HPTC Traditional Trades Advancement Program – Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park

Position Details 

Stewards Individual Placements (STE) provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health.  

STE in partnership with the National Park Service and Historic Preservation Training Center is seeking two individuals to participate in the Traditional Trades Apprenticeship Program. Members will receive introductory training in a variety of traditional trades and will develop an understanding of historic resource stewardship while helping to preserve our nation’s historic resources. This program provides participants with marketable skills and excellent exposure to the historic preservation career field within the NPS as well as the private sector. 

Interns will be part of multiple park projects during their internship throughout Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park that includes repairs and preservation treatment to 32 Historic leased Structures at MLK NHP. Interns will work alongside an Exhibit Specialist and preservationist on some tasks including deferred maintenance repairs to the exterior as well cyclic repairs such as painting and rehabilitation tasks. This work will ensure the historic structures are safe and suitable for public enjoyment and preserve the neighborhood in a way that will allow present and future generations to see the area as Dr. King knew it when he was a child. 

Position Responsibilities will include:  

• Learning traditional trade skills. 

• Supporting and learning from journey level employees. 

• Window restoration including wood repair and repainting 

• Historic Wood Floor Repair 

• Fireplace Hearth & Framing Repair 

• Door restoration and hanging 

• Historic structure condition assessments 

• Carpentry repairs  

• Workshop maintenance, organization and safety 

Minimum Requirements:  

• No Experience Required! 

• Moderate to heavy physical effort is required for this position, including lifting or handling of objects over 50lbs using proper techniques. 

• Standing or kneeling for long periods and will be required to climb ladders, work from scaffolding or platforms, work on uneven or angled surfaces such as a roof, and/or be able to work in confined spaces.  

• Willingness to learn and work as part of a team 

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions 

• Must be a U.S. Citizen 

• Must be 18-30 years of age, maximum 35 for Veterans with DD-214 

• Valid Driver’s License  

Benefits:  

• Pay: $520/wk + $200/wk housing allowance (equivalent to $18/hr pre-tax) 

• AmeriCorps Segal Education Award- $3,697.50 (requires completion of entire internship)  

• Public Lands Corps Hiring Authority  

• OSHA-10 

• Training and Mentorship in Traditional Trades Techniques 

• Safety training (vehicle, trailer, situational awareness, power tools, etc.) 

• Professional development