Architectural Conservation Project Volunteer

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being
performed by people in this category. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all
responsibilities, duties and skills required of people in these positions.

Work Team:

Operations

Reports To:

Porch Project Lead

Position Classification:

Volunteer

Length of Service:

2+ Weeks

POSTION SUMMARY

We’re currently seeking skilled carpenters to volunteer with our historic preservation team for an active project scope focused on architectural conservation. We’re looking for candidates who are in good health and enjoy the hands-on physical nature of preservation trades and / or restoration work.

Volunteers will be guided by the project manager or captain in performing restoration tasks, provided they have carpentry experience. Depending on project needs and skill level; volunteers may work closely with other volunteers, or independently. Safety and proper work procedures are the primary focus; smooth production will follow as a result.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS

Role Overview:

The primary objective of the Historic Preservation Volunteer position is to help achieve the work scope goals of the Holden Village Architectural Conservation Project in the restoration and preservation of our historic infrastructure.

Primary Tasks & Goals:

Structural Restoration: assisting with demolition to expose structural elements. Assisting in shoring/jacking, performing layout, framing, and repair of deteriorated substructures (footings, posts, beams, floor joists and subfloor).
Surface Protection: sanding, epoxy application, painting, staining, and varnishing various village surfaces including railings, stairs, and flooring across the village.
Skilled carpentry punch list: grout work on footings, rebuilding stringers, and staircases, installing temporary or permanent railings.
Milling assistance & Wood Prep: assisting with primary milling tasks for current and future materials, organizing the wood lot, and sourcing/storing mill wood for the 2027/2028 seasons.
Secondary milling in the carpentry shop.
Site management: Daily cleaning and organization of the worksite to ensure a safe, productive environment.
Community Engagement: Participating in communal rhythms, including village work rotations like dish team and garbology.

UNIQUE REQUIREMENTS

Safety & Logistics:

Environment : able to work outdoors in the 70-80+ degree weather. Prepared to evacuate during fire season.
Stewardship & Safety: Safety and proper work procedures are our primary focus. Volunteers are expected to maintain a clean and organized worksite, including 15–30 minutes of daily cleanup to ensure the area remains safe and productive.
Training: volunteers will be guided through ladder safety, heavy lifting, and lead-safe handling practices. Daily meetings will be held on safety as a continuing education topic.

Scheduling: The project manager or director coordinates volunteer schedules to ensure team cohesiveness. Volunteers are responsible for informing the manager or director of their assigned “dish team” or “garbology” duties so project schedules can be adjusted.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

Kindness, flexibility, Knowledge, Skill level :

Collaboration: A commitment to high-quality work, a positive attitude, and the ability to work as part of a team or independently towards set goals for accomplishing the scope. Needs to be able to take direction with willingness to model safe work habits.
Skill Level: non-novice, mid-level carpentry experience. Depending on proficiency, Volunteers may work independently or work in small groups.
Experience: Hands-on building experience and working knowledge of building systems. Ability to organize and carry out complex building projects with another person or independently.
Technical aptitudes: Working knowledge of power tool maintenance operation and safety, the ability to operate shop equipment safely, working knowledge of framing, stringer layout and construction, various building systems.
Physical Tasks: Applicants should be in good health and comfortable with working outdoors, demolition, digging, concrete work, mortar mixing, and heavy lifting.

COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS

Community setting:

Enthusiasm for working in a remote wilderness setting.
Adherence to Community Health Protocols and Practices.
Commitment to the values of diversity, equality, respect, and sustainability.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Work Details:

Location: Remote wilderness setting in the Cascade mountains of WA at Holden Village.
Transportation: accessible only by helicopter once every two weeks.
Schedule: Typically a 30+ hour work week; short-term volunteers are requested for a minimum of 2 weeks.
Health & Wellness: Volunteers must abide by all Community Health Protocols and Practices.

Interested individuals should apply through the Holden Village Volunteer Page (https://www.holdenvillage.org/volunteer/).