TTAP Placement - Fort Vancouver

Position Summary

The National Park Service (NPS), is seeking enthusiastic participants for the Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP), an immersive 26-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

April 21 - October 17, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

TTAP is an individual placement 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 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.

Hands on learning and job training experience

• Paid orientation and travel to orientation

• Mentorship for career and professional development

• Explore national parks

• Weekly living allowance ($720 per week)

• Housing

• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority (with successful completion of fellowship).

Required Qualifications

• Age requirements: 18-3-, up to 35 for Veterans

• Interest in craftsmanship, history, and preservation.

• Willingness to learn and use hand and power tools.

• Complete required forms and evaluations.

• Able to perform duties with or without accommodations.

• Pass a criminal history check.

• Valid driver's license and insurable record.

• Professional, self-directed, and team-oriented.

• Must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident. Work Environment

• Conditions: Exposure to variable weather, rugged terrain, insects, and elevated platforms.

• Tools & Safety: NPS provides tools, vehicles, and PPE; safety training required.

• Physical Demands: Frequent movement, tool use, and lifting up to 50 lbs.

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

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.

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.