Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) Member - Wind Cave National Park
Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service and Wind Cave National Park, is seeking two (2) members to be a part of the Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP). The Members will contribute to a variety of historic preservation projects alongside Wind Cave staff.
TTAP is a program intended for enthusiastic individuals who possess an interest in gaining experience in the field of historic preservation and construction basics. No background or previous experience in construction or historic
Persons who identify as Native American, Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, and/or Alaska Native are strongly encouraged to apply.
For more information about TTAP, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1098/traditional-trades-apprenticeship-program.htm
For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.
Start Date: 5/5/2024 (may be flexible for the right candidate)
Estimated End Date: 11/02/2024
Location Details/Description: Wind Cave National Park, Hot Springs, SD
Established in 1903, Wind Cave is the sixth-oldest national park in the system and was the first one established to protect a cave. The surface is a mixed-grass prairie and ponderosa pine ecosystem with bison, elk, mountain lions, pronghorn, prairie dogs, and the endangered black-footed ferret. Below the surface lies the sixth-longest and one of the most complex caves in the world. The cave and the above ground landscape are important in the traditions and culture of many Tribal Nations, and it is the site of emergence for the Lakota people.
Park operations are conducted largely from historic structures, 27 of which are currently listed on the register of historic places. Most of the buildings were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) during the 1930s. These buildings are the fundamental working infrastructure of the park, including the Visitors Center, employee offices, Cooperating Association bookstore, fire and maintenance operations, and seasonal housing. Parts of the cave's tour route are historic, and the park manages two historic bridges, a Mission 66 campground, an historic ranch site.
In Hot Springs and several nearby gateway communities there are small medical clinics, K-12 schools, public libraries, hardware stores, grocery stores, restaurants, and fuel stations. Rapid City, SD, located 60 miles to the north, is the nearest trade center with full-service amenities. The climate in the southern Black Hills is relatively mild with excellent outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, water sports, camping, motorized sports, cross-country skiing, hunting, and fishing. There can be limited cell-phone service in the area. More details can be provided by NPS during the interview process.
Position Overview: Members will work with others as part of a preservation team to repair and preserve the buildings and sites at Wind Cave National Park. Projects will involve various types of historic preservation including carpentry, millwork, and masonry. Members will be instructed in the use of tools and techniques to produce satisfactory results on any given project. Some of these projects will cover new construction of historical windows. Members will learn the techniques of removing old paint and glazing from old or damaged window sashes, reglaze and repaint to new condition. Members will learn how to replace shiplap siding in gable ends of historical buildings. Members will also work on historic porches including porch posts, flooring, trim, and internal framing. The team lead will instruct members on proper techniques in priming, painting, and glazing. The work will include instruction about the historical timeline of the buildings and what is considered preservation, rehabilitation, and remodel in accordance with the NPS and DOI guidelines for preservation. Leadership provided by skilled NPS staff will teach members in the following specific skills:
- Identification and use of modern woodworking tools on traditional and historical projects.
- Historical construction methods and techniques applied to the buildings at Wind Cave National Park.
- Repair and rebuilding of wooden windows and sashes and their components.
- Replace and /or repair wooden ship lap siding on historical quarters buildings.
- Basic masonry and tuck pointing on historic foundations and walls.
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 other work groups.
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm
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.
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 https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.
Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in park provided housing during their term working at the park. There is no cost to the ACE member for their housing.
Members will be placed in one of several types of accommodation, including shared one-bedroom apartments or two- and three-bedroom houses or apartments with private bedrooms. Specific placement is determined by the Housing Manager and is subject to availability and seasonal staffing needs. All housing is equipped with water, electricity, bathroom, basic furniture (bed, dresser, dining table and chairs, sofa, desk) a stove, and refrigerator. Shared laundry facilities are available with coin operated washers and free dryers. The housing area also has shared wi-fi for the convenience of Wind Cave employees.
Professional Development Stipend: The ACE Member will receive $1,000 of professional development funds that can be used for approved purposes.
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 may include OSHA-10, Historic Preservation Fundamentals, and more.
Qualifications
- 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 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.
- To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.
Preferred:
- Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a high school diploma and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as construction trades, use of hand and power tools.
- Deep interest in preserving history.
- A career interest in building trade skills and/or historic preservation.
- Is comfortable working outside in varying weather conditions and at heights.
- Have a willingness to work hard and get dirty.
- Have the ability to think critically and creatively.
Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:
- Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; work is conducted under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
- Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.
- Travel: This position does not require unique 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:
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 Member Coordinator, HPTC Programs, Kyle Ellison, at kellison@usaconservation.org.
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.