USCT Academy Interpretive Individual Placement at Petersburg National Battlefield

Title: USCT Academy Interpretive Individual Placement

Location: Petersburg National Battlefield in Petersburg, VA

Dates of Service: Sept. 22, 2025 to May 29, 2026 for a 36-week term

Pay: $18.25/hour

Status: This is a part-time (16 hours/week), temporary position

Questions? Contact [email protected]

Position listing will remain open until 8/11.

Appalachian Conservation Corps:

Our Individual Placement program works to connect young people to conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, DC, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. ACC is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation organizations.

Individual Placements gain hands-on experience at their placement site, and ACC supports them through their term and provides a variety of benefits to help them succeed in achieving their career goals. ACC welcomes national applicants but also emphasizes the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve.

Petersburg National Battlefield:

Petersburg National Battlefield is an expansive park with locations spread over 33 miles. It is located around the City of Petersburg, south of Richmond, Virginia. The park was established to commemorate the 9.5-month long siege during the Civil War. This position works with the Department of Interpretation, whose role at the park is to be the face of the park, by developing and offering family programs, staffing the visitor center, and offering special programs/outreach.

Position Summary:

Appalachian Conservation Corps and the Petersburg National Battlefield are seeking a USCT Academy Interpretive Individual Placement (IP) to work alongside National Park Service staff. This role will provide the IP with hands-on experience in developing and presenting interpretive programs focused on the United States Colored Troops (USCT) during the Civil War. The IP will engage in both independent research and collaborative projects with park staff, contributing to the park’s educational offerings, particularly in relation to Black History Month.

Our Interpretive IP will develop and present both third-person living history programs and standard interpretive programs, contributing to the park’s regular schedule. Special emphasis will be placed on creating programming for Black History Month, highlighting the significant role of the USCT in the Petersburg Campaign. Additionally, the IP will engage in independent research to outline a video series focused on the USCT’s contributions, while regularly creating engaging content for the park’s social media platforms.

Initially, the IP will undergo orientation, including training in interpretation, program development, and historic weapons. Over the course of the term, the IP will conduct regular interpretive programs, develop specialized programming for Black History Month, and conduct research for the video series. They will also identify potential subject matter experts for interviews and create relevant social media content. Throughout the term, the IP will meet regularly with park staff to discuss project progress and current readings, ensuring alignment with the park’s goals. As the term progresses, the IP will refine video series outlines and potentially engage in primary source research, contributing to the park’s website and enhancing the overall educational experience for visitors.

Benefits:

• $18.25/hour for 16 hours/week

• $2,000 professional development fund

• Member Assistance Program – 3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist

• Depending upon the academic institution and program, positions may fulfill internship requirements

• Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, etc.) and exposure to natural resource career paths

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with customer service and presentations/public speaking

• Students of History, Anthropology, diverse cultures of the United States, Natural Sciences, Parks and Recreation, Communications, and other relevant fields are welcome

• Reliable transportation to site

General Qualifications:

• Possess a valid driver’s license.

• Comfortable working in an office environment and independently (remotely).

All offers of employment are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and federal criminal background check.

How to Apply:

In addition to your resume, please submit a one-page cover letter highlighting why you are interested in this position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position. Applications are only accepted through our website, .

Our Promise:

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.