CRDIP Historical Researcher- Independence 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 research and write about historical and present day First Amendment Activities that take place at Independence National Historical Park.

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

Start Date: Mid to Late May 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: Independence National Historical Park- Philadelphia, PA

Established in 1948, Independence National Historical Park, preserves and interprets many of the most important resources associated with the American Revolution and the founding and growth of the United States of America. The centerpiece of the park is Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the US Constitution were debated and adopted in the 18th century. For more information about the park, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/apco/index.htm

Position Overview: The Historical Researcher will work in the Cultural Resource Management (CRM) division of Independence National Historical Park (INDE) and with the park's Public Affairs Officer (PAO) studying First Amendment Activity in the park. INDE's Public Affairs Office receives one of the highest number of requests and issues, about 100 First Amendment permits each year to groups with a wide variety of views. In addition, the park hosts some of the highest profile First Amendment Activities in the national park system. Two prominent historical First Amendment Activities showcased the fight for African American civil rights on a national stage. The annual wreath-laying ceremonies at the Liberty Bell for National Freedom Day (1942 - present) and sit-ins at the Liberty Bell in Independence Hall in 1963 and 1965. These civil rights activities as well as others resulted in INDE's nomination and listing on the African American Civil Rights Network.

The ACE Member will research and write about one historical First Amendment Activity that took place at INDE as they simultaneously dive into the First Amendment activities of the present. Working with the park's historian and the PAO, they will choose a different First Amendment Activity to attend each week, conduct preliminary research on the organization, observe the event, take photographs (with permission), and ask questions of participants if they are willing to talk. The ACE Member will write up an analytical description of each event that describes the organization, their objectives, and how the event transpired. All interactions with the public will be guided by NPS policies, the park's PAO and the historian. Events often occur on weekends and/or holidays.

At the end of the summer, the ACE Member will write a Final Report that will consist of a summary of each event, a comparison with the historical First Amendment Activity, a reflection on why these various organizations chose Independence National Historical Park as the location for their demonstrations, and final thoughts about a National Park being a site for First Amendment Activity. They will create at least one social media post on their research and experience. They will also be expected to present their findings to park and NPS staff including Park and regional management, interpretation/education and cultural resource management staff. The knowledge and information gained will be used by the park in two ways: first to inform the ongoing effort to update the park's Administrative History and to inform the development of a larger First Amendment study the park has been planning and second, the photographs and report will become part of the park's archives.

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. Work on weekends and holidays will be required to view some First Amendment Activities and will be compensated with time off during the week.

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: Park housing is provided at no cost for the duration of their term. The ACE member will have their own room, but share a kitchen, bathroom, and other living areas.

Relocation Allowance: ACE Member will have access to up to $1,000 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

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 in Civil Rights and First Amendment history
• Ability and experience researching and writing research papers with citations
• 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:

• Possess an undergraduate degree, have experience, and/or demonstrated interest in public history or a related discipline
• Experience writing for social media

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 Specialist, Emanuel Cruz, at ecruz@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 Independence National Historical Park Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC