Location: St. Augustine, FL
Program Dates: April 6, 2026 – October 3, 2026
Schedule: 40 hours per 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 Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas National Monuments 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 they can build on as they continue in the historic preservation field.
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:
- Painting of historic artillery weapons
- Use of historic preservation equipment (assembly, installation, and repair)
- Masonry cleaning and repointing
- Mortar analysis and mixing
- Window restoration (glazing and replacement)
- Wood crafting
- Metalwork
- Hand and power tool use
- General preservation maintenance
- OSHA 10 Construction certification
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Repair and preserve historic exhibits, buildings, and structures
- Provide conservation services for historic artillery collections and unique exhibits
- Assess condition of artillery pieces for weathering and deterioration
- Assist with preservation work across masonry, painting, roofing, and carpentry
- Research and document the physical condition of historic features
- Distinguish between historic and modern materials
- Perform nondestructive investigations
- Conduct preservation treatments on structures of stone, wood, adobe, and mixed materials
- Maintain detailed field notes, sketches, drawings, and photographs
- Identify structural deficiencies and causes of deterioration
- Assemble progress and completion reports
- Research and recommend treatment alternatives
- Assist with preservation of iron and bronze cannons and mortars
- Engage with park visitors in a friendly, educational manner
- Collaborate with park staff and resource professionals
- Train in NPS policies and Secretary of the Interior’s Standards
- Complete safety trainings (Defensive Driving, Lockout/Tagout, fall protection, etc.)
- Maintain accurate documentation of maintenance and preservation work
Marginal Duties
- Litter cleanup and collection
- Basic grounds maintenance
- Shop maintenance and cleaning
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 and ability to pass DOI driver standards and background check to operate a government vehicle
Living Accommodations
Park housing is not available.
Local candidates (St. Johns County/Duval County) are preferred.
