Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) Member – Landscape Stewardship Corps – Roosevelt and Vanderbilt National Historic Sites

Summary American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service’s Roosevelt and Vanderbilt National Historic Sites, is seeking two members to contribute to landscape stewardship projects alongside Roosevelt and Vanderbilt National Historic Sites 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 or historic preservation 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/traditional-trades-apprenticeship-program.htm

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: March 18, 2024

Estimated End Date: September 13, 2024

*a 26 week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: The Roosevelt and Vanderbilt National Historic Site in Hyde Park, NY is centrally located on the Eastern side of the Hudson River in New York’s Hudson River Valley. The site includes the Home of Franklin Roosevelt, the country’s longest serving President; The Vanderbilt Mansion, a very complete example of a Gilded Age country estate; Val Kill, the Home of Eleanor Roosevelt and the only National Historic site dedicated to a First Lady; and Bellefield mansion with one of the few remaining residential gardens designed by Beatrix Farrand, the first female landscape architect in the United States. The park features gardens, woodlands, agricultural fields, trails, historic homes and the National Archives of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library – the first Presidential Library in the United States. Hyde Park is a combination of rural and suburban areas 90 miles North of New York City, which is accessible for day trips by Metro-North commuter train.

For more information about Roosevelt and Vanderbilt National Historic Sites, please visit https://www.nps.gov/hofr/roosevelt-vanderbilt-national-historic-sites.htm.

Position Overview: The Roosevelt and Vanderbilt National Historic Site preserves and shares the stories and resources of the Roosevelt and Vanderbilt families in Hyde Park for the education and enjoyment of the public. The cultural landscapes associated with the historic homes that comprise our park are the resources that the ACE member will care for in the course of the program. The member will work with the horticulture team, its volunteers and other park staff – as projects require – in all aspects of garden and landscape care. Members will be trained in, and employ, horticulture best practices in a variety of settings including ornamental and food production gardens and historic landscapes. The members will extend the reach of the horticulture team to landscape preservation projects that will improve the appearance and health of our cultural landscapes, reduce maintenance, and better protect and preserve our natural and cultural resources. The members will have an opportunity to work with our volunteer and community partner groups that support and/or extend our mission beyond the park boundaries.

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:

The members will generally work from 8:00 – 4:00, Monday through Friday EST. There may be opportunities to gain additional experience or education on a few weekends or evenings to take advantage of, or support, public programs. These will be optional and would be included in the 40 hour week if the member chose to participate. Some days and weeks will require a different schedule: 7:00 – 3:30 being the most common change. That change would happen when the member is working on a project with a park team that maintains those hours as their regular work schedule.

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 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.
• 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.
• A High school diploma or GED is required
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants can hold or be pursuing a bachelor’s degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as landscaping, gardening, agriculture, visitor (public) service/visitor (public) relations, history, museum, preservation, or public recreation work.
• Ability and willingness to be a positive member of highly motivated team of gardeners
• Deep interest in exploring a career in horticulture, landscape management, preservation, or the National Park Service.

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 25 lbs., ability to move up to 40 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 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.