Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking TWO members to contribute to historic preservation projects alongside National Capital Parks staff.

The Traditional Trades Advancement Program Corps is intended for enthusiastic individuals who possess an interest in gaining experience in the field of historic preservation. No education or experience in the field is necessary.

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: June 15, 2026

Estimated End Date: December 11, 2026

*a 26-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Located north of the Potomac River and minutes away from downtown, National Capital Parks (NACE) encompasses more than 8,000 acres across a network of parks managed by the National Park Service on the eastern side of Washington, D.C.. Its scenic parkland, historic landmarks, and vibrant community spaces stretch across diverse neighborhoods. From the riverside trails of Anacostia Park to the homes of American leaders like Frederick Douglass and Carter G. Woodson, the park offers a rich blend of nature and history. It is easily accessible by public transit, bike, and on-foot.

For more information about National Capital Parks-East, please visit the NPS website.

Position Overview:

The TTAP interns will perform mission-critical maintenance and preservation projects at National Capital Parks-East (NACE). Members will perform a variety of maintenance and repair projects to include painting, graffiti removal, vegetation removal, repairing masonry surfaces, asphalt repair, etc., in order to best support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful efforts. The day-to-day duties of the members will include painting posts and chains, bollards, picnic tables, large planters, light posts, signposts, curbs/wayside bases and frames, trellises and barriers, etc. They will clean and wash wayside panels and clean the exteriors of structures by removing graffiti and invasive plants. They will prune trees and shrubs to improve visibility and reduce hazards, and they will also address other safety hazards by repairing walkways (softening edges) and securing railings. Lastly, they will perform water drainage checks. During their term, members will cultivate valuable skills in the preservation, restoration, stabilization, and maintenance projects at D.C.'s most iconic and important cultural sites and resources.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 6:30AM-3:00PM

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.

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 and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age (You must be between the ages of 16 and 30. Some agencies also interpret these guidelines to include veterans up to age 35) and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility or view general eligibility information on our website.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or NPS.

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. Specific training includes OSHA-10 and Introduction to Preservation Horticulture.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts.
• Members must have a High School Diploma or GED.
• Members must be ages 18-30 (up to 35 if a U.S. veteran).
• 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 criminal history checks.
• 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 located on our Indeed homepage.

Preferred:

• Ability and willingness to learn and work independently and collaboratively with a team. Carry out work duties that include heavy lifting, repetitive tasks, and exposure to heat and humidity.
• Deep interest in historic preservation, trades, and/or the environment.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to [15] lbs., ability to move up to [30] pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

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.

Equipment Use/Safety: 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: 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 Coordinator 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 hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

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.