Traditional Trades Advancement Program at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Position Summary 

Build your hands-on preservation trades skills at Great Smoky Mountains National Park 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.

Skills Training & Support Provided:

• Roofing, including safety standards

• Masonry (rock skirt and chimney)

• Window restoration (glazing and replacement)

• Chinking on log cabins

• Hand and power tools use

• General preservation maintenance

• OSHA 10 Construction certification

Position Benefits:

• $1,000 Funding for independent professional development

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

• Health Insurance

• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority (at position completion)

The Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) is an internship 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 

Gatlinburg, TN

Schedule 

November 2, 2026 - April 30, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

This position is a great way to gain practical, hands-on experience and the foundation for a career in historic preservation. The projects at Great Smoky Mountains will focus on roofing projects for various structures including log cabins, barns, and wood frame houses. Additional tasks will include log cabin floor repairs, window restoration, masonry, and chinking replacement on log cabins. The ideal candidate is excited about hands-on trades work and should be able to demonstrate or discuss their interest in the historic preservation field. TTAP Placements must be able to commit to a 26-week term.

Marginal Duties 

Documentation, research, and project reporting; Custodial duties, as needed and within reason

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 (start date flexible)

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass DOI driver standards and background check in order to drive a government vehicle.

Hours 

40 hours/week with weekends and federal holidays off.

4/10’s Monday through Thursday 0700-1730

Living Accommodations 

Housing is not provided.

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.