Job Listing
🔗Historic Preservation AmeriCorps
Website Preservation Alliance of West Virginia
Preserve WV AmeriCorps the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia's statewide national service initiative where AmeriCorps members help main streets thrive, cultivate cultural heritage tourism, and preserve the state's beloved history.
Established in 1978, New River Gorge National River was redesignated as New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in 2020. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along 53 miles of the New River from Bluestone Dam to Hawk’s Nest Lake. A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep and spectacular canyons, the New River is actually among the oldest rivers on Earth. Here in southern West Virginia, the New River has carved and continues to carve the deepest and longest river gorge in the Appalachian Mountains.
Opportunity #1 – Thurmond, WV: The Preserve WV AmeriCorps member will serve with the Maintenance Division to continue preservation efforts in the historic railroad town of Thurmond, a key cultural resource within the park. Building on the work of previous Preserve WV AmeriCorps members, this position will support research, assessment, and preservation planning for Thurmond’s historic structures and cultural landscape.
The member will assist the park and local partners in identifying and developing the next phase of preservation projects to stabilize and restore the town’s historic buildings and infrastructure. After completing an intensive orientation with Park staff, the member’s primary tasks will be to:
- Conduct detailed building assessments of identified historic structures in the Thurmond Historic District.
- Collect and input data into the NPS data management systems.
- Work with NPS staff to evaluate building conditions and develop repair and rehabilitation project proposals.
- Produce a comprehensive assessment report summarizing findings and recommendations.
Opportunity #2 – Kaymoor No. 1 Mine Site: The Preserve WV AmeriCorps member will serve with the Resource Management Division to support the preservation and stabilization of historic structures at the Kaymoor No. 1 Mine site. This service will build upon previous work by a former Preserve WV AmeriCorps member and continues the Park’s efforts to protect and interpret this nationally significant site. Once the member completes an intensive orientation with Park staff, their duties will be the following:
- Conduct background research using existing reports and documentation.
- Assess and document current conditions of historic mine structures and related features.
- Develop prescriptions for stabilization and vegetation management, in collaboration with park specialists.
- Plan and coordinate at least one service project to improve conditions at priority structures.
- Work with the Abandoned Mine Land Coordinator to integrate preservation into mine drainage mitigation and spoil pile stabilization projects.
- Collaborate with the park Biologist to develop short- and long-term vegetation management strategies that protect historic resources and visitor access.
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.