Traditional Trades Program - Landscape Stewardship Corps – Rock Creek Park

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking two members to contribute to landscape stewardship and historic preservation projects alongside Rock Creek Park staff.

Start Date:

April 27, 2026

Estimated End Date:
October 23, 2026

A 26‑week minimum commitment is required.

Located north of the Potomac River and minutes away from downtown, Rock Creek Park (ROCR) encompasses 1,754 acres of public green space in Washington, DC. It is one of the first federally managed parks in the United States and acts as an administrative unit of the National Park System, supporting the stewardship of public lands throughout the northern portion of the D.C. area.

ROCR offers visitors an escape from the bustle of the city and refuge in recreation, fresh air, and trees along with the opportunity to learn about thousands of years of human history at several historic sites throughout the park. The park is easily accessible by public transit, bike, and on‑foot.

Under guidance from Rock Creek Park staff, ACE members will support the development and maintenance of park grounds and gardens while learning about maintaining ecologically balanced habitats and practicing skills in horticulture, arboriculture, and landscape preservation. Project work will include general gardening tasks such as watering, weeding, mulching, mowing, pruning, fertilizing, planting flowerbeds, plant propagation, and other tasks as needed. On occasion, ACE members may assist Tree Crew/Arborists in maintaining trees in an urban park.

This placement is designed to facilitate professional development, expose participants to land‑management agencies, and provide networking opportunities with professionals. Members may gain experience in different conservation fields and shadow various work groups.

Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM–3:00 PM

• Living Allowance:
  The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours per week and will receive a living allowance of $720 per week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi‑weekly.
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority:
  Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC‑eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours (~16 weeks), the total hours may be combined with hours accrued from another PLC‑eligible term to meet the requirement.
• Professional Development Stipend: $1,000 of professional development funds will be available to participants for pre‑approved uses.
• 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 includes OSHA‑10 and Introduction to Preservation Horticulture.

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts.
• Members must have a High School Diploma or GED.
• Members must be ages 18–30 (up to 35 if a U.S. veteran).
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to work both independently and as a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A current and valid form of  (copies will be required upon hiring).
• 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.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, visit our website located on our Indeed homepage.

• Ability and willingness to learn and work independently and collaboratively with a team, carrying out work duties that include heavy lifting, repetitive tasks, and…