Traditional Trades Advancement Program at Fort McHenry National Monument

Student Conservation Association•Baltimore, MD

About The Position

Build your hands-on preservation trades skills at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine and Hampton National Historic Site 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 while at our parks, which they can build on as they continue in their preservation career. 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)
Valid driver’s license and ability to pass DOI driver standards and background check in order to drive a government vehicle, receive facility keys and obtain PIV card.
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.

Nice To Haves

Strong demonstrated interest in pursuing hands-on trades work as a career path through an official apprenticeship program.

Responsibilities

Assisting with wood repairs to historic porch components such as columns, railings, decking and substructure, as well as windows, sills, doors, jambs, and shutters. This work will involve learning the use of hand and power tools as well as the techniques to manufacture replacement components.
Assisting with Star Fort window reglazing and pane replacement.
Assisting with window repairs.
Assisting with re-roofing the dovecote with a new cedar shingle roof.
Assisting with the removal of deteriorated mortar and repointing masonry buildings and structures.
Assisting with various interior and exterior painting projects.
Assisting with bronze and stone monument maintenance including headstone cleaning and hot waxing of bronze plaques.
Shop cleaning, organization and tool maintenance.
Responding to unplanned maintenance issues in both parks.
Presenting safety talks in the divisions weekly safety meetings.
Assisting with special events.
Assisting with Storm Cleanup.
Work vehicle cleaning.

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

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