Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking two members to contribute to historic preservation and preservation horticulture projects alongside Golden Gate National Recreation Area Staff.

The Traditional Trades Advancement Program-Landscape Stewardship Corps is intended for enthusiastic individuals who possess an interest in gaining experience in the field of landscape preservation or horticulture.

For more information about the National Park Service's Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) - Landscape Stewardship Corps, please visit our website.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: May or June (flexible to accommodate school schedule)

Estimated End Date: 12 weeks after start date.

*a 12-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) in San Francisco, California is one of the largest urban parks in the world, featuring multiple sites that span over 60 miles along the San Francisco coast from north to south. GGRNA was established in 1972 to offer a national park experience to a diverse urban population while preserving and interpreting the park's outstanding natural, historic, scenic, and recreational views. Over half of North American avian species and nearly one third of California's plant species can be found here. GGNRA also features significant historical and natural resources along with the largest museum collection in the National Park Service.

The Golden Gate bridge connects the northern and southern parts of the park. GGNRA is easily accessible by car, bus, train, bike, on-foot and is located approximately 18 miles from the San Francisco International Airport. The park is near the city's downtown area, boasting local restaurants, shops, museums, and culturally rich neighborhoods like Japantown and Chinatown.

For more information about Golden Gate National Recreation Area, please visit the NPS website.

Position Overview: Under guidance for Golden Gate National Recreation Area staff, the ACE member will experience the full range of behind-the-scenes preservation and maintenance activities required in managing a nationally significant historic landscape. The position may also require the member to work independently on some projects and assignments.

Project work will include:

• Garden Maintenance
  • Assist in the care for all garden areas utilizing the best practices of horticulture; this includes weeding, efficient irrigation, fertilizing, planting, composting, pruning.
  • Learn aspects of propagation and greenhouse management.
  • Assist with maintaining a clean and orderly storage area. Report any necessary replacements and repairs.

• Volunteer Management and Outreach
  • Introduction to volunteer management skills with emphasis on training, supervision, and leading volunteer groups in planned activities and safe garden practices.
  • Develop communication skills to connect with visitors about park issues.
  • Maintain database of volunteer hours.
  • Be able to engage with diverse audiences.

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, 7:00AM-3:30PM. The ACE member will have the option to have a compressed schedule with four, 9-hour workdays during the week instead.

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.

Direct Hire Authority: This position is classified as a DHA (Direct Hiring Authority) Internship. Applicants must be a current student enrolled in an associate's degree or higher from an accredited institute of higher education. Proof of enrollment will be required before an official offer is made. Applicant must successfully complete the internship and graduate from their degree program to receive DHA eligibility status.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the ACE members and not provided by ACE or the NPS.

Professional Development Stipend: $1,000 of professional development funds will be available to participants for pre-approved uses.

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 includes OSHA-10 and Introduction to Preservation Horticulture.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts.
• Members must be enrolled in school and pursuing an Associate's degree or higher.
• 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 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.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website located on our Indeed homepage.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can be pursuing a degree in a relevant field.
• Ability and willingness to learn and work independently and collaboratively with a team.
• Deep interest in historic preservation, cultural landscapes, horticulture, and/or the environment.
• Ability to work with a diversity of people with different backgrounds, ethnicities, races, genders, sexualities, ages, and viewpoints.

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 tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch.
• 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 [15] lbs., ability to move up to [25] pounds.
• 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: This position may require domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) 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 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 ACE's online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact ACE EPIC Historic Preservation Project Manager Kyle Ellison.

ACE values an inclusive workforce - if you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO: Employment with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.