Job Listing
 🔗Preservation Carpenter

  • Full Time
  • Mount Vernon, VA
  • $28.00/- USD / Hour
  • Department: Historic Preservation and Collections
  • Job Summary: This position works as part of a team of carpenters to dress and fit new timber members, execute finish carpentry, and conduct necessary repairs to the historic fabric of George Washington's Mount Vernon.
  • Job Qualifications:

    Qualifications:
    The Preservation Carpenter position at George Washington’s Mount Vernon requires:

    • a minimum of 3 years’ experience in restoration carpentry or timber framing, with mastery of the materials used in the mid-Atlantic and Chesapeake regions during the 18th century;
      demonstrated expertise in the use of period techniques and tools, as well as the use of modern hand and power tools;
    • knowledge of the maintenance of historic buildings, particularly in the diagnosis of the pathologies of wood and wooden structures;
    • the ability to understand contextual research and architectural history;
    • the ability to work both independently and within a team, prioritize tasks, and communicate information in a clear and well-organized manner;
    • work at varying heights, stand and bend for extended periods of time, and lift up to 30 pounds;
      familiarity with jobsite and shop safety practices, regulations, and etiquette;
    • Flexibility, reliability, punctuality, and the ability to work beyond a normal workday as needed are expected.

    Work Environment:
    This role involves working on and around historic structures in both indoor and outdoor settings. Conditions may include exposure to weather, dust, aging materials, and active restoration sites. Work may occur at heights, in confined spaces, or on scaffolding while preserving historically significant buildings.

    Physical Requirements:
    Must be able to climb ladders and scaffolding, stand for extended periods, bend, kneel, and lift up to 50 pounds. Requires manual dexterity for detailed restoration work, use of hand and power tools, and visual acuity to assess structural conditions and craftsmanship details.

  • How to Apply:

    Please apply online through our website.

  • Job benefits: Health, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance 403(b)
  • Application URL: https://hcm.paycor.com/l/r/196C67DA

Website George Washington's Mount Vernon

Open 365 days of the year, Mount Vernon is the most popular historic estate in America. Over 96 million people have visited Mount Vernon since 1860, when the estate officially opened to the public. Today, Mount Vernon welcomes an average of one million guests each year. The estate, gardens, and farm of Mount Vernon totaled some 8,000 acres in the 18th century. Presently, an estimated 500 acres of this historic property have been painstakingly preserved along the banks of the Potomac River.

Preservation Carpenter
Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Temporary

Position Overview:
The Temporary Preservation Carpenter is a temporary, full-time, non-exempt-status position, working within the Historic Preservation and Collections Department under the direct supervision of the Restoration Manager and the Assistant Restoration Manager. The Temporary Preservation Carpenter is charged with supporting the overall mission of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and the Historic Preservation and Collections department to conserve, maintain, record, and study the historic resources of Mount Vernon.

The Temporary Preservation Carpenter works as part of a team of carpenters to dress and fit new timber members, execute finish carpentry, and conduct necessary repairs to the historic fabric. The carpenter will work closely with members of the larger architecture team, with particular focus on collaborative tasks. Work may also include carpentry work on other structures, including 18th-century outbuildings, and reconstructed livestock enclosures, fencing, and gates.

This is a temporary, full-time, benefitted position that is dependent on project funding, payable on Mount Vernon’s bi-weekly pay schedule.

Compensation:
starting at $28.00/hour

Expected Hours:
40 hours/week

Responsibilities:
The Preservation Carpenter will

  • assist with the restoration of sensitive historic fabric in Mount Vernon’s Mansion and outbuildings; this includes framing, trim, and siding.
  • contribute to project documentation in collaboration with the Architectural Historian, Preservation Specialist, and Preservation Technician;
  • Collaborate with consultants and contractors to facilitate efficient and successful project outcomes;
  • Undertake other duties as assigned.

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.

Eligible NCPE interns who successfully complete their internships may count their position towards earning a Public Land Corps (PLC) Non-Competitive Hiring Authority certificate. To be eligible to earn a PLC certificate, an intern must be 30 years old or younger (or 35 if a veteran). Once earned, the PLC hiring authority certificate may be used to apply for eligible Federal temporary, term, or permanent positions. Successful completion of a NCPE internship does not guarantee Federal employment. Contact manager@preservenet.org for more details.

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must be
*at least 18 years old;
*no older than 30 years of age (or 35 years if a Veteran) when beginning the internship; applicants who are 31 or older (or 36 or older if a Veteran) are not eligible;
*currently enrolled in a degree-seeking academic program at the college level (or recently graduated within the past 12 months)
*be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident.

Interns are not allowed 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 anytime 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 username 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. A PDF is preferred, labeled Your Your Last Name_Your First Name_Transcript. (2) a resume or CV (curriculum vitae). Please limit to a maximum of 4 pages; 2 pages are preferred. A PDF is preferred but jpg, png, doc, or docx file types are accepted. 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 an application round; there is no limit at other times of the year. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!



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.