Job Listing
🔗NPS Mellon Humanities Postdoctoral Fellow: Black Land Use and Migration in the Lowcountry, 1865-1965
American Conservation Experience
Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park (FOSU) and Charles Pinckney National Historic Site (CHPI), located in the Charleston, South Carolina area, preserve some of the United States’ most well-known military and political histories.
The project focuses on the period from Reconstruction through the Civil Rights Era. Through archival research and oral histories, the Fellow will explore the meanings, contexts, and legacies of land use and migration in the Lowcountry, beginning with research into various methods and distribution of Black land acquisition and ownership (i.e. collective fund raising to purchase on behalf of one individual), the usage of the properties both rural and urban, and the circumstances of the persistence (or not) of Black land ownership, be it through inheritance, seizure, or subsequent sales. Research questions may include: the impacts of developing and changing local, national, and international transportation and economic infrastructure, especially across racial, geographic, and economic lines; factors leading to changing policies affecting property ownership in the Lowcountry and their immediate and legacy impacts; circumstances shaping migration patterns in the region, including in-migration, out-migration, and effects on families, communities, and land. As part of their research, the Fellow will also identify and explore historic threats to Black land ownership.
The Fellow’s work will support the Parks’ ongoing efforts to expand and strengthen their interpretive products and develop their interpretive staff to facilitate meaningful connection with visitors, both in-person and virtually. The Fellow will work with park staff to develop interpretive products and programming and provide an archive of research and analysis that will inform future endeavors including exhibits and foundational documents.
Each NPS Mellon Humanities Postdoctoral Fellow will complete work in four areas. Fellows will (1) perform project-based research; (2) share research results; (3) produce and substantially contribute to interpretive and educational products; and (4) pursue career-focused work.
1) Project-Based Research: In the first year, the Fellow will conduct research into Black land ownership. This will include archival and documentary research, as well as gathering oral histories. The mentorship team will support the Fellow in developing and conducting oral histories, including making introductions as appropriate. These oral histories with people from Black descendant communities local to the South Carolina Lowcountry, will focus on family land use, migration patterns, cultural ties to the land, and threats to land ownership and use. The interests of the Fellow may also shape the direction of research. In year two, the Fellow will consult with their mentorship team, as well as other subject matter experts as needed, to propose a project for their second year.
2) Sharing Research Results: The parks are flexible with how research results will be shared, and specifics will be determined in conjunction with the Fellow. These may include an annotated bibliography of primary and secondary sources; a report on findings based on oral history interviews and research; an ArcGIS StoryMap documenting sites of interest to the project; and a report outlining potential viable avenues for future research. In-person and/or virtual presentations to Park staff, the broader NPS, community partners, and others sharing the research process and findings may also be included. The Fellow is also encouraged to present their findings at relevant regional and national conferences.
The Fellow will be expected to develop and sustain connections with program-provided mentors and host staff, associated NPS staff, members of their Fellowship cohort, and other Fellows across the tenure of the program. In addition to being provided mentorship and support themselves, the Fellow will have the opportunity to mentor others and to enrich staff knowledge by organizing events such as virtual speaker series and presentations. Twice a year, the Fellow will participate with their cohort and other Fellows in a virtual conference for NPS staff and partners to provide updates about their research. The Fellow will be responsible for tracking and reporting accomplishments and for supplying copies of interpretive, educational, and research products to their host and to the National Coordinator.
3) Interpretive and Educational Products: The Fellow will work with the host sites to apply their research findings to creating Interpretive and educational products. These include articles and other digital media for NPS.gov; park- and program-specific presentations on incorporating research findings into current, public interpretive programming; creating social media posts; providing input on upcoming long-range interpretive projects; and aiding in building local, regional, and national connections with researchers for a speaker series. The parks are also open to other interpretive and educational products developed in conjunction with the Fellow.
4) Career-focused Research and Products: In consultation with their mentors, the Fellow will carry out a career-centered project. About 20 percent of the Fellowship will be dedicated to this scholarly work that advances the Fellow’s career path.
Essential Responsibilities and Tasks:
- Conduct original research into the contexts, histories, and legacies of Black land ownership in the Lowcountry between 1865 and 1965. This includes archival research and conducting oral histories with descendant communities. Create a research archive, including an annotated bibliography, to make this research available to future park staff and researchers.
- Prepare and present research process and results to the host sites, broader NPS, partners, descendant communities, and the general public. Methods can include conference presentations; written reports; digital materials including content on NPS.gov, StoryMaps, podcasts, video; and in-person and/or virtual presentations.
- In conjunction with the host sites and mentors, apply research findings to creating interpretive and educational products. These may include articles and other digital media for NPS.gov; park- and program-specific presentations on incorporating research into public interpretive programming; social media; and organizing a relevant speaker series.
- Foster ongoing community and descendant relationships.
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NCPE Internships: Eligibility & How to Apply
Benefits
All NCPE interns received an hourly stipend, the rate is listed at each position description. Additionally, interns receive paid time off (PTO), paid Federal holidays if working full-time, and access to NCPE's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for career and personal counseling, coaching, and referrals. Project sites may also offer a housing allowance and/or commuting stipend; this information is also listed in the description or offered during the interview.
As an organization operating under Public Land Corps Act (PLC) authority, many NCPE positions qualify the intern for Federal Hiring Preference if (1) they complete a minimum of 640 hours at one or more qualifying conservation project(s); (2) are between the ages of 16 and 30 years (35 if a veteran); and (3) apply for a Federal position at USAJOBS with PLC noted in the announcement within two years of completing the internship. Find out more about this hiring preference during the interview or contact manager@preservenet.org for details.
Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must be currently enrolled in a degree-seeking academic program or recently graduated (within the past 12 months) and be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident. Interns are not eligible to work more than 1200 hours total in the program; previous interns must stay within this overall limit. The length of an internship can vary from 10 to 30 weeks if full time (40 hours per week) or longer if on a part-time schedule. If selected, the exact starting date will be determined by you and the NPS supervisor. The stipend rate is $17.00 per hour unless otherwise listed.
The successful candidate is responsible for finding and paying for travel to and housing at the internship location; some exceptions apply. The supervising office may be able to assist in locating housing but it is ultimately up to the individual accepting the internship to find accommodation.
The National Council requires all interns working in-person at Federal facilities and/or with Federal employees receive the Covid-19 vaccination. Please be advised that you may also be required to wear a mask, depending on the protocols adopted by your work site. Also be aware that, due to Government-wide security requirements, a background check will be required if you are selected for a position. This will include providing information about recent housing and employment history. The position supervisor will have more information about these requirements and procedures at the time of hiring. You may direct any questions to NCPE's Internship Program Director, Julee Johnson, at manager@preservenet.org.
Please note that interns are not NCPE or NPS employees. Stipends are academic awards and taxes are not withheld, nor are social security contributions made on your behalf. These funds may be taxable, however, so consult a tax preparation professional if you have questions.
How to Apply
You may review NCPE's internship opportunities during the Summer and Winter application rounds without registering. Use the search function to find listings by location, keyword, or area of interest/category. Once you identify one or more positions of interest, there is a 3-step application process.
Step 1: Click on the Apply for Job button, then select Universal Application. Click on Register to create a User Account, which requires a username and email. A link will be sent to you from manager@preservenet.org to create a password. We suggest that you add this email to your safe senders list so you don't miss receiving this important link. You will be instructed to Log In to Preservenet using your user name or email and password, which will take you back to the Universal Application.
Step 2: The Universal Application is required to apply for all NCPE internships. You fill out this form only once. In addition to contact information, educational status, work history, and experience, it requires two attachments: (1) the 2 most recent years of academic transcripts. These may be unofficial transcripts if official versions are unavailable. PDF only, labeled Your Last Name_Your First Name_Transcript. (2) a resume or CV (curriculum vitae). Please limit to a maximum of 4 pages; 2 pages preferred. May be .doc, .docx or PDF. Label Your Last Name_Your First Name_Resume. This form may be saved as a draft and completed later. Use the link provided to return to the form.
Step 3: Once you submit the Universal Application, you may browse and apply for NCPE internships using the link provided. Complete the application process by clicking on the Apply for job button found at each internship listing and upload the required Essay. Use the essay to explain why you are applying for an internship, including how your interest areas will benefit the National Park Service (NPS) and how the internship will further your studies and career goals. Be as specific as possible; there is a 400-word maximum length. Submit the essay to finish the application for that position. You may apply for a maximum of 6 internships during this application round. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!
Once the deadline for submission has passed, NPS supervisors will review the applications and may contact candidates for a phone interview. Candidates who are not selected will be notified. Please allow about 4 weeks after the deadline before inquiring about the status of your application.
Quick Tips on How to Apply
#1 If you feel you need to bolster your resume or expand your knowledge base in a certain area, consider offering research assistance to an authority at your university and/or design a 1-credit reading course with an eminent scholar or practitioner.
#2 "Experience" is more than paid work. It is any activity that gives you the knowledge and ability to do something well. So include in the Universal Application all relevant research projects, academic extracurricular activities, and volunteer interests to show your initiative, leadership, and competency.
#3 Proofread everything. The qualification most sought after for any job or internship is strong communication skills so start off on the right foot with no spelling or grammatical errors in your application.
Logging in with a Registered User Account and completing the Universal Application is required to apply for NCPE Internships. Please visit the Universal Application page to register for an account and complete the form. After logging in and completing the form, refreshing this listing will display the Job Application to apply online.