Traditional Trades Advancement Program – Rock Creek Park

EPIC•Washington, DC

18h•$720 - $720•Onsite

About The Position

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking two members to contribute to historic preservation projects alongside Rock Creek Park staff. The Traditional Trades Advancement Program Corps is intended for enthusiastic individuals who possess an interest in gaining experience in the field of historic preservation. No education or experience in the field is necessary. This position is located in Rock Creek Park, Washington D.C., which encompasses 1,754 acres of public green space and is one of the first federally managed parks in the United States. The park offers an escape from the city with opportunities for recreation and learning about human history at several historic sites. The park is accessible by public transit, bike, and on foot. Members will perform a variety of maintenance and repair projects to support 'DC Safe and Beautiful' efforts, including painting, graffiti removal, vegetation removal, masonry repair, and asphalt repair. Day-to-day duties involve painting various park elements, cleaning structures, pruning trees and shrubs, repairing walkways, securing railings, and performing water drainage checks. During their term, members will gain valuable skills in preservation, restoration, stabilization, and maintenance projects at important cultural sites. This placement aims to facilitate professional development, expose members to land management agencies, and encourage networking with professionals, potentially including shadowing different work groups.

Requirements

Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident.
Members must have a High School Diploma or GED.
Members must be ages 18-30 (up to 35 if a U.S. veteran).
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.
Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks.
Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
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.
Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.

Nice To Haves

Ability and willingness to learn and work independently and collaboratively with a team.
Carry out work duties that include heavy lifting, repetitive tasks, and exposure to heat and humidity.
Deep interest in historic preservation, trades, and/or the environment.

Responsibilities

Perform a variety of maintenance and repair projects including Painting, Graffiti Removal, Vegetation Removal, Repairing Masonry Surfaces, Asphalt Repair, etc.
Paint post and chains, bollards, picnic tables, large planters, light posts, signposts, curbs/wayside bases and frames, trellises and barriers.
Clean and wax wayside panels.
Clean the exteriors of structures by removing graffiti and invasive plants.
Prune trees and shrubs to improve visibility and reduce hazards.
Address other safety hazards by repairing walkways (softening edges) and securing railings.
Perform water drainage checks.
Cultivate valuable skills in preservation, restoration, stabilization, and maintenance projects.
Gain experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Benefits

Living allowance of $720/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
Public Land Corps Hiring Authority upon completion of term and 640 hours of service.
$1,000 professional development funds for pre-approved uses.
Position-specific training and an orientation.
OSHA-10 training.
Introduction to Preservation Horticulture training.

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume