Traditional Trades Advancement Program

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.

Current Opportunities

Join The Crew

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (AK)

The SCA is seeking interns for the Traditional Trades Advancement Internship Program at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Alaska. Build your hands-on preservation trades skills through projects addressing a range of historic preservation needs. Over the course of a 26-week immersive experience, program participants train and work alongside experienced National Park Service Preservation and Cultural Resource staff to preserve cultural resources and historic infrastructure. Participants will be based at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, with the option to travel to other Alaska Parks and Preserves to assist with project work if these opportunities become available. This position is a great way to gain practical, hands-on experience and the foundation for a career in historic preservation, carpentry and more. Shared housing at the park is provided.

Having a personal vehicle is recommended.

Program Dates: July 13, 2026 – Jan. 8, 2027
Pay: $1,440/bi-weekly

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Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park (MD)

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.

Having a personal vehicle is recommended.

Program Dates: July 2026 | 16-26 weeks
Pay: $1,440/bi-weekly + $1,000 professional development funding

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Western Pennsylvania National Historic Sites

The SCA is seeking interns for the Traditional Trades Advancement Internship Program at multiple National Historic Sites in Western Pennsylvania. Build your hands-on preservation trades skills through projects addressing a range of historic preservation needs. Crew members will have the opportunity to develop their skills in several preservation and general trades, including carpentry, window restoration, wood bridge repair, cedar shingle roof repairs and other preservation maintenance tasks. The ideal candidate is excited about hands-on trades work and should be able to demonstrate or discuss their interest in the preservation field. Park housing will be provided.

A personal vehicle is required.

Program Dates: Aug. 3 – Sept. 25
Pay: $1,440/bi-weekly

Learn More & Apply