Historic Preservation Trades Placement at C&O Canal National Historic Park

Location: Williamsport, MD
Program Dates: May 4, 2026 – October 30, 2026
Schedule: 40 hours/week (weekends and federal holidays off)
Compensation: $1,440 bi-weekly living allowance (pre-tax)

Build your hands-on preservation trades skills at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park through projects addressing a range of historic preservation needs. Over this 26-week immersive experience, TTAP interns train and work alongside experienced National Park Service (NPS) employees 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.

The Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) is an internship program of the National Park Service for aspiring preservation tradespeople. Participants work alongside experienced NPS staff at a specific park site to preserve historic infrastructure and cultural resources.

Through hands-on projects and formal training, participants learn preservation fundamentals and develop skills in traditional trades such as masonry, carpentry, woodcrafting, and landscape preservation. The program is committed to expanding access to preservation careers, especially for individuals underrepresented in the trades.

Participants will receive training in:

• Roofing, including safety standards

• Masonry cleaning and repointing

• Mortar analysis and mixing

• Window restoration (glazing and replacement)

• Hand and power tool use

• General preservation maintenance

• OSHA 10 Construction certification

Interns will gain experience working with stone masonry, plastering, carpentry, roofing, and other materials. Projects include:

• Historic culvert repair and stabilization

• Historic canal lock rehabilitation and stabilization

• Historic lockhouse maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation

• Tool maintenance

• Shop cleanup

• Mowing and weed eating

• Debris removal from culverts and job sites

• Assisting the resources team with invasive species work and cataloguing

• Demonstrated interest in historic preservation trades

• Commitment to complete the full 26-week program

• Age 18–30 (or up to 35 for veterans)

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs unassisted using proper techniques

• Ability to stand for extended periods; climb ladders/scaffolding; bend, stoop, and work in varied positions

• Interest in using hand and power tools in an outdoor environment

• Reliable daily transportation to the meet-up location

• Willingness to follow all safety rules and actively participate in site safety culture

Eligibility Requirement:
This position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. Participants must be:

• Between ages 16–30 (or veterans age 35 or younger)

• A U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident

• Valid driver’s license

• Ability to pass DOI driver standards and background check to operate a government vehicle

• Strong demonstrated interest in pursuing a hands-on trades career through an apprenticeship pathway

Park housing may be available. Details will be provided during the interview process.

• $1,000 professional development funding

• Travel and associated expenses for in-person Historic Preservation Fundamentals course

• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority upon successful completion

• OSHA 10 Certification

• Training and networking with NPS and preservation professionals

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Recommended

The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff and is committed to maintaining a workplace where individuals can grow personally and professionally.