Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) Member – Independence National Historical Park

Traditional Trades Advancement Program Member – Independence National Historical Park

Summary American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service and Independence National Historical Park, Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial, and Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site, 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 Independence 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: November 6, 2023

Estimated End Date: May 3, 2023

*a 26 minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Independence National Historical Park is a protected historic district in Philadelphia that preserves many sites associated with the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. The park includes Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were adopted. The park also preserves several other historic landmarks, such as the First Bank of the United States, the Free Quaker Meeting House, the Old City Hall, Mikveh Israel Cemetery, the Liberty Bell and many others. TTAP members will have the opportunity to work at other nearby NPS sites, such as Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site, which preserves a home that was once rented by the writer, Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial, which preserves the home, life, and work of a Polish hero of the American Revolution, and Gloria Dei Church, the oldest church in Pennsylvania.

For more information about Independence National Historical Park, please visit https://www.nps.gov/inde/index.htm

Position Overview: TTAP members will work with multiple trade shops during their assignment to the park. Depending on in-house projects happening at the time, and interns’ aptitudes and interests, they will be assigned to various projects with NPS staff from the following trade shops: woodcrafting/carpentry, masonry, painting, utilities (electrical, electronics, plumbing), Heating-Ventilation-Air-Conditioning (HVAC), and grounds (gardening, turf maintenance, tree services). The park has a mix of historic and modern facilities and interns will work on both. Thirty-three of the park’s 46 buildings are on the List of Classified Structures, however they all contain modern utility, mechanical, fire, and security systems. A central chiller plant provides cooling water to 23 of the park’s buildings. Heating and cooling systems are controlled by a Building Automation System (BAS) that manages 8,000 sensor and control points. Outdoors, the park is comprised of 55 acres of land which includes 18 acres of maintained landscapes and 13.2 miles of paved walkways. Leadership will be provided by skilled NPS staff.

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, 6am-2:30pm

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. 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.

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

EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.