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. 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 program participants for the Traditional Trades Advancement 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 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.
Housing is not provided. Having a personal vehicle is recommended.
Program Dates: Nov. 2, 2026 – April 30, 2027
Pay: $1,440 biweekly
The SCA is seeking program participants for the Traditional Trades Advancement Program at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Beaufort, North Carolina. Build your hands-on preservation trades skills at Cape Lookout National Seashore 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.
Shared park housing is not provided. Having a personal vehicle is recommended.
Program Dates: Oct. 19, 2026 – April 16, 2027
Pay: $1,440 biweekly
Manage and mentor junior program participants working outdoors at sites in various states.
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