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 support Independence National Historical Park's commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.
Start Date: May 20, 2024 (preferred)
EstimatedEnd Date: August 9, 2024
*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 Details/Description: Independence National Historical Park- Philadelphia, PA
Independence National Historical Park (INDE), located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was authorized by U.S. Congress on June 28, 1948. Per the legislation, the park was established for the purpose of preserving prominent historical resources "of outstanding national significance...associated with the American Revolution and the founding and growth of the United States." Over the coming decades, INDE would expand to incorporate approximately 55 acres of land on 20 urban blocks. Most of the park's acreage and corresponding resources lie within the confines of Philadelphia's early settlement area. Through consultation with the Lenape nations, it has been established that the land of Independence National Historical Park is part of the ancestral homeland of the Lenape people upon which they thrived for countless generations. For more information about the park, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/inde/index.htm
Position Overview: The ACE member will work as a historical researcher in the Cultural Resource Management (CRM) division of Independence National Historical Park (INDE) for a historical project entitled, the American Revolution in a Global Context. The project will situate the American Revolution within the Global Age of Revolutions and study the influences other nations had on the American Revolution. The ACE member will explore military history, political history, socio-cultural history as well as the roles of women, African Americans, and Native Americans within the American Revolution. With guidance from the Park Historian, the member will review secondary sources related to the topic and write a report on their research findings. Finally, the member will produce a series of social media posts that are designed to reach the public audiences of Independence National Historical Park and possibly assist with the planning of an academic symposium on the American Revolution in a Global Context.
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: The ACE member can choose between three different work schedules: M-F (8 hours a day), Tu - F or M - Th (10 hours a day), 9-hour workday with a 3-day weekend every other weekend.
Position Benefits
Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/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 2023/24 grant year program, valued up to $1,824.07 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 available at no cost to the member for the duration of their term. The ACE member will have their own room but will share kitchen facilities and a common area.
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. The ACE member will receive on site orientation to Independence National Historical Park and mentoring by the Historian.
Qualifications
Required:
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Attention to detail and sustained focus for long stretches of time
- 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 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 or be working towards a degree in history, political science, anthropology, sociology, gender studies, philosophy, or a related discipline
- Work well individually (research) and be interactive in a team environment
Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:
- Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, using hands to handle or feel, and reaching with hands and arms. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch.
- Weight Lifted or Force Exerted : N/A
- Environmental: Mostly office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled. A small portion of the work may take place outside.
- Noise Environment : Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
Environmental Conditions/Hazards:
The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards such as pest excrement and/or mold but will be provided proper protective equipment. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members, or cultural resources.
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 CRDIP Member Manager, Samira Rosario Martinez, at [email protected].
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.