Museum Collection Member - Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) is seeking (1) Museum Collection Member to contribute to museum collection preservation and protection alongside Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park's Cultural Resource Program Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit usaconservation dot org.

Start Date: May / June 2025

Estimated End Date: November / December 2025

*a 29-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Nestled among the rolling hills and pastures of eastern-central Vermont, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park (MABI) is the only unit of the NPS to tell the story of conservation history and the evolving nature of land stewardship in America., The boyhood home of George Perkins Marsh, one of America's first conservationists, and later the home of Frederick Billings, the property was given to the American people by its most recent owners, Laurance S. and Mary F. Rockefeller. The museum collection consists of over 100,000 objects, primarily historic furnishings, but also extensive 19th and 20th century fine art (Hudson River School), mementoes, and textiles belonging to the Billings and Rockefeller families. It is a varied collection.

For more information about MABI, please visit the MABI subpage on the National Park Service website.

Having a personal vehicle is highly recommended for commuting as well as to access groceries and other amenities on days off. Public transportation and ride share are minimally available and not dependable.

Position Overview: The NPS preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The NPS cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world. The purpose of MABI is to interpret the history and evolution of conservation stewardship in America; to preserve the Mansion and surrounding lands through active stewardship; and to recognize and interpret the contributions of George Perkins Marsh, Frederick and Julia Billings, Mary Billings French, and Laurance S. and Mary F. Rockefeller. Museum collections are considered a cultural resource as defined by NPS Directives System; MABIs museum collection reveals a high degree of historic integrity and serves as a tangible example of conservation stewardship.

In order to contribute to museum collection preservation and protection, the Member can expect the following routine duties:

Care - quarterly environmental monitoring, weekly housekeeping, monthly integrated pest management, preventive conservation, and rehousing, plus distinct projects - for example:

- Conduct visual inspection of museum exhibit spaces (inventory objects vulnerable to theft)
- Cushion three-dimensional objects in cavities for shipping or storage
- Develop a method to track archival and non-archival equipment and supplies that facilitates availability, ease of use, and restocking
- Fabricate archival dust covers for two-dimensional hanging objects in museum storage spaces
- Serve as a backup Mansion Steward for interpretive tours

Records - catalog, condition report, and inventory, plus distinct projects - for example:

- Assist with inventory of Catalog Backlog
- Reduce backlog by cataloging books
- Digitize pre-NPS catalog records
- Update catalog records, for example incorporate pre-NPS appraisals
- Note MABI migrated to new automated cataloging system (MCMS)

Use - access, digitization, and research requests, plus distinct projects - for example:

- Contribute content to media platforms about museum collection care, resource/site history, and specific objects
- Write minimum of two articles that focus on exhibit (see below) and topic of choosing
- Develop a small-scale, temporary exhibit including design, narrative, and physical layout
- Assist with other deinstallations and installations as applicable
- Draft signage about Mansion and objects that serves the public during Open House programs
- Finalize Mansion Room Binders (incomplete update from 2023)

This position is intended to be an introduction to the museum profession with routine duties and also augment MABIs Cultural Resource Program permanent staff, particularly with the Open House signage and small-scale, temporary exhibit.

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.

The Member can also expect to connect with a cohort of other emerging professionals at MABI and its co-managed unit, Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, on a regular basis for community building (peers), networking, and professional development.

Schedule: Eight-hour days Monday-Friday with core hours 9am-3pm EST and flexibility around beginning and end time due to Cultural Resources Program schedule. Federal holidays are an exception. Telework is subject to current NPS policy. Occasionally serve as a backup Mansion Steward for interpretive tours during open weekdays. Opportunities may exist to work special events and ensure minimum hour requirement is met.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the Member and not provided by ACE or NPS. In addition to the Living Allowance, the Member can be reimbursed an additional $700/month to offset the cost of housing.

Professional Development: In addition to professional development provided by MABI, the Member can be reimbursed up to $1,000 for eligible professional development of their choosing. ACE will determine eligibility. The Member will track the budget in an effort not to over expend.

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 provided by MABI may include agency/site orientation, automated cataloging system, historical overview, museum housekeeping, museum integrated pest management, object handling, rehousing, and stewarding.

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 valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• 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.
• 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.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, web browsing, etc.)
• Detail oriented
• Excellent organizational, research, and writing skills
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit usaconservation dot org.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as art history, American history, cultural resource management, museum studies, public history
• Knowledge of museum profession best practice and principles
• Ability and willingness to clean, communicate (verbally and written) with staff and the public, learn, mitigate pests - reference Position Overview
• Deep interest in preserving museum collections for future generations and sharing information

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various equipment and tools beyond computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb ladders/stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain - museum collections are exhibited or stored in five historic structures throughout a 1.2-mile graded loop on gravel roads. This position frequently shifts from active to sedentary on a daily basis.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 25 lbs. unassisted, ability to move up to 50 pounds with or without assistance.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; MABIs museum collection is exhibited and stored in historic structures with varying climate controls - it is fair to expect extremes of humidity and cold depending on the season. Assigned workstation is an indoor, office environment; air quality is good, and temperature can be manipulated.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools can be heard on occasion. Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position may accompany permanent staff on regional travel (New England).

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, 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 MABI or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by MABI. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the MABI, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to MABI and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.