Archeology Member - Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve

Summary: 

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service and Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve (TIMU) is seeking ONE Archeology Member to assist with museum collection, including cataloging archeological collections, conducting environmental monitoring and housekeeping, and creating new temporary exhibits. 

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: Ideally April or May 2023 (flexibility available for the right candidate)

Estimated End Date: 21 weeks after start date

*a 21-week minimum commitment is required *

Please note: This position is eligible to be full time or part time. This position is funded for 21 weeks full time (~40hrs per week). If individuals serve part time, the position may be extended depending on the number of hours worked each week. 

Location Details/Description: Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve (TIMU) -  Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville is a large metropolitan area of almost one million people but public transportation does not come to the park. The park is within two miles of a grocery store, but most other amenities are not within walking or biking distance. A personal vehicle is required for getting to the park and for non-work related activities.

TIMU is a 46,000-acre area with individual park sites to visit. Each park site is unique for an aspect of natural or cultural history. The interaction between nature and humans is evident from the spoil islands to the altered wetlands, from the shell middens of the Timucua to the tabby structures of Kingsley Plantation, and from the boat docks of neighboring subdivisions to the introduction of exotic animals and plants. At TIMU you can hear the life stories of the native people who survived in Florida's environment prior to European contact. Learn of the clash of cultures that occurred as nations converged in the New World, from Europeans attempts at colonization to the struggles of enslaved African peoples. Experience more modern trends such as the growing tourism industry and present community efforts to sustain modern life while preserving our local environment and its history.

For more information about TIMU, please visit www.nps.gov/timu

Position Overview: The ACE Member will catalog archeological museum objects recovered from university field school projects held at the park. The collections contain primarily prehistoric objects, including vessel fragments and animal bones, but include some historic objects as well. The cataloging process consists of cleaning, analyzing, labeling with ink, photographing, and re-housing objects in new plastic bags and boxes and entering data into the Interior Collection Management System (ICMS).

The Member will also assist TIMU Museum Curator with additional tasks such as digital photography, downloading dataloggers, performing housekeeping in storage areas and historic houses, answering research requests, and creating one or two new temporary exhibits.

The collections were recovered through archeological methods from prehistoric and Spanish mission sites within the preserve. The project will make information on thousands of archeological objects available to Timucuan Preserve staff and the general public. Photos and catalog data will be put on the park’s website and used in interpretive programs, and objects will be used in temporary exhibits at Kingsley Plantation. Having the collection cataloged will make it accessible to NPS staff and researchers.

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: Hours can be part-time or full-time, between M-F, 8am-4:30pm.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member may work part-time or full-time depending on their availability. They will receive a living allowance of $300-$600/week (or equivalent to $15/hr)  depending on their part-time or full time status. The living allowance is intended to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for an 675-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2022/23 grant year program, valued up to $2,474.27 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 675 hours. 

Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.  

Qualifying Child Care Coverage: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for qualifying child care coverage. 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 https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements. 

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

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

• 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 valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Personal vehicle for non-work related tasks
• 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. 
• The Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement or as defined by AmeriCorps.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements. 
• Applicants should have experience and strong knowledge of archeological field methods and prehistorical archeology, and a working knowledge of digital photography. Knowledge of plantation archeology is a plus. 

Preferred:

• Experience working in a museum setting and using museum databases
• Experience and knowledge of archeological field methods.
• Experience and knowledge of analyzing and identifying historic and prehistoric archeological objects.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions: 

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking,  carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, neatly labeling objects, 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 [25] lbs., ability to move up to 40 pounds.
• Environmental: The majority of the work will be performed inside climate-controlled buildings, although occasional work may be required outside in extremely high temperatures and humidity.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position does not require unique travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards:  The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife.  The Member will also be using lacquer to label objects. 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 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 ACE EPIC Member Coordinator, Maya Opara-Nadi, at mopara-nadi@usaconservation.org.

EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.