Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Student Conservation Association • Empire Township, MI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Build your hands-on preservation trades skills at Sleeping Bear Dunes National
Lakeshore through projects addressing a range of historic preservation needs.
Over the course of a 26-week immersive experience, TTAP participants train and
work alongside experienced NPS employees to preserve cultural resources and
crucial infrastructure. TTAP members will obtain a breadth of preservation
trades experience which they can build on if they decide to continue with
historic preservation.

The Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) is a placement program of the
National Park Service for aspiring preservation tradespeople. TTAP participants
train and work alongside experienced NPS employees at a specific park site to
preserve historic infrastructure and cultural resources. These valuable
resources need constant thoughtful and careful preservation, repair, and
maintenance. By assisting with preservation projects, participants directly
improve the physical conditions of nationally significant park spaces that are
accessed and enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year. Participants gain
practical, hands-on experience and the foundation for a career in historic
preservation. They learn the fundamentals of historic preservation and receive
on-the-job training in one or more traditional trades such as masonry,
carpentry, woodcrafting, landscape preservation, and more. The program is
committed to providing all aspiring preservationists—especially those
underrepresented in the trades—with a unique opportunity to work on important
real-world projects while building professional experience in America’s national
parks.

Requirements

• Interest in historic preservation trades and continuing into the trades field
• Age restrictions: 18 - 30 (or 35 for Veterans)
• Must be able to commit to the project for 26 weeks
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass DOI driver standards and background check in order to drive a government vehicle, obtain computer access, and be issued keys.
• Physical effort is heavy to moderate for this position and requires occasional lifting or handling of objects or materials up to 50lbs, unassisted, following proper lifting procedures to avoid injury. Frequently required to stand while working, climb ladders or scaffolding, and bend, stoop, climb, and work in awkward positions.
• Interest in using hand and power tools in an outdoor setting to complete projects
• Ability to commute to meet up location daily
• Follow all safety rules and regulations and participate in ongoing safety culture of the site.
• All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger.
• Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Positive attitude
• Willingness to learn
• Ability to work well with others

Responsibilities

• Barn Cupola repair and siding replacement
• Framing and sheathing repair and replacement
• Interior painting of historic structures
• Repairing historic wood windows and doors
• Recreating missing building elements by researching, documenting, and replicating by matching samples of historic materials
• Timber framing
• Screen window installation and repair
• Routine maintenance and organization
• Setup and takedown for Historic Preservation events

Benefits

• $1,000 Funding for independent professional development
• Travel and associated expenses for in-person Historic Preservation Fundamentals course
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority (at position completion)
• OSHA 10 Certification
• Training and networking opportunities with NPS and preservation professionals

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed