Traditional Trades Advancement Program - Stones River National Battlefield

EPIC • Murfreesboro, TN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is recruiting two members for historic preservation projects at Stones River National Battlefield in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This placement is intended for people seeking experience in historic preservation and horticulture; no prior education or experience in the field is necessary. The position begins January 4, 2027, and has an estimated end date of July 3, 2027. A minimum 26-week commitment is required.

Interns will assist with seasonal maintenance of specimen trees in the historic cemetery. Winter work focuses on pruning and maintaining tree root health, including establishing mulch rings and aerating root zones with compressed-air excavators. Members will receive hands-on instruction and learn about pruning methods, tree rigging, knot tying, equipment inspection, and tree identification. Other possible projects include cleaning headstones, installing tree lightning protection, tree cabling, and assisting other divisions. Interns may also collaborate with the interpretive division and shadow different work groups to broaden their conservation experience. Skills gained are intended to transfer to entry-level work comparable to an NPS WG-5 Maintenance Worker position.

The position is part of the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority. Eligible members may qualify for a federal hiring authority after completing their service and 640 hours. Members must meet PLC eligibility requirements, including applicable age and citizenship requirements. NPS housing may be available at a cost but is not guaranteed; arranging housing is the member’s responsibility.

Members are expected to contribute approximately 40 hours per week and receive a living allowance of $800 per week, paid biweekly, to offset food and incidental expenses. The alternating biweekly schedule is Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m., in Week 1; and Monday–Wednesday, 6:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Thursday, 6:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., with Friday off, in Week 2.

ACE provides position-specific training and orientation, including National Park Service Operational Leadership training, demonstrations of tools and techniques before new activities, and basic first aid and CPR training. STRI will provide personal protective equipment. Members may need to operate off-highway UTVs after training. Vehicles and tools needed for the work will be provided by NPS or ACE as applicable, and required PPE use and safety protocols are mandatory.

The work may be physically demanding and takes place indoors and outdoors in changing conditions, including heat, cold, precipitation, wind, snow, insects, dust, rocky terrain, and potentially dangerous wildlife. Hazards may include working at heights, falling objects, and ropes under tension. Applicants must submit a resume, a cover letter describing their interest and experience, and contact information for three professional or academic references through ACE’s online application page.

Requirements

• Be authorized to work in the United States; ACE does not sponsor employment visas.
• Be willing and able to represent ACE and its partner organization professionally, positively, and enthusiastically.
• Be able to work independently and contribute positively as a member of a group.
• Have a valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record; documentation must be provided upon request.
• Be at least 21 years old to drive under ACE insurance and liability requirements.
• Provide a current, valid form of identification and copies upon hiring.
• Undergo and pass required criminal history checks.
• Be able to perform the essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Meet Public Land Corps eligibility requirements for consideration, including applicable age and citizenship requirements.
• Complete required service documentation and comply with prohibited-activities rules in the Member Service Agreement.
• Be able to meet the physical demands, including working with minimal breaks for up to eight hours per day, handling tools, tying knots, and frequently moving up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• A minimum 26-week commitment is required.

Nice To Haves

• Hold or be pursuing at least a high school diploma or GED.
• Be willing and able to take directions and participate in a team.
• Have a desire and ability to engage in the work and establish oneself in the trade field.
• Have a deep interest in historic and landscape preservation.

Responsibilities

• Assist with seasonal maintenance of specimen trees in the historic cemetery.
• Learn about and assist with pruning trees, including work from aerial platforms and basic ground-based tree rigging.
• Establish mulch rings around trees and aerate root zones using compressed-air excavators.
• Learn pruning cuts and strategies, knot tying, equipment inspection, and tree identification.
• Potentially clean headstones, install tree lightning protection, perform tree cabling, and assist other divisions.
• Collaborate with the interpretive division and, where available, shadow other work groups.
• Operate off-highway UTVs after completing required training.
• Complete biweekly timesheets, beginning-of-term feedback forms, end-of-term evaluations, and mid-term evaluations for longer terms.
• Follow ACE and NPS safety protocols, use required PPE, and conduct duties safely.

Benefits

• Living allowance of $800 per week, dispersed biweekly, to offset food and incidental expenses.
• Position-specific training and orientation, including National Park Service Operational Leadership training.
• Basic first aid and CPR training.
• Personal protective equipment provided for activities requiring it.
• NPS housing may be available at a cost, but is not guaranteed.
• Potential eligibility for a federal hiring authority after completing a qualifying term and 640 hours of service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed