Position Summary
Build your hands-on preservation trades skills at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore 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 members 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:
· Roofing, including safety standards
· Masonry cleaning and repointing
· Morter analysis and mixing
· Window restoration (glazing and replacement)
· Hand and power tools use
· General preservation maintenance
· OSHA 10 Construction certification
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
The Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) is a placement 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.
Location
Empire, MI
Schedule
April 6, 2026 – October 2, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Barn Cupola repair and siding replacement Framing and sheathing repair and replacement Interior painting of historic structures Repairing historic wood windows and doors Recreating missing building elements by researching, documenting, and replicating by matching samples of historic materials. Timber framing
Marginal Duties
Screen window installation and repair Routine maintenance and organization Setup and takedown for Historic Preservation 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 • Valid driver’s license and ability to pass DOI driver standards and background check in order to drive a government vehicle, obtain computer access, and be issued keys. • 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
Positive attitude Willingness to learn Ability to work well with others
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Park housing is shared. You will have housemates and in some cases roommates. Housing is located within the park and may or may not have access to laundry machines. Internet access can be available at some locations but will be the financial responsibility of the tenants. Many tenants bring with them a wireless hot spot.
Compensation
$1,440 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.
