2020 DCR/NPS HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND STEWARDSHIP CORPS
The SCA, MA Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the National Park Service have partnered together to offer a unique opportunity for young adults, ages 18-27, looking to gain Historic Preservation experience while living in community. This position requires that you become enrolled in AmeriCorps. If you are selected for this program please be sure to accept AmeriCorps during the SCA offer process.
Join the SCA MA AmeriCorps – Historic Preservation Corps and serve alongside other Corps members to complete projects at the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, Wompatuck State Park, and other DCR and NPS historic sites around Massachusetts. Learn or hone your preservation skills while completing various apprentice level carpentry projects, window restoration, historic masonry repair, historic building stabilization, and various types of data collection and field work! Additionally, each corps member will complete a month long Independent Project following their interests in Park Interpretation, Park Operations and Maintenance, or Visitor Services.
After 6 weeks of training, SCA Historic Preservation Corps members will complete projects in teams of 4 members focusing on Historic Preservation and maintenance with additional service projects including park operations, landscaping, trail maintenance, and more. The daily commute will be by program vehicle, public transit, or DCR staff boats. Front country camping for 5 days at a time may be required for some project sites.
Training Opportunities
Wilderness First Aid certification, CPR Certification, Principles of Historic Preservation, Basic Masonry Techniques, Carpentry Tool Use & Safety, OSHA 10, Lead Paint Renovator, Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics, National Interpretive Association CIG Certification, Chainsaw use and safety, and GIS/GPS as it relates to resource inventory, and more!
Responsibilities
- Be an active and involved corps member – attend all training and service days, participate in the community process, and be willing to communicate needs to staff and fellow corps members
- Take on role of Crew Leader for at least one Crew Rotation, serving as a professional liaison with park managers, handling the logistics of a project, delegating responsibilities, developing emergency response plans, and completing all necessary paperwork
- Comply with all SCA, DCR, NPS, and AmeriCorps policies and refrain from any prohibited activities
Compensation
- Members will receive a weekly stipend of $200.00
- Upon completion of service, members will receive an education award of up to $6,095.00
- Housing will be provided (Shared living at Wompatuck State Park, described below)
- Transportation to and from service activities during the program will be provided
- Health Insurance is available to members
Hours
Corps members serve approximately 42 hours a week for a period of 10 months. Members must achieve a minimum of 1700 hours of service within that 10-month. Service hours are typically performed Monday through Friday; however, some weekend service will be necessary. The general schedule each day is 7:00 am to 4:00 pm but is often dependent on park seasons and schedules.
Essential Functions and Qualifications
- Must have an ability to serve independently and as part of a team
- Must be able to live and serve in diverse situations and outdoor environments
- Must be willing to share living space and contribute to community living process
- Must be willing to try new things and learn new skills
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs
- Must be willing to learn how to use hand tools and power tools to accomplish service activities
- Must have a high school diploma/GED
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Working within a team setting for a common goal is critical as well as being able to work independently. Applicant must have a positive attitude and a desire to enhance the natural, recreational, and cultural assets within the Mass DCR and NPS. Position requires learning and becoming comfortable in a shop setting with typical shop power tools. Experience in operating power and hand tools such as hammers, table saw, drill, circular saw, and other shop and field tools is helpful but not required. Position requires frequent exposure to potentially harmful biotic factors including poison ivy, stinging & biting insects, and ticks carrying Lyme disease. Previous experience in a public park setting, natural and/or historic resource fieldwork, or leading volunteer groups is helpful. Ability to serve indoors in varying conditions, including entering old or abandoned buildings, or outdoors in semi-remote locations in varying weather conditions independently and as part of a group is important to member success within the program.
Required Academic and Experience Qualifications
Must be physically able to walk 1+ miles a day over varied terrain and lift up to 50lbs. Applicants should have an interest in cultural & natural resource management and historic preservation and maintenance. One year’s experience in the field of history, preservation, carpentry, cultural resource management, environmental science or related field or an Associate’s Degree a plus but not required to be considered.
Description of Offered Housing
SCA Preservation and Stewardship Corps is based in Wompatuck State Park. The living conditions are simple and community focused. Program housing is provided, including a kitchen, shared bathrooms, living room, dining room, and shared bedroom space. There are ample opportunities to travel to nearby towns for goods and social activities. WiFi and on-site Laundry is included.
It is our strong belief that equal opportunity for all members is central to the continued success of our programs. We will not discriminate against an applicant because of race, religious creed, religion, color, sex, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, age, physical disability, mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity characteristics or expressions in selections, terminations and or recommendations. Opportunity is provided to all applicants in the basis of qualifications and program requirements. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants during the selection process and to members during service.
Position ID: PO-00728759
Expected Dates: February 3, 2020 - December 4, 2020
Location:
204 Union St
Hingham, MA 02043
US
Training Provided: National Interpretive Association Training, DCR Seasonal Staff Training Overview, Understanding Hazards in the Workplace and Safety Data Sheets, Customer Service Training, Hazard Tree Identification, Erosion Control Methods etc.
Professional Development Opportunities: SCA offers all MA Forest and Parks Ameri Corps members with Wilderness First Aid certification, CPR certification, and Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics training. Other training topics will include Communication and Conflict Resolution, Diversity and Inclusion, Risk Management, Sexual Harrassment, SCA and AmeriCorps History etc.
DCR will provide National Interpretive Association Training, DCR Seasonal Staff Training Overview, Understanding Hazards in the Workplace and Safety Data Sheets, Customer Service Training, Hazard Tree Identification, Erosion Control Methods to Preserve Landscapes, Invasive Species Management for Historic and Recreational Properties, Climate Change Impacts on Parks/Buildings, Carpentry Tool Use & Safety, Anatomy of a Building, Principles of Historic Preservation, Deconstruction & Demolition, Basic Masonry Techniques & Stone Wall Repair.
Handicap Accessible?: No
Main Area of Focus: Cultural/Historical Resource Mgmt
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Recommended
Traveling to local area. Members can carpool when needed
Housing or Stipend Provided?
A. Partner will provide suitable housing for the member
Housing will be provided at Wompatuck State Park.
Indoor/Outdoor: Combination
US Citizenship: Yes