The Traditional Trades Advancement Program is a National Park Service internship program for aspiring preservation tradespeople. Program participants train and work alongside experienced Park Service staff at specific 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 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. This is a unique opportunity to work on critical real-world projects while building professional experience at America’s national parks.
Join The Crew
The SCA is seeking interns for the Traditional Trades Advancement Internship Program at the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park in Williamsport, Maryland. Build your hands-on preservation trades skills through projects addressing a range of historic preservation needs. Over this 26-week immersive experience, interns train and work alongside experienced National Park Service staff to preserve cultural resources and critical infrastructure. Participants gain broad exposure to preservation trades and develop practical, career-building skills in historic preservation while contributing to nationally significant park resources. Park housing may be available.
Program Dates: April 6 – Oct. 2, 2026
Pay: $1,440/bi-weekly
The SCA is seeking interns for the Traditional Trades Advancement Internship Program at Catoctin Mountain Park in Thurmont, Maryland. Build your hands-on preservation trades skills through projects addressing a range of historic preservation needs. Over this 26-week immersive experience, interns train and work alongside experienced National Park Service staff to preserve cultural resources and critical infrastructure. Participants gain broad exposure to preservation trades and develop practical, career-building skills in historic preservation while contributing to nationally significant park resources. Park housing is available.
Program Dates: April 6 – Oct. 2, 2026
Pay: $1,440/bi-weekly
The SCA is seeking interns for the Traditional Trades Advancement Internship Program at Fort McHenry National Monument in Baltimore, Maryland. Build your hands-on preservation trades skills through projects addressing a range of historic preservation needs. Over this 26-week immersive experience, interns train and work alongside experienced National Park Service staff to preserve cultural resources and critical infrastructure. Participants gain broad exposure to preservation trades and develop practical, career-building skills in historic preservation while contributing to nationally significant park resources. Park housing is available.
Program Dates: April 6 – Oct. 2, 2026
Pay: $1,440/bi-weekly
The SCA is seeking interns for the Traditional Trades Advancement Internship Program at Fort Sumter National Historical Park in Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina. Build your hands-on preservation trades skills through projects addressing a range of historic preservation needs. Over this 26-week immersive experience, interns train and work alongside experienced National Park Service staff to preserve cultural resources and critical infrastructure. Participants gain broad exposure to preservation trades and develop practical, career-building skills in historic preservation while contributing to nationally significant park resources. Housing is not provided. Local candidates are preferred.
Program Dates: April 6 – Oct. 2, 2026
Pay: $1,440/bi-weekly
The SCA is seeking interns for the Traditional Trades Advancement Internship Program at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Build your hands-on preservation trades skills through projects addressing a range of historic preservation needs. Over this 26-week immersive experience, interns train and work alongside experienced National Park Service staff to preserve cultural resources and critical infrastructure. Participants gain broad exposure to preservation trades and develop practical, career-building skills in historic preservation while contributing to nationally significant park resources. Housing is not provided.
Program Dates: April 6 – Oct. 2, 2026
Pay: $1,440/bi-weekly
The SCA is seeking interns for the Traditional Trades Advancement Internship Program at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Bushkill, Pennsylvania. Build your hands-on preservation trades skills through projects addressing a range of historic preservation needs. Over this 26-week immersive experience, interns train and work alongside experienced National Park Service staff to preserve cultural resources and critical infrastructure. Participants gain broad exposure to preservation trades and develop practical, career-building skills in historic preservation while contributing to nationally significant park resources. Park housing is available.
Program Dates: April 20 – Oct. 16, 2026
Pay: $1,440/bi-weekly
Manage and mentor junior program participants working outdoors at sites in various states.
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