About The Position
American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), is seeking one Landscape Stewardship Corps member to contribute to historic landscape preservation projects at Natchez National Historical Park. The member will work alongside the park gardener and maintenance staff, primarily caring for the historic gardens and grounds at Melrose. Through supervised fieldwork and daily mentorship, the member will develop practical skills in horticulture, arboriculture, and cultural landscape stewardship while helping maintain culturally significant plantings and preserve the historic character of the landscape. Opportunities to gain experience in historic infrastructure preservation may also be available when appropriate. The placement is intended to support professional development and exposure to land management agencies. It offers practical experience relevant to horticulture, arboriculture, grounds maintenance, cultural landscape preservation, and public land stewardship. The position runs from January 4, 2027, to an estimated July 3, 2027, and requires a minimum 26-week commitment. The schedule is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week; specific work hours and days will be determined by the park. The member will receive a living allowance of $720 per week, dispersed biweekly, to offset food and incidental expenses. Housing is not provided, and members are responsible for arranging their own accommodations. Benefits also include up to $1,500 in training travel reimbursement for eligible expenses and a $1,000 professional development stipend. Members may be eligible for the Public Land Corps hiring authority after completing their term and 640 service hours, subject to program eligibility requirements.
Requirements
- Willingness and ability to represent ACE and the partner organization professionally, positively, and enthusiastically.
- Ability to work independently and contribute positively as a member of a group.
- Valid driver's license and an insurable driving record; documentation must be provided upon request. Members must be at least 21 years old to drive under ACE insurance requirements.
- Willingness to undergo and pass required criminal history checks.
- Ability to perform the essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Completion of required biweekly timesheets and beginning-, mid-, and end-of-term evaluations, as applicable.
- Compliance with prohibited-activity requirements in the Member Service Agreement.
- Must meet applicable Public Land Corps eligibility requirements.
- Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and safely use hand and power tools.
- Ability to conduct duties safely and follow applicable equipment and personal protective equipment protocols.
Nice To Haves
- Hold or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED.
- Interest in historic preservation, traditional trades, carpentry, construction, or building maintenance.
- Ability and willingness to collaborate and learn from experienced staff.
- Interest in historic structures, preservation techniques, and cultural resource stewardship.
- Enthusiasm for developing practical skills and exploring careers in historic preservation, traditional trades, and public land management.
Responsibilities
- Plant, prune, mulch, water, and weed historic gardens and landscaped grounds.
- Prepare soil and maintain turf areas, planting beds, and other landscape features.
- Identify and remove invasive or undesirable vegetation.
- Provide seasonal care for historic ornamental plantings, including camellias, azaleas, cherry laurels, and other shrubs and trees.
- Participate in supervised arboriculture activities, including pruning and small-tree care.
- Learn plant identification, recognize plant health concerns, and apply appropriate horticultural maintenance practices.
- Develop and apply foundational skills in tool safety, planting techniques, pruning, soil preparation, and routine landscape maintenance.
- Maintain culturally significant plantings and grounds while preserving the historic character of the landscape.
- Complete required biweekly timesheets, beginning- and end-of-term feedback forms, and a midterm evaluation for longer terms.
- Follow NPS and ACE equipment training, certification, and safety protocols, including required use of personal protective equipment.
Benefits
- Living allowance of $720 per week, dispersed biweekly, to offset food and incidental expenses.
- Up to $1,500 in training travel reimbursement for eligible expenses.
- $1,000 professional development stipend for career development and training opportunities.
- Potential eligibility for Public Land Corps federal hiring authority upon completion of the term and 640 hours of service, subject to eligibility requirements.
- NPS-provided vehicle if required for the duties.
- NPS-provided tools required for the duties.
- Personal protective equipment typically provided by the NPS.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
