Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service and Cape Lookout National Seashore, is seeking two (2) members to be a part of the Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP). The Members will contribute to a variety of historic preservation projects alongside Cape Lookout 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: 4/17/2023 (may be flexible for the right candidate)

Estimated End Date: 10/14/2023*a 26-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Cape Lookout National Seashore, Outer Banks, NC

Cape Lookout National Seashore is a low, narrow, ribbon of sand running from Ocracoke Inlet on the northeast to Beaufort Inlet on the southwest. These barrier islands-56 miles long-consist mostly of wide, bare beaches with low dunes covered by scattered grasses, flat grasslands bordered by dense vegetation, and large expanses of salt marsh alongside the sound. Three undeveloped barrier islands make up the seashore - North and South Core Banks and Shackleford Banks.

The seashore includes two historic villages on Core Banks, Shackleford's wild horses, and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, which has a black-and-white diamond pattern. A visitor center for the seashore is located on Harkers Island.

Cape Lookout National Seashore is fairly remote. Applicants must be comfortable with water-craft travel. The primary transportation to and from the work sites will be by boat or ferry. There can be limited cell-phone service in the area. More details can be provided by NPS during the interview process.

For more information about Cape Lookout National Seashore, please visit https://www.nps.gov/calo/index.htm.

Position Overview: Members will work closely with park maintenance and preservation teams. Members will work in support of historic building maintenance and repair to preserve historic sites and structures across the National Seashore landscape. Members will participate in a variety of preservation and carpentry techniques. Leadership will be provided by skilled NPS staff to engage in projects similar to the following:

• Roof and siding maintenance, repair including replacement of cedar shingles and ridge cap on multiple historic houses and boathouse, per Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation
• Window replacements and repairs, exterior doors, porch decking and framing replacement on several historic houses, per Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation
• Assisting with the current renovations of the historic lighthouse: summer kitchen repairs, Lighthouse Keepers Quarters porch separation, and damage to the building and foundation

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 through Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, with a 30 minute lunch break

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 during their work days at no cost for the duration of the term. Housing is located at the park headquarters on Harkers Island, NC. The housing has water, shower, electricity, pots and pans, cutlery, stove, and a refrigerator. Bedrooms and bathrooms will be shared with other park staff. Housing units are also in close proximity to local beaches and renowned boating and saltwater fishing opportunities.

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-10, Historic Preservation Fundamentals, and potential travel to in-person training.

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 current and valid form of ID (will be required to provide copies of ID's upon hiring).
• 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.
• 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 high school diploma and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as construction trades, 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.
• Is comfortable working outside in varying weather conditions and at heights.
• Have a willingness to work hard and get dirty.
• Have the ability to think critically and creatively.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• 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.
• Travel: If the schedule and time frame allows, there may be an opportunity to attend in-person training at the Historic Preservation Training Center in Frederick, Maryland, in May.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, 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 ACE EPIC HPTC Program Manager, Bianca Wahkinney, at bwahkinney@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.