CRDIP Historical Researcher - Natchez 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 Historical Researcher to assist Natchez National Historical Park staff in ongoing research into the United States Colored Troops.

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

Start Date: Late May / Early June 2023

Estimated End Date: 12 weeks after start date

*a 12-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: Natchez National Historical Park- Natchez, MS

Discover the history of all the peoples of Natchez, Mississippi, from European settlement, African enslavement, the American cotton economy, to the Civil Rights struggle on the lower Mississippi River. Having a personal vehicle is highly recommended for commuting and to access groceries and other needs on days off. For more information about the park, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/apco/index.htm

Position Overview: The Historical Researcher will work with the lead historian in the park's ongoing research into the United States Colored Troops (USCT) that were raised in Natchez, MS following the arrival of Federal troops on July 13, 1863. With the acquisition of the Forks of the Road, the site of the second largest slave market in the Deep South, the park is researching enlistment and pension records of men who served in the USCT regiments who may have been trafficked out of the slave pens at the market. The ACE Member will assist in the compilation of profiles of formerly enslaved men who enlisted in the Union Army in the late summer of 1863. This information will serve as the basis for interpretation programs as the Forks of the Road site develops. In addition to working with park staff, they will also work with local organizations such as the Historic Natchez Foundation, Natchez Historical Society, Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Natchez Association for the Preservation of African-American History and Culture, Friends of the Forks of the Road, and others.

The Historical Researcher will present their findings to park staff and perhaps at a meeting of the local Natchez Historical Society. Time permitting, the intern's work might be a featured "History is Lunch" presentation in Jackson, MS with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History and updates regarding the research will be provided to various local media outlets.

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: Full-time position Monday to Friday; 8:30am-5:00pm.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $580/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for an 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2022/23 grant year program, valued up to $1,718.25 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 ACE member and not provided by ACE of NPS. Park staff are working on identifying a local rental option and the member will be reimbursed up to $850/month to help offset the cost of housing.d

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.

Qualifications

Required:

• Interest and familiarity with 19th century African American history
• Experience conducting historical research online and in person at libraries and archival repositories
• Basic computer skills; proficient in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.
• 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 current and valid form of ID (will be required to provide copies of ID's upon hiring)
• Willing to undergo and must pass the 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:

• Interest and familiarity with the history of the U.S. Colored Troops

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 Associate Director, Jennifer Wells, at jwells@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.

Current Openings for CRDIP Historical Researcher Natchez National Historical Park Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC