2022 Historic Preservation in Public Lands
Corps Member Position Description
Are you looking for the opportunity to learn hands-on preservation skills while building your professional resume and serving in State and National Parks? The 2022 Historic Preservation Corps is a unique program based in Massachusetts that offers participants training and experience in several historic preservation and maintenance trades including carpentry, window restoration, historic trail-side structure restoration, masonry, landscaping, painting, and more! The National Parks of Boston, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the Student Conservation Association have partnered together to create an unforgettable 10-month experience for young adults, age 18 – 27, in the Greater Boston area.
AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:
- US Citizen, National, Lawful Permanent Resident, and persons legally residing in a state
- Must be able to pass a national service criminal history check
- Must be 18 years or older
Program Description:
The MA Historic Preservation Corps is a 10-month program that runs February 14 through December 9, 2022. The program's home base is located in Braintree, MA and project sites are scattered throughout the Greater Boston area and across the commonwealth. Training and projects aim to address historic preservation and maintenance needs on Public Lands in Massachusetts. This position is primarily hands-on and projects are often labor intensive. Before applying, applicants are encouraged to reflect on the concept of Service. This is an AmeriCorps position – not a typical job – and requires a commitment to not only serving at public lands and historic sites but also committing to a team and the community experience. Members of the Historic Preservation Corps should expect to meet regularly, reflect on their service, and contribute to the team-building process.
Project type breakdown:
| Training | Carpentry | Window Restoration | Masonry | Backcountry | Painting/ Maintenance |
Other |
| 15% | 15% | 30% | 15% | 5% | 10% | 10% |
Schedule:
Corps members serve Monday – Friday, typically 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The daily schedule can change depending on the project location. Members can expect to serve 42-45 hours weekly with federal holidays off. This is a 1700-hour AmeriCorps position and corps members must reach that target in order to successfully complete the program. Members serve daily in small crews of four at the program’s Shop, the Boston Harbor Islands, the Charlestown Navy Yard or project sites in central or Western Massachusetts. Some projects will require camping and members should expect to camp for at least two consecutive nights at some point during the program.
Covid-19
Member health and safety are a priority for this program. As long as Covid-19 is a threat, members are expected to do their part to keep their team safe, this includes being mindful of current regulations, regular cleaning and disinfection of tools and equipment, and regular health check ins with staff.
Once a position offer has been accepted, members are required to demonstrate full vaccination status for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized or FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine; OR Receive from SCA a reasonable accommodation granting an exemption from vaccine requirements based on a medical disability or because of a sincerely held religious belief. Additional information and instructions regarding how to request a reasonable accommodation will be provided at the time of selection.
Program Benefits
- $520 Weekly living allowance, before taxes
- $6495 Segal Education Award at the end of completed service term
- SNAP eligibility up to $192 per month plus various discounts available to EBT card holders
- Health insurance and Childcare assistance available
- Professional Certifications including OSHA 10, Wilderness First Aid, Lead Safe Renovator
- Preservation training in carpentry, masonry, landscaping, trailside structure restoration, and more!
- The opportunity to serve in State and National Parks in Boston and throughout Massachusetts
Training Opportunities:
- OSHA 10 – General Industry
- Lead Safe Renovator
- Wilderness First Aid & CPR
- Foundations of Historic Preservation (theory and documentation)
- Masonry & Repointing
- Carpentry & Shop basics
- Window Restoration
- National Interpretation Association – Certified Interpretive Host
- Chainsaw Safety Training Levels 1 & 2
- Leadership, resume building, and other professional development opportunities
Essential Functions and Position Requirements:
- Ability to commute to specified locations in Boston daily
- Ability to serve with others on a team
- Interest in historic preservation and building skills in preservation maintenance; including carpentry, painting, masonry, window restoration, and other preservation maintenance tasks
- Must be willing to learn how to use hand tools and power tools to complete projects
- Ability to lift 50 lbs. & walk/hike 2 miles
- Must be able to serve in diverse situations and various outdoor environments
- Willingness to camp for 2 – 5 consecutive nights for some projects
- All participants must commit to following all program and state mandated Covid-19 safety guidelines. This includes, but is not limited to, wearing a mask for all service and group activities, taking extra time to sanitize tools and equipment, and notifying supervisors when a member is not feeling well.
Potential candidates must be able to fulfill the above requirements in order to be considered for this position. In addition, it is recommended that applicants have a strong interest in history, preservation, preservation trades, archaeology, museum studies, or related fields. Experience or education in any of these fields is not required to be considered!
Local Greater Boston residents are encouraged to apply. Current residency in Greater Boston is not required and national applicants are encouraged to research the cost of living in the Greater Boston area before making the decision to join the Corps. Staff and Program Partners will make every effort to create an inclusive and equitable program experience for all corps members; this includes support in finding resources for housing, food assistance, and commuting resources when available.
Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants during the selection process and to members during service.
SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. The organization and this program are firmly committed to maintaining a service atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.
Please reach out to Nina at [email protected] if you have any questions about the position or application process!
Position ID: PO-00732387
Expected Dates: February 14, 2022 - December 9, 2022
Location:
204 Union St
Hingham, MA 02043
US
Training Provided: OSHA 10 - General Industry Lead Safe Renovator Wilderness First Aid & CPR Foundations of Historic Preservation (theory and documentation) Masonry & Repointing Carpentry & Shop basics Window Restoration
Professional Development Opportunities: Life After Americorps, Independent Projects, Building a USA Jobs Resume
Handicap Accessible?: No
Main Area of Focus: Cultural/Historical Resource Mgmt
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Recommended
Commuting to meet up locations
Housing or Stipend Provided?
D. No housing is available
Members will need to have housing in the Greater Boston or South Shore area and be able to commute to meet up locations daily. Staff can support members in finding suitable housing if needed.
Indoor/Outdoor: Combination
US Citizenship: Yes