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Traditional Trades Apprenticeship Program (TTAP) Member- Tuzigoot National Monument / Montezuma Castle National Monument

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking TWO Members to work directly with the Tuzigoot and Montezuma Castle National Monuments staff and assist with stabilization at Tuzigoot Pueblo and the Cavate site at Montezuma Castle National Monument.

These opportunities are intended for enthusiastic individuals who possess an interest in gaining experience in the field of historic preservation. No background or previous experience in construction or historic preservation required. Training for all tools and activities will be provided by park staff professionals.

Note: This project is in conjunction with the Indian Youth Service Corps Program. Persons that identify as Native American, Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, and/or Alaska Native are strongly encouraged to apply.

Start Date: Summer 2022 (flexible, but can start ASAP)
End Date: 20 weeks from start date
* A minimum 20-week commitment is required *

Location: Clarkdale, Arizona
This position will be involved in historic preservation at Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments. Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot are both located within the Verde Valley of central Arizona. Both monuments are managed by the National Park Service and were designated primarily for their association with prehistoric ancestral Native American groups. The primary work location will be at Tuzigoot National Monument, located in Clarkdale, AZ. Clarkdale is located 25 miles from Sedona, and is also within driving distance of Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Tucson. The local area has a variety of recreational activities, including kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, and backpacking.

Project Website: For more information about TTAP, please visit (go.nps.gov/ttap). For more information about Tuzigoot National Monument, visit https://www.nps.gov/tuzi. For more information about Montezuma Castle National Monument, visit https://www.nps.gov/moca.
For more information regarding the ACE Internship Program, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Compensation: The ACE Interns are expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $640/week to cover the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

The members will also be reimbursed for the cost of commuting to/from project sites, NTE (not to exceed) $1,500, tax-free. The TTAP members will also each receive a Chromebook for project-related training to use for the duration of their term. The chromebooks do not have to be returned to ACE after the term.

Relocation reimbursement is also available to members, NTE (not to exceed) $750 to recoup any costs in moving to the area, if needed.

Housing: Park housing will be provided for ACE Members at no cost for the duration of their term.

Schedule: Monday-Thursday, 10 hours per day (other 40 hour schedules are possible)

Position Description: This position will assist NPS in a variety of historic preservation projects at Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments. The incumbent will work closely with National Park Service archeologists, historic preservation experts, and museum staff to assist with archival background research, preservation project planning, and the implementation of a variety preservation and stabilization projects, including the repair and stabilization of prehistoric stone masonry, preservation backfill, and erosion control practices. The TTAP interns will learn basic historic preservation and cultural resource management skills.

Project Background and Objectives:
Tuzigoot Pueblo is the central resource at Tuzigoot National Monument. Tuzigoot consists of 110 rooms with prehistoric walls constructed with river cobbles and soft limestone. Since its excavation in 1934, archeologists have struggled with methods for mitigating deterioration caused by seasonal weather and erosion. To date, over 10 different stabilization episodes have taken place at the site. These have resulted in a patchwork of various colored and textured mortars.

Older mortars have weakened over time and may result in the collapse of wall sections directly onto the visitor trail, causing loss of prehistoric fabric as well as serious visitor-safety concerns.
At Montezuma Castle National Monument, the Cavate site (MOCA 88A-43) is a series of small caves that were altered for habitation and storage by the Sinaguan during the occupation of Montezuma Castle from AD 1125-1400. There are a total of 19 rooms identified consisting of masonry walls, doorways, hearths, storage cists, plastered floors, walls and depressions and many other architectural features. Since the last stabilization project, erosion has damaged wall sections located below the dripline. Additionally, continued rodent burrowing has damaged exposed rooms.

This project will include stabilization of rooms at Tuzigoot Pueblo and at the Cavate site through a variety of means including the repair and stabilization of prehistoric stone masonry, preservation backfill, and erosion control practices.

The stabilization of Tuzigoot Pueblo and MOCA88A-43 will result in the preservation of a significant archeological site's overall condition and prevent the further loss of prehistoric fabric.

Qualifications:
Required:
  • 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.
  • This position is funded through the Public Land Corps Act which has specific program requirements. Must be 18-30 years of age to apply (members must be 21+ to apply for an ACE position that requires or anticipates operation of agency or ACE vehicles for duties). Military Veterans up to 35 are encouraged to apply.
  • US Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
  • Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks.
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time, as well as hike up to 15 miles per day in various terrain while carrying up to 45 pounds of gear in a backpack
  • Appropriate acclimatization to elevation and setting will occur before significant hikes are expected.
  • A basic understanding of hand tools; specific tool training will be provided.
  • Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred:
  • Competitive applicants for this position may hold or be pursuing a minimum of a high school diploma and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as construction or historic preservation.
  • Knowledge of basic construction techniques.
  • A career interest in building trade skills and/or historic preservation.
  • Is comfortable working outside in varying weather conditions and at heights.
  • Have a willingness to work hard and get dirty.
  • Have a serious attitude toward safety all day, every day.
  • Have the ability to think critically and creatively.

Please note: Marijuana and other controlled substances are not allowed at any time during the performance of duties or while on federal property, regardless of State law or qualified medical marijuana card status.

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. 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 NPS Member Coordinator, Bianca Wahkinney at (405) 595-8070 or bwahkinney@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.