CRDIP Curatorial Member - Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park

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 a Curatorial Member to assist in cultural resource management at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park.

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: May 6, 2024

Estimated End Date: November 22, 2024

*a 29-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: Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park- Woodstock, VT

Nestled among the rolling hills and pastures of eastern-central Vermont, the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is the only national park 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 116,000 objects, primarily historic furnishings, but also extensive 19th and 20th century art (Hudson River School), mementos, and textiles, belonging to the Billings and Rockefeller families. It is a diverse collection. For more information about the park, please visit https://www.nps.gov/mabi/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 the Cultural Resources Program, the successful candidate's duties will include:

• Museum Collections - quarterly environmental monitoring, weekly housekeeping, monthly integrated pest management, preventive conservation, rehousing, and specific projects including:
  • Cushion three-dimensional objects in cavities for storage or transit
  • Develop a method to track archival and non-archival equipment and supplies to facilitate availability, ease of use, and restocking
  • Fabricate archival dust covers for two-dimensional hanging objects in museum storage spaces
• Museum Records - cataloging, condition report, inventory, and specific projects including:
  • Assist with backlog inventory (may result in subsequent cataloging)
  • Catalog pre-NPS appraisals and historic locality information
  • Digitize pre-NPS catalog cards
• Museum Collections Use - access, digitization, research requests, and specific projects including:
  • Contribute content to digital platforms (social media, website, etc.) about museum collection care, resource/site history, and specific objects
  • Develop a small-scale temporary exhibit from concept; assist with other installations
• Support research and visitor experience
  • Author an independent research proposal that demonstrates relevance
  • Collaborate with Visitor Experience to finalize Mansion Room Binders (updated 2023)
  • Conduct Ranger Checklist daily
  • Steward Mansion tours weekly and potentially offer tour (Legacy of Stewardship or new Curator)

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: Eight-hour days Monday-Friday with core hours 9am-3pm EST and flexibility around beginning and end time due to Cultural Resources Program schedule. Exception is the weekday spent supporting the Visitor Experience as Mansion Steward when the schedule is more rigid (last year's schedule was 8:30am-5pm) - approximately four tours per day that typically last an hour. Assisting with special events (for example, Garden Day or Forest Festival) is an option with advance coordination to 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 to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for a 900-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2023/24 grant year program, valued up to $3,447.50 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.

Qualifying Child Care Coverage: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for qualifying childcare coverage. 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.

Professional Development: ACE members will have access to up to $1,000 to be used for eligible professional development and training expenses approved by ACE and NPS.

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, agency/site orientation, automated cataloging system, formal/informal interpretation, historical overview, museum housekeeping, museum integrated pest management, object handling, rehousing, and stewarding.

Qualifications

Required:

• Basic computer skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc.)
• Detail-oriented
• 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 two or three-part criminal history check
• 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 or as defined by Americorps
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website here

Preferred:

• Experience with communicating with/writing for the general public and public speaking
• Knowledge and skills in the principles of museum practices
• Possess a degree, experience, and/or demonstrated interest in art history, American history, cultural resource management, museum studies, public history, or a related discipline
• Bilingual applicants are welcome and encouraged

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Environmental: Office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good. Some museum collection objects are exhibited or stored in non-climate-controlled historic structures so expect extremes of humid/warmer and dryer/colder conditions depending on season.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Physical Demands: This position is active. Ability to traverse uneven and/or unpaved exterior areas - museum collections are exhibited or displayed in five historic structures throughout a 1.2-mile graded loop on gravel roads. Daily duties require frequent carrying, hiking, reaching with arms and hands on ladders, sitting, standing, using hands to feel or handle, and walking. Manual dexterity necessary for use of equipment and tools beyond computer keyboard and mouse. Some of the historic structures may contain multiple floors (expect frequent stair climbing and walking) and crawl spaces (expect to bend, crouch, kneel, or stoop).
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 25 pounds unassisted, ability to move up to 50 pounds with assistance.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including pest excrement and mold on a routine basis but will be provided proper protective equipment. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members, or cultural resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the NPS. 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 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 CRDIP Member Coordinator, at srosario-martinez@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.

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