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Conservation Begins Here

Public History Internship at Stone River National Battlefield

Position Dates: 05/12/2025 - 08/08/2025

About us:

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and young adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and community green spaces across the country.

Program Description:

Public History Interns will work with and learn from National Park Service employees and volunteers as they help the public find meaningful ways to make intellectual and emotional connections to the cultural and natural resources of Stones River National Battlefield. After completing the required online training courses and orientation training at the park, intern will participate in the following visitor services activities/duties.

  • Provide informal interpretation and orientation information to the public at the parks and visitor center
  • Conduct park roves to offer interpretive opportunities to visitors throughout the battlefield and monitor the condition of park resources
  • Research, prepare and present guided tours and formal talks to visitors
  • Research and prepare at least one non-personal interpretative media item. Products may include:
    • publications such as a rack card or site bulletin
    • videos
    • temporary museum exhibit
    • web page(s)
    • social media posts
    • smart-phone apps
  • Transcribe primary source documents to make them accessible and Section 508 compliant via the parks website.
  • Interns will also learn the skills necessary to perform a number museum management tasks including:
    • Accessioning and cataloging objects and archives
  • Environmental monitoring and routine collections housekeeping
  • Digitizing, transcribing and organizing archival collections
  • Developing and fabricating temporary museum exhibits.

Interns will receive training in the safe use of 19th-century muskets and artillery and have the chance to participate in the parks living history programs during the summer. Interns will also assist in management of special events and group volunteer projects. Approximately 20 percent of an intern's time will be spent working on facilities and resource management projects such as exotic plant management.

Member Benefits:

  • $600 weekly Living Allowance*
  • $400 one-time round-trip Travel Allowance*

Member Qualifications:

  • Drivers license
  • Personal vehicle required
  • Local Candidate

Additional:

  • Must be eligible to serve as an AmeriCorps Member. This includes:
    • Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;
    • Being at least 18 years or older; Having a high school diploma or equivalent;
    • Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender, and FBI checks,

Position Summary

The Preservation & Facilities Individual Placement will work with a highly-skilled team of historic preservation staff and will perform various duties in the upkeep and preservation of the historic structures and cultural landscapes at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. The participant will experience the full range of behind-the-scenes preservation and facilities upkeep activities that are involved in managing a nationally significant historic site. The buildings and grounds staff will provide guidance, mentoring, and training.

Schedule

April 28, 2025 - October 26, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Daily work will be performed according to prescribed plans or specific directions involving detailed methods and tools. Duties will include assisting grounds staff with clearing and maintaining gardens and historic hedges/shrubs; assisting with carpentry projects (based on skill set); assisting with special events held in the Parks by setting up tents and providing event support; cleaning, monitoring and providing quality facilities (visitor center, park offices, park buildings, restrooms, meeting spaces and outside patios and walkways); and possibly painting and helping maintain buildings. The Park's high operational tempo also offers numerous other opportunities for the participant to become acquainted with a wide range of park operations and management activities including special event planning, habitat management, cultural resource management and invasive species management. This individual placement requires both indoor and outdoor work. The work involves frequent on-site field work requiring some physical exertion such as walking over wet, rough, and uneven terrain; bending, crouching, stooping, reaching, lifting or similar activities. Outdoor work may involve extreme temperatures, humidity and exposure to biting insects. This position is an essential part of Park operations and will become a member of a dynamic, skilled, and motivated team. Together we will harness the power of teamwork, innovation, and perseverance, to care for a very unique National Park while demonstrating the best of sustainability practices and creating outstanding visitor experiences.

Marginal Duties

Not applicable

Required Qualifications

Course work or experience in carpentry, landscaping, historic preservation, resource management and hand tool usage. Driver's license Personal vehicle required

Preferred Qualifications

Positive attitude

Willingness to learn

Team player

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Housing is not provided for this position however, an option exists to rent a single bedroom in a small 5-bedroom house at St. Gaudens NHP in Cornish, NH. The commute to Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP in Woodstock, VT would be approximately 30 minutes. Further details, including cost, can be discussed with the NPS if selected for an interview.

Compensation

$300 - weekly Living Allowance $1,050 – monthly Housing Allowance (6 allotments) $1,100 – Relocation Travel Grant AmeriCorps Education Award – eligible for a 900 Hour award valued at $3,697.

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional

Participant may be able to attend professional development workshops, lectures, and other programs related to conservation and stewardship in the Park as well as regional workshops in historic preservation, arbor-culture, etc. A professional development stipend is available to participant for such opportunities (must be approved by NPS coordinator).

General Physical Requirements

  • Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
  • Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of program time.
  • Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.
  • Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including internal or external, safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, chaps, and appropriate footwear.
  • Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
  • Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
  • Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
  • Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
  • If using prescription medications, able to self-medicate by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance (except possibly at the direction of higher medical authority in emergency situations).

Working Conditions

Inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, and lightning events.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.