and shrub installation techniques and early care to ensure successful transplanting. The skills learned and work accomplished during the position apply to many National Park positions and include:

• Field applied techniques for extending the life and management of historic trees
• Root care and remediation of compromised soils
• Solution oriented pruning techniques via climbing, aerial lift, and/or groundwork
• Genetic preservation via propagation and grafting
• Navigating long term management and practical work demands of a specific site
• Tree biology and growth patterns
• Maintaining equipment
• Fertilizing schedules

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: Regular working schedule will be Monday – Friday 7:30 am-4:00 pm

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 and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our Please select one: website at usaconservation dot org.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or the National Park Service.

Professional Development Stipend: A professional development stipend of $1,000 is available for 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 will include an OSHA-10 Certification 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 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.
• Members may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website on usaconservation dot org.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of a High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Ability and willingness to learn and work as part of a team.
• Deep 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 30 lbs., ability to move up to 75 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, 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: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE’s online application page for this position on our website at usaconservation dot org. 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 kellison at usaconservation dot org.