Artificer Company - Artillery Exhibit Maintenance

Artillery saved the day for the Union Army at the battle of Stones River, now you have the opportunity to help save the cannons and artillery vehicles that tell the tale of one of the Civil War’s bloodiest battles. Cannon exhibit rehabilitation is a major facet of the Stones River maintenance regime and is a vital operation to maintaining and interpreting the hallowed ground where one of the most important battles of the American Civil War raged. Maintenance of the battlefield’s 37 artillery pieces requires hundreds of hours by the park staff, often resulting in pieces not annually receiving proper care. Like the Artificers who maintained artillery equipment during the war, you will ensure these key visual aids receive the proper attention and care they require to ensure they will help visitors appreciate and understand this important part of our nation's story for generations to come. TIME REQUIREMENTS: One day a week (4-8 hour shifts) SUPERVISOR: Chief of Maintenance DUTIES: Volunteers may be asked to perform a number of tasks including: - Field assessment of condition of artillery pieces & prioritize order of rehabilitation; - Record keeping of artillery pieces inventory, battlefield location, & date of last rehabilitation; - Removal of deteriorated paint from wood and metal surfaces using hand and power tools; - Use of spray primer and brush paint; and - In-field touch-ups of artillery pieces. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION: - Ability to work unsupervised - Patience & attention to detail - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - Must be able to lift at least fifteen pounds for some jobs - Work conducted primarily in temperature controlled shop; some outdoor work required TRAINING PROVIDED (R-Required, O-Optional) Volunteer Orientation (R) Orientation to the Battle of Stones River (R) Maintenance Operations Orientation (R) Introduction to the National Park Service: The History of the NPS (R) Task Specific Training as Needed (R) Effective Informal Interpretation (R)