Traditional Trades Advancement Program – Landscape Stewardship Corps – Shiloh National Military 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 projects alongside Shiloh National Military 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: 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: Shiloh National Military Park, located in the community of Shiloh, Tennessee, preserves the sites of the first major battle in the Western theater of the Civil War. The landscape was witness to the Battle of Shiloh and Siege of Corinth. Rich in history, the park was established by Congress on December 27, 1894, and was transferred from the War Department to the Department of Interior and National Park Service in 1933. The park is home to Shiloh National Cemetery, where 3,584 Civil War dead are interred. Additionally, the park is home to the Shiloh Indian Mounds Site, one of the largest Woodland era sites in the southeastern United States. The mounds were declared a National Historic Landmark in 1986. The park contains the site of a camp where enslaved persons escaped across Union Army lines seeking safety.

For more information about Shiloh National Military Park, please visit the NPS website.

Position Overview: The participants will assist park staff with trimming and replanting of character defining trees. Almost a hundred trees will be pruned removing deadwood and damaged tissue according to pruning standards. Lift equipment as well as tree climbing by park staff will also be used to help place lightning protection systems in the tallest trees. Brush and debris will be removed from the northern slope of the cemetery using chippers. Other duties may include maintenance and cleaning of historic monuments, grave markers, and cannons, as well as maintaining the historic landscape and/or trails including a peach orchard. Turf management principles will also be incorporated into this opportunity. If funded, The TTAP participants will also assist park staff with the completion of a historic wall repair, learning and utilizing historic preservation masonry skills.

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, 7:00am to 3:30pm

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: Park housing may be available at no-cost to the TTAP participant for the duration of their term.

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, work as part of a team, and be comfortable in a cemetery setting.
• 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.