Historic Restoration Strike Team Member

Job Overview

Title: Historic Restoration Strike Team Member 

Location: Based out of Harrisonburg, VA

Start Date: August 28th, 2023

End Date: September 29th, 2023

Status: Seasonal, Non-Exempt 

Compensation: $18/hour, paid biweekly

Questions? Contact sakers@conservationlegacy.org 

Appalachian Conservation Corps:   

Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) works to connect young people to critical conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, DC, and Pennsylvania. As a corps program, ACC partners with public land managers to identify, plan, and complete projects that improve public access, habitat quality, and economic development. ACC is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation service organizations. Our programs focus on service, place-based learning, life skills development, appreciation of diversity, civic responsibility, and career development. ACC also provides an opportunity for members to learn about the local environment and issues affecting it and introduces individuals to recreation and resource management careers. ACC welcomes national applicants, but also emphasizes the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve. 

Position Summary: 

Experience with historical restoration work or related trades is preferred, but not required. Crew members are supported on a variety of levels, by their crew leaders, program staff, project partners, and Conservation Legacy staff. We ask that crew members embrace learning opportunities, face challenges, and build community with their crew.

Members in this position will provide vital project support in both a training capacity and providing additional support to each project team while gaining hands on skills in the field. This position would be a good fit for a recent graduate looking for a well-rounded experience in the traditional trades and preservation field that includes, hands on skillsets, field safety, logistics, operations, project planning components, and project management.

Project Work: 

This project will take place at Shenandoah National Park. During their time in the field, crew members work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, performing heavy manual labor related to historical restoration projects. These hands-on projects include historic restoration, re-mortaring stonework, stone masonry, painting and rehabbing wooden structures, and much more.

Schedule: 

Members on this project will work on a site near Big Meadows at SNP and Monday through Friday. Weekends are off. While in the field, crew members work 8 hours a day. The includes two fifteen-minute breaks and a half hour break for lunch. Camping is available for members who would like to stay on site.

Prior to their start date, selected crew members must begin their background check process and complete an online enrollment process which includes completing e-forms, uploading IDs, and beginning a background check. For those with limited access to online platforms, accommodations may be available and can be discussed during the interview process.

Crew Life: 

Conservation crew members with ACC serve on a crew with 3 other crew members and a crew leader who provides project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. 

ACC supports a culture of feedback and growth. Crew members will set goals at the beginning of the season and review their performance through both self-evaluation and a review with their crew leader in the middle and at the end of their season. Evaluations will cover areas such as professionalism, responsibility and leadership, communication, engagement, productivity, safety, and equipment use. Crew members will also be asked to evaluate their crew leaders’ performance, the overall program, and their experience at the end of their term. 

Expectations: 

ACC is an independent, non-residential program. Crew Members are responsible for their own housing, food, and transportation when not in the field. Camping will be provided for members who would like to camp on site. While members will be asked to supply as much of their personal equipment as possible, loaner gear will be available if needed, especially for more expensive items such as tents and sleeping bags. A gear list is provided upon acceptance into the program. Please ask immediately if there is loaner gear you require.  ACC will provide tools, protective gear, and transportation between project sites during work hours.

Crew members are asked to work hard, stay positive, and be flexible with changing schedules, weather conditions, and project needs. This is a seasonal position; Crew Members are expected to fully commit to the experience, expectations, and timeline.

Benefits: 

• $18/hour, paid bi-weekly 
• Member Assistance Program – 3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist 
• Uniform shirts, helmet, work gloves, eye protection, and other necessary safety equipment is provided 
• On-the-job training 
• Depending upon the academic institution and program, crew member positions may fulfill internship requirements 
• Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, alumni listserv, etc.) and exposure to natural resource career paths 

General Qualifications: 

• Be between the ages of 18 and 30 (exception for veterans up to age 35)  
• Have US Citizenship or Legal Permanent Residency status  
• Have a high school diploma or GED 
• Pass background checks: all offers of positions are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and Federal and/or State criminal background check 
• No previous experience is required, but a general comfort and previous knowledge of working/living in an outdoor setting is helpful.   
• Knowledge of the Secretary of the Interior’s Recommendations for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
• Background in historic preservation preferred.