Transcription Assistant Volunteer

Transcription Assistants will read, transcribe, and digitize historical documents. These documents hold important stories of civilians, free and enslaved people, and both white and African American soldiers during and after the Civil War. By transcribing these documents, volunteers will help bring these stories back to life. The research will provide important primary source records and accounts that will be incorporated in CANE interpretive exhibits, waysides, articles, social media posts, programs, and NPS reports. This is an opportunity for volunteers to gain archival and paleographical experience, and to work closely with park historians.

Volunteers should be advised that the nature of this work may expose them to historical accounts of violence, racism, and human rights abuses. As these are historical documents, many of which pertain to enslavement and the Civil War, they may contain profane language and ethnic slurs, among others.

Qualifications and Skills:

·      Able to read cursive and transcribe historical documents from the 19^th century.

·      Able to efficiently use writing software, spreadsheets, and file sharing and storage software.

·      Able to carefully edit and proofread transcriptions while also fact checking information.

·      Able to provide written captions describing images, data, and historical materials.

Responsibilities:

·      VIPs will work closely with park staff to transcribe documents electronically so that they can be used to assist with exhibits, online articles, social media, and park programming.

·      VIPs will assist with transcription of cemetery records, archaeological field notes, and various archival materials pertaining to Camp Nelson National Monument and Kentucky during the Civil War.

·      VIPs may digitize physical copies of archival materials.

Tools, Equipment, and Vehicles:

·      Relatively stable internet access or the ability to remain in contact with NPS staff to send and receive emails with attachments in a timely manner.

·      Computer and writing software, such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or an open-access alternative.

·      If the VIP is serving on location at Camp Nelson National Monument, they are required to have reliable transportation.

Training:

·      NPS staff will provide potential volunteers with any and all resources needed to ensure that the volunteer is comfortable in their position and prepared to fully represent the National Park Service to the best of their ability.  

·      All VIPs will be required to review the VIP Handbook, the CANE Pocket Guide, and any other materials pertinent to their position before starting work.

·      All VIPs are required to sign a volunteer agreement form (OF-301A), and to sign off that they have reviewed their Service Description and the Job Hazard Analyses for their position.

·      It is up to the discretion of the staff whether the potential VIP is suitable for the position and if their service is needed at Camp Nelson National Monument. 

·      VIPs will participate in ongoing training throughout their time at Camp Nelson. All VIPs are expected to participate in annual VIP training at the start of every year. Additional training, such as supplemental paleography training, will be provided if needed or requested.

Work Environment:

If volunteers are working on-site at Camp Nelson National Monument, they will work in office or conference spaces in the Visitor Center or Barracks. If working remotely, volunteers are welcome to work wherever they are most comfortable.

Physical Requirements:

This position requires use of a computer and extended periods of sitting or standing. Due to the nature of this work, volunteers are encouraged to use best practices in office ergonomics and take breaks from screentime. This position also required typing and use of scanning technology.

Work Schedule:

The volunteer will agree upon a mutually beneficial schedule that they will establish with their supervisor. It is the responsibility of the volunteer to notify the Ranger on duty if they are ill or otherwise unable to work. Telework is available for this position, allowing for flexibility in work hours and pace.

Location:

Camp Nelson National Monument is located at 6614 Danville Rd Loop 2, Nicholasville, Kentucky, 40365, approximately 18 miles south of Lexington, Kentucky.

Full or partially remote work opportunities are available for this position.

Supervisor:

VIPs in Interpretation, Education, and Visitor Services, such as the Transcription Assistant, will report to the Chief of Interpretation, Steve Phan, unless instructed otherwise. In this case, the VIP will report to their designated supervisor.