Traditional Trades Advancement Program – Historical Infrastructure – Carl Sandburg National Historic Site

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.

Position Benefits: 

• $1,440 bi-weekly living allowance (pre-tax)
• $1000 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
• Housing is available at some locations.

Essential 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 project site daily
• Follow all safety rules and regulations and participate in ongoing safety culture of the site.
• Most positions require a valid driver’s license and ability to pass DOI driver standards and background check driving govt vehicle is required at times.

Location: Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, Flat Rock, NC

Available Positions: 2

Dates: March 31 – Sept 26, 2025

Project Description: The projects at Carl Sandburg National Historic Site will focus on cultural landscape preservation and historic structure rehabilitation. Tasks will include routine trail work, replacing and repairing historic fencing, siding and masonry repairs, painting, and reroofing a cedar shingle roof.

All applicants must follow this LINK (https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/90843-Preservation-Maryland) to complete their application. Applications will be screened through the Campaign for Historic Trades Apprentice Application before the interview process can begin. Applicants interested in a specific location should include the park name and location in their application.