CRDIP Curatorial & Education Team Member- Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park
Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) and through the Cultural Resources Diversity Internship Program, is seeking ONE Curatorial & Education Team Member to assist Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park staff with cultural resource management and visitor experience.
Start Date: May 15, 2023
Estimated End Date: 52 weeks after start date
*a 52-week minimum commitment is required *
The Cultural Resources Diversity Internship Program (CRDIP) is a professional development internship that introduces students and recent graduates, from backgrounds historically underrepresented in the National Parks, to career opportunities within Cultural Resource Management in the NPS. CRDIP participants will have the opportunity to attend several professional development webinars as well as write blogs or create videos about their projects throughout their term. To learn more: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/tellingallamericansstories/join-us.htm
Location: Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park- Cornish, NH
Augustus Saint-Gaudens, one of America's greatest sculptors lived here seasonally starting in 1885, and year-round 1900 until his death in 1907. Experience the park grounds, where several of Saint-Gaudens bronze sculptures are on view throughout the year, and trails wind through the woods. For more information about the park, please visit https://www.nps.gov/saga/index.htm
Having a personal vehicle is not required, but highly recommended for commuting and to access groceries and other needs on days off. Public transportation and ride share are not available or dependable.
Position Overview: Assisting in both the Cultural Resources and Visitor Experience programs, the successful candidate's duties will include:
- Learn proper object handling techniques and basic methods for object care, including basic bronze preventive conservation and care
- Develop skills in museum education including communication and interpretation of cultural artifacts and associated stories
- Perform routine museum housekeeping of historic structures and exhibition spaces
- Contribute content to digital platforms (social media, website, etc.) about collections care, museum objects, and resource/site history
- Assist with the installation of museum objects in exhibition spaces and the creation of exhibition text
- Assist with inventorying a vast fine art and history collection, featuring sculptural works in bronze and plaster, oil and watercolor paintings, prints, photographs, postcards and other ephemera, books, textiles, medals, coins, and ceramics.
- Additional opportunities exist for research projects, rehousing and labeling of museum objects for storage, exhibition development, and packing and transportation of museum objects
This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development, promote exposure to land management agencies, and networking with professionals. Opportunities may include gaining experience in different conservation fields (natural or cultural), and shadowing different work groups within the park
Schedule: Full-time position Monday to Friday; 8:00/8:30 am - 4:30/5:00 pm (opportunity exists to work some weekends if candidate wants to see that facet of the park)
Position Benefits
Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $560/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for a 1700-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2022/23 grant year program, valued up to $6,495 upon successful completion of a complete service term and service hours.
Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.
Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online here.
Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or NPS. A reimbursement not to exceed $700/month will be provided to help offset the cost of housing.
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 onboarding and training will be provided, which may include formal/informal interpretation, historical overview, museum housekeeping, museum integrated pest management, object handling, rehousing, and site orientation.
Qualifications
Required:
- Basic computer skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc.)
- Excellent organizational, research, and writing skills
- 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)
- Ability to pass required three-part criminal history check
- Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
- ACE Members must verify that they are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 or have requested and been granted a medical or religious exemption to vaccination by the time they start their term
- 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 here
Preferred:
- Possess a degree, experience, and/or demonstrated interest in public history, cultural resource management, museum studies, anthropology, art history or a related discipline
- Experience with public speaking and communicating with/writing for the general public
- Knowledge and skills in the principles of museum practices
- Bilingual applicants are welcome and encouraged
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, ladders, and/or crouch. Ability to traverse uneven and/or unpaved exterior areas throughout the park grounds.
- Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 25 pounds unassisted, ability to move up to 50 pounds with or without assistance.
- Environmental: Office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
- Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC NPS Recruitment and Outreach Manager, Victoria Yee, at vyee@usaconservation.org.
EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.