American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the John Muir National Historic Site (a unit of the National Park Service), is seeking two (2) Landscape Maintenance Members to contribute to ongoing routine landscape maintenance projects alongside NPS staff, interns, and volunteers.
For more information about ACE, visit: www.usaconservation.org.
Position Details
- Start Date: March 3, 2025
- Estimated End Date: October 17, 2025
- Compensation: $18/hour
- Location:
- John Muir National Historic Site (Martinez, CA): Home to John Muir’s ranch, featuring:
- House Unit: 9-acre fruit orchard and ornamental garden
- Mount Wanda Unit: 350 acres of oak woodland and grassland
- Gravesite Unit: 1-acre gravesite and orchard
- Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site (Danville, CA): 15 acres of orchards and gardens
For more information about the sites, visit: John Muir NHS.
Position Overview
This role supports landscape maintenance across 370 acres at John Muir NHS and 15 acres at Eugene O’Neill NHS. Tasks include:
- Gardening and cultural landscaping (pruning, watering, weeding, mulching).
- Natural resource management (removal of invasive species, species monitoring).
- Use of tools: pruners, loppers, rakes, shovels, hand saws, ladders, lawnmowers, and more (chainsaws are excluded).
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Tasks may include setting traps or hand-pulling weeds (chemical use under supervision only).
Team Environment
- Collaborate with other ACE interns, NPS staff, and volunteers.
- Opportunities to engage with various park divisions (e.g., Maintenance, Natural Resources, Interpretation).
- Special projects available based on individual interest, such as garden history research or climate-adaptive landscape practices.
Schedule
- Full-time (40 hours/week): Typically 7 AM–3:30 PM (flexible based on assignments).
Benefits
- Living Allowance: $18/hour, dispersed bi-weekly.
- Federal Hiring Authority: Eligibility for Public Land Corps Hiring Authority after service completion (age and citizenship requirements apply).
- Gear Allowance: NPS provides tools, PPE, and supplies.
- Training: Includes:
- Introduction to the NPS
- Tool use and safety
- Plant health care and pruning
- Defensive driving
- Integrated Pest Management
Qualifications
Required:
- U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident
- Professional, positive demeanor
- Ability to work independently and in groups
- Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record
- Ability to perform tasks in varying weather conditions
- Compliance with ACE vaccination policies
- Criminal History Check clearance
Preferred:
- Degree or experience in horticulture, arboriculture, environmental science, etc.
- Interest in cultural landscapes and historic garden maintenance
- Ability to hike several miles, lift heavy items, and work outdoors
To Apply
Submit the following through the ACE application portal:
- Resume
- Cover letter outlining interest and experience
- Contact information for three professional/academic references
Apply here: ACE Application Portal. Early applications are encouraged as the position may close at any time.
Questions?
Contact Victoria Yee, ACE NPS Recruitment and Outreach Manager, at vyee@usaconservation.org.
Equal Employment Opportunity
ACE is committed to an inclusive workforce. Employment decisions are based on qualifications and job-related factors, without regard to protected classifications under applicable law.
