Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) Member – Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park

Summary American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service and Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park (FRSP), is seeking two members to be a part of the Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP). The Members will contribute to a variety of historic preservation projects alongside the FRSP staff.

TTAP is a program intended for enthusiastic individuals who possess an interest in gaining experience in the field of historic preservation and construction basics. No background or previous experience in construction or historic preservation is required. Training for all tools and activities will be provided by park staff professionals.

For more information about TTAP, 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: October 2, 2023

Estimated End Date: March 30, 2024

*a 26 minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, established in 1927 and located in Northern Virginia, protects and commemorates four major battles of the American Civil War: Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, The Wilderness, and Spotsylvania. The park covers over 8,000 acres of varying landscapes. The park includes the Fredericksburg National Cemetery, created in 1865 after the reunification of the states, which honors Federal soldiers. There are over 10 hiking trails across the park that allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of the park and learn about its history.

For more information about Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, please visit https://www.nps.gov/frsp/index.htm

Position Overview: The park currently is in the process of improving the condition of the historic landscape through a series of projects supported by the National Cemetery Investment Initiative. The National Cemetery Investment Initiative is seeking to improve the condition of the 14 National Cemeteries that are managed by the NPS. The skills of horticulturists, arborists, conservators, masons, and carpenters are needed to preserve the National Cemeteries and to retain their “protected atmosphere” in commemoration of the Veterans who are buried there. The TTAP interns will assist Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park with maintaining historically significant trees, shrubs, turf, walls, headstones, and monuments. The interns will support staff in the completion of tree pruning, tree planting, turf repair, headstone repair and alignment, headstone cleaning, monument preservation, and additional associated tasks. This will provide them skills in preservation horticulture and arboriculture and also support our preservation team with monuments, markers and historic features and/or buildings – repair and rehab, which are widely needed in NPS parks. The interns will be working with both our Roads, Trails and Grounds crew as well as our Buildings and Utilities crew.

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, 6:00am to 2:30pm (may be subject to change)

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. 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: ACE members will be accommodated in provided housing at no cost for the duration of the term.

Professional Development Funds: The TTAP member will have access to $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 may include OSHA Certification and Historic Preservation Fundamentals courses.

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 check.
• 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.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of a high school diploma and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as construction trades and the use of hand and power tools.
• Knowledge of one or more trade practices, such as masonry, carpentry, roofing, mechanics, and/or painting.
• Familiarity with construction and craftsmanship.
• Basic familiarity with common factors in deterioration of buildings and structures.
• Ability and willingness to use and care for common hand tools and portable or stationary power tools associated with the trade (e.g., hammers, saws, drills, planers, etc.)
• Deep interest in preserving history.
• A career interest in building trade skills and/or historic preservation

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.
• 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.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.

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. 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. You must have and maintain a state driver’s license.

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 ACE EPIC HPTC Member Coordinator, Kyle Ellison at kellison@usaconservation.org