Historic Preservation Volunteer

FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ00000FfWw9

ADDRESS: 640 South Canal Street  Natchez, Mississippi, 39120

DATES: 2025-09-08

DEPT: National Park Service

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Position Overview

Join the Facilities Division at Natchez National Historical Park as a Historic Preservationist Volunteer and help protect, maintain, and preserve the park’s historic buildings, structures, and landscapes. Volunteers will work in and around 19th-century architecture and cultural resources at sites such as Melrose Mansion, the William Johnson House, Forks of the Road, and Fort Rosalie, directly supporting the National Park Service mission to preserve these nationally significant properties. This role offers hands-on experience with traditional preservation techniques and materials rarely used in modern construction, providing valuable skills for professional development or resume building. Local volunteers are welcome and encouraged to join our team.

Dates & Commitment

Volunteers may serve for any length of time based on availability. Those wishing to receive an RV site must commit to a minimum of three months and a maximum of six months. Local volunteers are welcome with a minimum of two days per month. Exact start and end dates are flexible.

• Individuals: 32 hours per week if in RV site program
• Couples: 24 hours per person per week if in RV site program
• Note: Couples wishing to apply should submit separate applications for each person.

Uniform Requirements

• Provided by Park: Volunteer shirt(s), hat, jacket/s, safety PPE as needed
• Provided by Volunteer: Pants, belt, and closed-toe work shoes/boots appropriate for preservation and maintenance work

Duties & Responsibilities

As a Historic Preservationist Volunteer, you will:

• Assist with preservation maintenance of historic structures, including cleaning, minor repairs, and documentation under supervision
• Perform surface preparation and painting of historic and non-historic features using preservation-grade materials and techniques such as oil-based primers, historically accurate paints, and lime washes
• Conduct light carpentry repairs to historic wood elements such as trim, railings, and siding using hand planes, scrapers, chisels, and other approved tools
• Support masonry preservation, including cleaning, repointing, or replacing mortar using historically appropriate lime-based mixes
• Remove invasive vegetation from around historic structures to prevent damage
• Operate hand and small power tools safely to complete assigned tasks (training provided)
• Assist in preventive maintenance to protect historic building fabric, including gutter cleaning, minor roof patching, and weatherproofing
• Maintain work areas in a clean and orderly condition, ensuring that no damage occurs to historic resources during work activities
• Document preservation work through photographs and written notes as directed by park staff
• This role involves mostly outdoor work with some indoor assignments. Summer, fall, and winter temperatures are generally mild, but humidity can be high year-round. Tasks may involve standing, walking, bending, kneeling, or seated work, with occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs. Volunteers will receive safety orientation and training before starting work, including instruction on specialized preservation tools and materials. All work must follow park safety protocols and cultural resource protection guidelines.

Requirements for Volunteers

• Be a U.S. citizen and provide a permanent mailing address
• Pass a background check (initiated after conditional selection) and possess a valid state driver’s license
• Provide a professional reference to verify relevant experience
• Provide your own personal camping accommodations if staying in the RV site
• Have a positive and helpful attitude
• Be able to work safely and follow all park safety and cultural resource protection protocols
• Represent the National Park Service to the public in a respectful manner
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential volunteer duties

Why Volunteer?

• Preservation Skills – Learn and apply historic preservation techniques in a real-world setting, working with traditional tools and materials
• Support Cultural Heritage – Help protect irreplaceable structures and landscapes for future generations
• Be Part of the Mission – Contribute directly to the National Park Service’s work in maintaining authenticity and integrity in historic resources
• Recognition and Professional Growth – Gain experience valued in the historic preservation field, with service recognized through volunteer awards and documented for resume use

Housing Information

• RV Site: On-site pad with water, sewer, and electric hookups
• Requirement: Minimum of three months and maximum of six months commitment for RV site use

Tagged as: FALL '25