Position Summary
Build your hands-on preservation trades skills at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie 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.
Skills Training & Support Provided:
· Masonry cleaning and repointing
· Morter analysis and mixing
· Historic metal conservation
· Basic Carpentry
· Hand and power tools use
· General preservation maintenance
· Historic preservation fundamentals
· OSHA 10 Construction certification
Position 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
Location
Sullivan’s Island, SC
Schedule
April 6, 2026 – October 2, 2026
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.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
TTAP interns will work on several different projects and gain a variety of historic trade skills throughout their internship. Projects include:
• Brick repointing at Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter,
• Concrete spalling repair and weatherproofing of historic Battery Jasper and Fort Moultrie
• Applying limewashes to the historic batteries at Fort Moultrie
• Historic cannon and monument conservation throughout the park
• Historic metal preservation at Fort Moultrie and Battery Jasper
• Wooden doors preservation in Fort Moultrie. These projects will support the park’s backlog of critical historic preservation needs and help with the park’s beautification in preparation for the park’s spotlight on Freedom250 programming and events.
Marginal Duties
• Landscape Maintenance at Fort Sumter
• Hurricane season preparations and maintenance
• Providing support for Freedom250 park events
Required Qualifications
• 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.
Preferred Qualifications
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass DOI driver standards and background check in order to drive a government vehicle.
Hours
40 per week with weekends and federal holidays off.
Living Accommodations
Park housing is NOT available.
Compensation
$1,600 bi-weekly living allowance (pre-tax)
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Recommended
Additional Benefits
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.
