Traditional Trades Advancement Program at C&O Canal National Historic Park

Student Conservation Association • Williamsport, MD

9d

About The Position

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 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 interns 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 an internship 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
• 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.
• This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. 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. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Nice To Haves

• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass DOI driver standards and background check in order to drive a government vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Historic culvert repair and stabilization.
• Historic canal locks rehabilitation and stabilization.
• Historic lockhouse maintenance, repair and rehabilitation.
• Tool maintenance
• Shop cleanup Mowing/weed eating
• Debris removal from culverts or otherwise to make jobsites accessible.
• Helping our resources team with invasive species/cataloguing

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: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed