Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) Member - Landscape Stewardship Corps -Cuyahoga Valley National Park

EPIC•Brecksville, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership wit h the National Park Service, is seeking ONE member to contribute to historic preservation projects alongside NPS staff. The Traditional Trades Advancement Program-Landscape Stewardship Corps is intended for enthusiastic individuals who possess an interest in gaining experience in the field of landscape preservation or horticulture. No background or previous experience in horticulture is necessary. For more information about the National Park Service's Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) - Landscape Stewardship Corps please the NPS website. For more information about ACE, please visit our website. Start Date: Mid-May 2026 Estimated End Date: November/December 2026 A 26-week minimum commitment is required Location Details/Description: Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Brecksville, OH) Though a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away. The park is a refuge for native plants and wildlife, and provides routes of discovery for visitors. The winding Cuyahoga River gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. Walk or ride the Towpath Trail to follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal. For more information, please visit the NPS website. Position Overview: The member will support the park's landscape management and habitat restoration program, including work in natural and cultural areas of the park. Specific activities will include (1) managing invasive plants using manual and chemical methods; (2) managing woody vegetation that has invaded cultural areas, including the historic Ohio & Erie Canal; (3) preparing sites for habitat restoration and reforestation using mowers, brush cutters, and other equipment; (4) assisting with collecting seeds in the field and propagating native plants at the park's greenhouse; (5) assisting with constructing the park's native-plant nursery and installing a drainage system in the existing greenhouse; and (6) revegetating and seeding natural and cultural areas using plants grown in the park's greenhouse, as well as plants and seeds purchased from non-park vendors. Activities also may include mulching and clearing around historic buildings and other structures. The member will learn how to grow native plants, manage invasive species, apply herbicides in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, restore disturbed areas, remove and chip trees and shrubs, and use hand-held and motorized equipment. Activities will be performed in collaboration with park volunteers and visiting crews but also independently or in small groups. 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: (40hrs a week)

Requirements

Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
Members must have a High School Diploma or GED.
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 current and valid form of ID (will be required to provide copies of ID's upon hiring)
Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
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.
Members may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.

Nice To Haves

Ability and willingness to learn and work independently and collaboratively with a team.
Deep interest in historic preservation.

Responsibilities

managing invasive plants using manual and chemical methods
managing woody vegetation that has invaded cultural areas, including the historic Ohio & Erie Canal
preparing sites for habitat restoration and reforestation using mowers, brush cutters, and other equipment
assisting with collecting seeds in the field and propagating native plants at the park's greenhouse
assisting with constructing the park's native-plant nursery and installing a drainage system in the existing greenhouse
revegetating and seeding natural and cultural areas using plants grown in the park's greenhouse, as well as plants and seeds purchased from non-park vendors
mulching and clearing around historic buildings and other structures

Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribu te ~40 hours /week and will receive a living allowance of $720/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
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 and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age ( You must be between the ages of 16 and 30. Some agencies also interpret these guidelines to include veterans up to age 35) and citizenship.
Housing: Housing is provided on-site by the NPS.
Professional Development Stipend: $1,000 of professional development funds will be available to participants for pre-approved uses.
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. Specific training includes OSHA-10 and Introduction to Preservation Horticulture.

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