Traditional Trades Advancement Program - Rocky Mountains National Park

Position Summary

The National Park Service (NPS), is seeking enthusiastic participants for the Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP), an immersive 12-week individual placement program that provides hands-on training in historic preservation and traditional trades. This program is open to all skill levels—no prior experience in construction or historic preservation is required. Participants will learn valuable techniques like carpentry, masonry, woodcrafting, finishing, metalworking, and window restoration while contributing to meaningful preservation projects at America’s National Parks.

Schedule

May 19, 2025 - August 11, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Location: Individual placement is hosted at Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) and based out of Estes Park, Colorado. Term: 12 weeks/Full-time, 40 hours per week, on-site position; starting June 8th, 2025 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 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. While no prior trades work experience is required, 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.

Training Provided:

• How to preserve and restore historic structures
• Carpentry, Masonry, Painting, Roofing, Glazing and other preservation techniques used to complete a project
• How to properly use the techniques of Preservation, Restoration, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction
• How to operate hand and power tools
• Travel and associated expenses for Historic Preservation Fundamentals course
• OSHA Safety Training (OSHA-10 certification)
• Up to $1000 for independent professional development

Marginal Duties

Required Qualifications

This position is classified as a DHA (Direct Hiring Authority) Internship. Applicants must be a current student enrolled in an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited institute of higher education. Proof of enrollment will be required before an official offer is made. Applicant must successfully complete the internship and graduate from their degree program to receive DHA eligibility status.

• 
  Interest in historic preservation trades and continuing into the trades field; No prior trades experience is required to be eligible to participate in the TTAP Program.
• Participants must be between 18 and 30 years of age.
• Veteran participants must be between 18 and 35 years of age and possess a DD214 with a discharge status of Honorable or General under Honorable Conditions.
• Participants must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent legal resident.
• Physical effort is heavy to moderate for this position and requires occasional moving or positioning of objects or materials up to 50lbs, unassisted, following proper procedures to avoid injury. Frequently required to stand while working, ascend ladders or scaffolding, and move and work in awkward positions at varying heights above the ground.
• Interest in using hand and power tools in an outdoor setting to complete projects
• Most positions require a valid driver’s license and ability to pass DOI driver standards and background check driving govt vehicle is required at times.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Shared park housing available

Compensation

$1440 bi-weekly

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Additional Benefits

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement

The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.