Museum Collection Member - Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park

Museum Collection Member - Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) is seeking (1) Member to contribute to museum collection preservation and protection alongside Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park's (MABI) Cultural Resource Program Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: May / June 2026

Estimated End Date: November / December 2026

*a 29-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: The position is located in Woodstock, Vermont, a picturesque New England village including a historic downtown surrounded by farms and forests with an abundance of hiking trails and recreational opportunities. Nearby communities in the state include Quechee and White River Juction to the East, Pomfret to the North, Hartland to the South, Bridgewater and Rutland to the West. Temperatures in the area range from -10 F to +40 F in the winter and +50 F to +95 F in the summer, though the heat index/humidity raises the real feel. Precipitation is approximately 35 inches annually.

MABI is the only unit of the National Park Service to tell the story of conservation history and the evolving nature of land stewardship in America. The boyhood home of George Perkins Marsh, one of America's first conservationists, and later the home of Frederick Billings, the property was given to the American people by its most recent owners, Laurance S. and Mary F. Rockefeller. The museum collection consists of over 100,000 objects, primarily historic furnishings, but also extensive 19th and 20th century fine art (Hudson River School) as well as mementoes and textiles belonging to the Billings and Rockefeller families. It is a varied collection original to the site, thus integral to the historic structures and reflective of the continuity of inheritance and stewardship.

For more information about MABI, please visit the MABI subpage on the NPS website.

Having a personal vehicle is highly recommended for commuting as well as to access groceries and other amenities on days off. Public transportation and ride share are minimally available and not dependable.

Position Overview: The NPS preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The NPS cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world. The purpose of MABI is to interpret the history and evolution of conservation stewardship in America; to preserve the Mansion and surrounding lands through active stewardship; and to recognize and interpret the contributions of George Perkins Marsh, Frederick and Julia Billings, Mary Billings French, and Laurance S. and Mary F. Rockefeller. Museum collections are considered a cultural resource as defined by NPS Directives System; MABIs museum collection reveals a high degree of historic integrity and serves as a tangible example of conservation stewardship.

In order to contribute to museum collection preservation and protection, the Member can expect the following routine duties:

• Care – quarterly environmental monitoring, weekly housekeeping, monthly integrated pest management, preventive conservation, and rehousing, plus distinct projects; for example:
  • Conduct visual inspection of museum exhibit spaces (inventory objects vulnerable to theft)
  • Rehouse objects by carefully assessing current storage conditions, selecting appropriate archival materials, and implementing best practices for handling and labeling each object
    • Ceramic collection
  • Track archival and non-archival equipment and supplies that facilitates availability, ease of use, and restocking
  • Fabricate archival dust covers for two-dimensional hanging objects in museum storage spaces
  • Serve as a backup Mansion Steward for interpretive tours
• Records – catalog, condition report, and inventory, plus distinct projects; for example:
  • Assist with inventory of Catalog Backlog
    • Reduce backlog by cataloging books (analog and/or digital)
  • Digitize pre-NPS catalog records and add to digital catalog record
  • Update catalog records, for example incorporate pre-NPS appraisals or conservation treatment documentation
• Use – access, digitization, and research requests, plus distinct projects; for example:
  • Contribute content to media platforms about museum collection care, resource/site history, and specific objects
    • Write minimum of two articles that focus on exhibit (see below) and topic of choosing
  • Develop a small-scale, temporary exhibit including design, narrative, and physical layout
    • Assist with other deinstallations and installations as applicable
  • Create a draft specific guide for the "Mansion Experience" (self-guided tour through the first floor); existing examples include designs by Tiffany & Co., museum conservation, and paintings by Hudson River School artists)

This position is intended to be an introduction to the museum profession with routine duties and also augment MABIs Cultural Resource Program permanent staff, particularly with the Open House signage and small-scale, temporary exhibit.

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. The Member can also expect to connect with a cohort of other emerging professionals at MABI and its co-managed unit, Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, on a regular basis for community building (peers), networking, and professional development.

Schedule: Eight-hour days Monday-Friday with core hours 9am-3pm EST and flexibility around beginning and end time depending on operational needs. Federal holidays are an exception. Telework is subject to current NPS policy. Occasionally serve as a backup Mansion Steward for interpretive tours during open weekdays. Opportunities may exist to work special events and ensure minimum hour requirement is met.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the Member and not provided by ACE or NPS. In addition to the Living Allowance, the Member can be reimbursed an additional $1,000/month to offset the cost of housing.

Situated near New Hampshire and Vermont's border, the park's employees choose to live in either state; NH has no income and sales tax. Full-service cities/towns include Claremont (27 miles Southeast), Hanover (19 miles Northeast), and Lebanon (18 miles East), NH, and Springfield (27 miles South), White River Junction (14 miles East), and Windsor (7 miles Southeast), VT. (*rough mileage noted from the park)

Commute/Travel: Since MABI is comanaged, with Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, the parks frequently assist each other. ACE members will have access to up to $850 to be used for eligible commute/travel expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

Professional Development: In addition to the cohort of other emerging professionals provided by MABI, the Member can be reimbursed up to $1,000 for eligible professional development of their choosing. ACE will determine eligibility. The Member will track the budget in an effort not to over expend.

Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $1,000 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

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 provided by MABI may include agency/site orientation, automated cataloging system, historical overview, museum housekeeping, museum integrated pest management, object handling, rehousing, and stewarding.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
• 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 valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request) Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements

• 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
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, web browsing, etc.)
• Detail oriented
• Excellent organizational, research, and writing skills

To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as art history, American history, cultural resource management, material culture, museum studies, public history
• Knowledge of museum profession best practice and principles, as well as current trends in American history, art history, museum education/interpretation
• Ability and willingness to adapt to operational needs, clean, communicate (verbally and written) with staff and the public, learn, mitigate pests – reference Position Overview above
• Deep interest in preserving museum collections for future generations and sharing information
• Experience or interest with public speaking and communicating with/writing for the general public.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various equipment and tools beyond computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb ladders/stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain – museum collections are exhibited or stored in five historic structures throughout a 1.2-mile graded loop on gravel roads. This position frequently shifts from active to sedentary on a daily basis.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves unassisted up to 25 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds with or without assistance.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; MABIs museum collection is exhibited and stored in historic structures with varying climate controls – it is fair to expect extremes of humidity and cold depending on the season. Assigned workstation is an indoor, office environment; air quality is good, and temperature can be manipulated.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools can be heard on occasion. Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position may accompany permanent staff on regional travel (New England).

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by MABI or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by MABI. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the MABI, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to MABI and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE's online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications 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 Program Manager, Andrew Garcia.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.EEO:  Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.