Park Ranger Sculptor Job in Hanover, New Hampshire US
Park Ranger Sculptor
DUTIES: MAJOR DUTIES: This position is located in Cornish, N.H. within the Division of Interpretation at the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site. Services as the Sculptor-in-Residence for the park. Interacts daily with park visitors, explaining and demonstrating the process of creating figurative or relief sculpture. Develops and gives interpretive programs on sculpture. Answers a wide range of questions on the processes of sculpture and casting, especially those that relate to the techniques and methods used by Augustus Saint-Gaudens and his contemporaries. May develop exhibits and other media illustrating figurative or relief sculptural processes. Prepares and teaches, 14-18, three-hour, hands-on workshops about figurative, or relief sculpture, which are geared toward adults and young adults. Weekend and holiday duty is required. There are over 110 works by Augustus Saint-Gaudens exhibited at the site. They were all created with the classical figurative, or relief style and process. Most were cast by the lost wax process, which can somewhat complicated to explain. By interacting with the sculptor-in-residence and observing demonstrations, the visitors gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the sculpture they see exhibited in the park, and in their own communities. The sculptor-in-residence plays an important and unique role in the interpretive and educational outreach programs of the park. Therefore, a thorough knowledge of, and training in, figurative sculptural processes, and lost wax casting is essential for this position. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work involves extensive periods of standing and walking, in some cases over rough surfaces or inclines, carrying backpack, tools, rescue equipment, etc. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is performed in setting in which there is regular and recurring exposure to moderate discomforts and unpleasantness, e.g., high or low temperatures, confined spaces or adverse weather conditions. AREA INFORMATION: Saint-Gaudens Nationla Historic Site, New Hampshire's only national park consists of 148 acres including the home (Aspet), gardens, and studios of Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848-1907). As one of America's foremost sculptors, he is best known for his public monuments including the Sherman and Farragut monuments in New York City, the Shaw Memorial in Boston, MA, the Standing and Seated Lincoln Memorials in Chicago, IL, as well as the 1907 ten and twenty dollar gold coins and over 100 portrait reliefs. Aspet was his summer residence from 1885-1897, and his permanent home from 1900 until his death in 1907. In partnership with the Saint-Gaudens Memorial, the site promotes the arts through exhibitions, special events, and programs as a living tribute to the sculptor. Located in Cornish, New Hampshire, the site is one of only two national parks dedicated to a visual artist. There are two hiking trails that explore the park's natural areas. Saint-Gaudens NHS is located in Cornish, New Hampshire, which is a rural area. The nearest community is Windsor, Vermont, which is three miles away. It has a population of approximately 3,500 and the usual amenities, i.e. hospital, churches, lodging, stores, transportation, etc. Larger nearby communities include West Lebanon, NH (11 miles north) and Claremont, NH (10 miles south). Temperatures range from -10 F to +40 F in the winter and +50 F to +95 F in the summer. Precipitation is approximately 35 inches annually. The park is open from Memorial Day weekend to the end of October. For more information about this park, visit www.nps.gov/saga .