Position Summary
Build your hands-on preservation trades skills at Great Smoky Mountains National 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. This position is a great way to gain practical, hands-on experience and the foundation for a career in historic preservation.
Location
Gatlinburg, TN
Schedule
April 6, 2026 – October 2, 2026
Skills Training & Support Provided:
• Roofing, including safety standards
• Masonry (rock skirt and chimney)
• Window restoration (glazing and replacement)
• Chinking on log cabins
• Hand and power tools use
• General preservation maintenance
• 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)
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
This position is a great way to gain practical, hands-on experience and the foundation for a career in historic preservation. The projects at Great Smoky Mountains will focus on roofing projects for various structures including log cabins, barns, and wood frame houses. Additional tasks will include log cabin floor repairs, window restoration, masonry, and chinking replacement on log cabins. The ideal candidate is excited about hands-on trades work and should be able to demonstrate or discuss their interest in the historic preservation field. TTAP Placements must be able to commit to a 26-week term.
Marginal Duties
Documentation, research, and project reporting; Custodial duties, as needed and within reason
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 (start date flexible)
• 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.
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
Living Accommodations
Housing is not provided.
Compensation
$1,440 bi-weekly living allowance (pre-tax)
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Recommended
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.
