Historic Appomattox African American Community Research (HAAACR) Intern

Title: Historic Appomattox African American Community Research (HAAACR) Intern

Position Dates: October 1, 2021 - September 30, 2022 (or 52 weeks)

Pay Rate: $19.00 per hour

Status: Employee-Participant (Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Seasonal)

Benefit Eligible: Partial per Personnel Policies

Location: Appomattox Court House National Historical Park (111 National Park Drive, Appomattox, VA)

Contact: ACCrecruiting@conservationlegacy.org

 

The Appalachian Conservation Corps:

Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) works to connect young people to critical conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, DC, and Pennsylvania. As a corps program, ACC partners with public land managers to identify, plan, and complete projects that improve public access, habitat quality, and economic development. ACC is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation service organizations. Our programs focus on service, place-based learning, life skills development, appreciation of diversity, civic responsibility, and career development. ACC also provides an opportunity for members to learn about the local environment and issues affecting it and introduces individuals to recreation and resource management careers. ACC welcomes national applicants, but also emphasizes the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve.   

Position Summary:

The Historic Appomattox African American Community Research Intern is an internship position based at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park in Virginia.

This intern will conduct in-depth research on African American civilians in Appomattox, Virginia to directly shape the park's interpretation of this community's history. Work will include on-site and off-site work with national and local archives, research repositories, oral histories, and in-park resources. The final report will become a critical part of the park's archives and resources, and it will inform future exhibits, interpretive programs, special events, and planning efforts.

The intern will work directly with Education and Visitor Services and Cultural Resources Management staff for research methods training, orientation to park resources, research needs and objectives, and the NPS mission. Initial project meetings will outline specific archives and record sources targeted for this project. Specific work experience will include researching all available records that may contain information about African American civilians of immediate pre-war, wartime, and Reconstruction-era Appomattox including: Church records, Freedmen's Bureau Records, County Records, the Southern Claims Commission, plus newspapers, archives, leads on privately held records (family descendants), and other sources that may be discovered. The intern will also gain exposure to career opportunities in the National Park Service. The project's final product will be comprised of copies of primary (and limited secondary) source documents and photographs, a formal file system with full outline, and final summary report of findings to serve as a reference for park staff.

Funds for research travel will be provided. Work will be performed primarily in indoor spaces and working with multiple research facilities, diverse communities, and the park team.

Additional Benefits: 

• Temporary housing may be available
• Member Assistance Program - 3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist 
• Uniform shirts provided 
• On-the-job training 
• Depending upon the academic institution and program, Individual Placement positions may fulfill academic internship requirements 
• Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, alumni listserv, etc.) and exposure to career paths in public land management and public history

Physical Requirements:

Periodic overnight travel and non-traditional work hours, inclusive of weekend and evening hours. To successfully perform essential functions this position is required to sit, stand, walk, speak and hear. This position may be required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl on an infrequent basis. They must be able to operate office equipment, telephone, and computer. The ability to drive an organizational vehicle is also required. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be between the ages of 18 and 30 (exception for Veterans up to age 35)
• Have US Citizenship or Legal Permanent Residency status
• Must be able to pass the organization's criminal history background check requirements
• Valid Driver's License and Insurable driving record
• Bachelor's degree in history, public history, anthropology, archaeology, or related subject area
• Experience conducting research
• Background and working knowledge of Pre-Civil War, Civil War, and/or Reconstruction-era history
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs and applications, or similar platforms
• Flexibility, adaptability and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment. 

Appalachian Conservation Corps does not and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

To Apply:

Follow the ACC link, Conservation Legacy Positions (silkroad.com), and complete the application. Please include a resume and at least two references. A cover letter is optional but encouraged.

Required Skills

Required Experience