Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000o5IdAAI/preservation-crew-volunteer
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ADDRESS: Pecos National Historical Park; Pecos National Historical Park; Pecos, New Mexico 87552
DEPT: National Park Service
DATES: 4/24/2023 – 9/30/2023
DESCRIPTION:
The volunteer will assist the Preservation Crew at Pecos National Historical Park in the preservation of the historic Spanish adobe Mission and Convento, and other Historic and Prehistoric structures such as the South Pueblo, and the log Bartlett Cabin.
The volunteer will assist the Preservation Crew at Pecos National Historical Park in the preservation of the historic Spanish adobe Mission and Convento, and other Historic and Prehistoric structures such as the South Pueblo, and the log Bartlett Cabin. This work is methodical and precise while also feeling reminiscent of fingerpainting and making mud-pies as a child. The job is rewarding, challenging, zen-like, scientific, and very fun, all in one. The volunteer will gain an understanding of the important components of working with traditional adobe materials, and the maintenance and preservation techniques implemented to care for them in their various states. They will learn how to make adobe bricks by hand, lay bricks, maintain mortar joints between a variety of building materials such as adobe bricks, stone, and logs, and apply mud plaster.
The volunteer will assist the Preservation Crew at Pecos National Historical Park in the preservation of the historic Spanish adobe Mission and Convento, and other Historic and Prehistoric structures such as the South Pueblo, and the log Bartlett Cabin. This work is methodical and precise while also feeling reminiscent of fingerpainting and making mud-pies as a child. The job is rewarding, challenging, zen-like, scientific, and very fun, all in one. The volunteer will gain an understanding of the important components of working with traditional adobe materials, and the maintenance and preservation techniques implemented to care for them in their various states. They will learn how to make adobe bricks by hand, lay bricks, maintain mortar joints between a variety of building materials such as adobe bricks, stone, and logs, and apply mud plaster. The volunteer must be physically able to lift up to 40 lbs periodically throughout the day, as mud and adobe are not lightweight materials.
Time Commitment: 1 or 2 days a week (or more if volunteer desires). Schedule can be flexible, but consistency would be preferred. Workdays are Monday through Friday, from mid-May through the end of August. We prefer that applicants can commit to the full summer, and consistently come on the same day(s) each week.
Reimbursement:
No monetary reimbursements are available. An RV pad with electric hook ups, sewer, and water are available at no cost to the volunteer; volunteer must commit to 32 hrs/wk to qualify for use of the RV pads.
Requirements: Selectee will be required to undergo a background investigation, and a valid driver’s license is required. Work will take place outside. Selectee must be able to lift 40lbs and work outside in the sun at 7000 ft above sea level. Must be 16 years of age or older, wear closed toe shoes, personal protective equipment (PPE), and an official volunteer shirt (which will be provided).
Qualifications
-Possess an interest in traditional construction techniques and have an ability to put your modern construction knowledge aside to learn the ways used by those who came before us.
-Enjoy interacting with people from various backgrounds and have great interpretive skills.
-Have an eye for detail, and an ear for instruction.
-Ability to work indoors or outdoors in various weather conditions, especially during summer months.
-Make safety a priority by following guidelines, rules, and regulations. While this position will not operate any heavy machinery, it is likely that you will operate around heavy machinery. The position will certainly lift heavy buckets of mud and adobe bricks, climb over walls that stand several feet high, and be outside in the sun for much of the day. Safety is of utmost importance to our team, and the applicant must possess the same passion for the safety of themselves and their teammates.
-Ability to follow direction, work independently, or as part of a team.
-Possess reliable transportation to and from the park; there is public transportation that runs from Las Vegas and Santa Fe to the park several times each day, though the provided bus times are not ideal.
-Selectee will be required to undergo a background investigation, and a valid driver’s license is required. Work will take place outside. Selectee must be able to lift 40lbs and work outside in the sun at 7000 ft above sea level. Must be 16 years of age or older, wear closed toe shoes, personal protective equipment (PPE), and an official volunteer shirt (which will be provided).
Skills
-Working with people
-Visitor information
-Adobe experience preferred
-Hand tools and Power tool use