Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) Member – Yosemite National Park

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking Two Members to contribute to a variety of historic preservation projects alongside Yosemite National Park Historic Preservation Crew.

These opportunities are intended for enthusiastic individuals who possess an interest in gaining experience in the field of historic preservation trade work. No background or previous experience in construction or historic preservation is required. Training for all tools and activities will be provided by journey level park staff.

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

For more information about TTAP, please visit https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1098/traditional-trades-apprenticeship-program.htm

Start Date: October 1, 2023

End Date: March 30, 2024 (or 26-weeks after start date)

*a 26-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Yosemite National Park (YOSE), Mariposa County, CA

Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.

Nearest communities for shopping, doctors, hospitals, and other amenities are Yosemite Valley, Mariposa, or Oakhurst with the cities of Fresno or Merced being two hours away. Yosemite National Park is fairly remote.

It is recommended that applicants have a personal vehicle, but public transit is available via YARTS (https://yarts.com/). Additionally, there is limited cell-phone service in the park. Limited internet connectivity is available at some of the cafes and hotels in the park.

For more information about Yosemite National Park, please visit https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm.

Position Overview: The Yosemite Historic Preservation Crew will be working on restoring the Le Conte Memorial Lodge (National Historic Landmark), repairing windows on the Wawona Hotel (National Historic Landmark), stabilizing and repairing the Yosemite Village Post Office (National Register). The crew will also be preserving stone chimneys on multiple structures in Yosemite Valley. The crew is comprised of four leads plus seasonal employees that will help train interns in the methods of historic preservation. The goal is to help these interns learn the skills required to become preservationists and maintenance workers in National Parks. Members will work closely with park preservationists to learn technical skills and historic preservation treatment standards as defined by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Members will participate in nearly every aspect of maintenance operations, including but not limited to carpentry, masonry, roofing, and painting. Leadership and training 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 or divisions.

Scheduling: Monday through Thursday, 7:00am to 5:30pm

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.

Housing: Park housing may be provided for ACE Members for members located outside of the commuting area.

Professional Development Funds: The TTAP member will have access to $1,000 of professional development funds that can be used for approved purposes.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a 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.

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, Historic Preservation Fundamentals courses, and forklift and equipment operation certificates.

Qualifications:

Required

• Members must be US citizen or Permanent Resident, as required to comply with 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 required criminal history checks.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Have a serious attitude toward safety all day, every day.
• ACE Members must verify that they are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 or have requested and been granted a medical or religious exemption to vaccination by the time they start their term.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website here.

Preferred Skills:

• 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, use of hand and power tools.
• Deep interest in preserving history.
• 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.)
• A career interest in building trade skills and/or historic preservation.
• Is comfortable working outside in varying weather conditions and at heights.
• Have a willingness to work hard and get dirty.
• Have a serious attitude toward safety all day, every day.
• Have the ability to think critically and creatively.

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.