Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) Member – Landscape Stewardship Corps – Hampton National Historic Site

SummaryAmerican Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service’s Hampton National Historic Site, is seeking one member to contribute to landscape stewardship projects alongside Hampton 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: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: March 4, 2024

Estimated End Date: August 30, 2024

*a 26-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: The landscape of Hampton National Historic Site includes a grand Georgian house surrounded by formal terraced gardens, state champion trees, rolling meadows and woodland, as well as the original farm, with historic main house, barns, dairy, farm structures and the houses for enslaved people and servants. All reflect the evolution of American social, economic, and cultural history from 1745 to 1948. Hampton National Historic Site is located in a quiet residential neighborhood in Towson, Maryland, about nine miles from Baltimore. For more information about Hampton National Historic Site, please visit https://www.nps.gov/hamp/index.htm.

The ACE members will also work occasionally (about 33%, but subject to change) at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore, Maryland. Birthplace to our National Anthem, Fort McHenry is a peninsula of rolling turf and trees surrounding the historic star-shaped fort that once protected the Baltimore Harbor from British invasion. For more information about Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, please visit https://www.nps.gov/fomc/index.htm.

Position Overview: The ACE member will experience the full range of behind-the-scenes preservation and maintenance activities required in managing a nationally significant historic landscape and will receive training and mentoring from experienced park staff. The position may also require the member to work independently on some projects and assignments. Planned work will include plant identification, integrated pest management practices, restoration of a pollinator meadow, and re-establishment of an evergreen screen near the formal parterre gardens. Technical skills trained-in, developed and practiced will include weeding, mowing, string trimming, blowing, fertilizing, pruning, mulching, invasive plant management, watering, planting, raking, plowing, tilling, and composting.

Schedule: Upon starting, the anticipated work schedule is from 7:00 am -3:30pm (Eastern Time Zone), Monday-Friday, however this schedule does change as the sun rises earlier and daytime heat begins to increase. Schedule change also occurs to take advantage of daylight time without park visitors. This schedule will change at some point in the spring to 6:30 am-3:00pm Monday-Friday, and finally 6:00 am-2:30pm, Monday-Friday, starting around Memorial Day through the term’s completion.

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: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or the NPS.

Professional Development Stipend: The ACE Member will receive $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 will include OSHA-10 Certification and a Landscape Stewardship Fundamentals 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.
• Hold a minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 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
• 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.
• Willingness to learn and work as part of a team.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Strong 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 50 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 or uneven terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting/stinging insects, poisonous plants, 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 of 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 Member Coordinator, HPTC Programs, 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.