Location: Williamsport, MD
Program Dates: April 6, 2026 – October 2, 2026
Schedule: 40 hours/week (weekends and federal holidays off)
Compensation: $1,440 bi-weekly living allowance (pre-tax)
Position Summary
Build your hands-on preservation trades skills at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park through projects addressing a range of historic preservation needs. Over this 26-week immersive experience, TTAP interns train and work alongside experienced National Park Service (NPS) employees to preserve cultural resources and critical infrastructure.
Participants gain broad exposure to preservation trades and develop practical, career-building skills in historic preservation while contributing to nationally significant park resources.
Program Overview
The Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) is an internship program of the National Park Service for aspiring preservation tradespeople. Participants work alongside experienced NPS staff at a specific park site to preserve historic infrastructure and cultural resources.
Through hands-on projects and formal training, participants learn preservation fundamentals and develop skills in traditional trades such as masonry, carpentry, woodcrafting, and landscape preservation. The program is committed to expanding access to preservation careers, especially for individuals underrepresented in the trades.
Skills Training & Support Provided
Participants will receive training in:
Roofing, including safety standards
Masonry cleaning and repointing
Mortar analysis and mixing
Window restoration (glazing and replacement)
Hand and power tool use
General preservation maintenance
OSHA 10 Construction certification
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Interns will gain experience working with stone masonry, plastering, carpentry, roofing, and other materials. Projects include:
Historic culvert repair and stabilization
Historic canal lock rehabilitation and stabilization
Historic lockhouse maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation
Marginal Duties
Tool maintenance
Shop cleanup
Mowing and weed eating
Debris removal from culverts and job sites
Assisting the resources team with invasive species work and cataloguing
Required Qualifications
Demonstrated interest in historic preservation trades
Commitment to complete the full 26-week program
Age 18–30 (or up to 35 for veterans)
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs unassisted using proper techniques
Ability to stand for extended periods; climb ladders/scaffolding; bend, stoop, and work in varied positions
Interest in using hand and power tools in an outdoor environment
Reliable daily transportation to the meet-up location
Willingness to follow all safety rules and actively participate in site safety culture
Eligibility Requirement:
This position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. Participants must be:
Between ages 16–30 (or veterans age 35 or younger)
A U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident
Preferred Qualifications
Valid driver’s license
Ability to pass DOI driver standards and background check to operate a government vehicle
Strong demonstrated interest in pursuing a hands-on trades career through an apprenticeship pathway
Living Accommodations
Park housing may be available. Details will be provided during the interview process.
Benefits
$1,000 professional development funding
Travel and associated expenses for in-person Historic Preservation Fundamentals course
Public Land Corps Hiring Authority upon successful completion
OSHA 10 Certification
Training and networking with NPS and preservation professionals
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible
Personal Vehicle
Recommended
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff and is committed to maintaining a workplace where individuals can grow personally and professionally.