Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking one member to contribute to historic preservation projects alongside Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park staff.
These opportunities are intended for enthusiastic individuals who possess an interest in gaining experience in the field of historic preservation. No background or previous experience in construction or historic preservation required. Training for all tools and activities will be provided by park staff professionals.
For more information about the National Park Service's Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP), please visit our website.
For more information about ACE, please visit our website.
Start Date: April 13, 2026
Estimated End Date: October 09, 2026
*a 26-week minimum commitment is required *
Location Details/Description: Known as the "National Park for the Arts," Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park celebrates the gardens, home, studio and art of internationally renowned sculptor, Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848-1907). The park is in the picturesque rural community of Cornish, New Hampshire, about thirty minutes from the large college town of Hanover. Stretching along the Connecticut River, the park's 190 acres of formal gardens, open fields, and dense forest is punctuated with twenty historic buildings all linked through hiking trails. In partnership with the nonprofit Saint-Gaudens Memorial, the site promotes the arts through exhibitions, special events, and programs throughout the summer.
For more information about Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, please visit the NPS website.
Position Overview: Carpentry projects consist of a historic fence install, repair/replacing deck boards, and window repairs on multiple buildings. These projects require operating vehicles, painting, using hand tools, and power tools. We will also be working on some historic trails, assisting the curatorial staff with statue cleaning/waxing, as well as building and installing exhibits for the art gallery. There will be some cross training with Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller which may include facilities operations, maintenance and repairs.
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: Monday through Friday, 7:00AM-3:30PM
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.
Housing: A housing allowance of $1,000/month will be provided for the duration of the term.
Professional Development Stipend: $1,000 of professional development funds will be available to participants for pre-approved uses.
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:
Preferred:
Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:
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: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the NPS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the NPS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the NPS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to NPS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.
To Apply: Please submit an application demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE's online application page for this position on our website.Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC Historic Preservation Project Manager Kyle Ellison.
If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!
ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are enrolled in a program to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, 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, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, 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.