Historic Preservation Trades Intern at C&O Canal National Historic Park
Position Summary
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 the course of a 26-week immersive experience, TTAP participants train and work alongside experienced NPS employees to preserve cultural resources and crucial infrastructure. TTAP interns will obtain a breadth of preservation trades experience which they can build on if they decide to continue with historic preservation.
Location
Williamsport, MD
Schedule
April 6, 2026 - October 2, 2026
40 hours/week with weekends and federal holidays off.
Skills Training & Support Provided:
- Roofing, including safety standards
- Masonry cleaning and repointing
- Morter analysis and mixing
- Window restoration (glazing and replacement)
- 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
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority (at position completion)
• OSHA 10 Certification
• Training and networking opportunities with NPS and preservation professionals
Compensation
$1,440 bi-weekly living allowance (pre-tax)
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
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.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Interns will gain experience working with stone masonry, plastering, carpentry, roofing, and other materials. Projects include: • Historic culvert repair and stabilization. • Historic canal locks rehabilitation and stabilization. • Historic lockhouse maintenance, repair and rehabilitation.
Marginal Duties
• Tool maintenance • Shop cleanup Mowing/weed eating
• Debris removal from culverts or otherwise to make jobsites accessible.
• Helping our resources team with invasive species/cataloguing
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
• 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.
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.
Preferred Qualifications
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass DOI driver standards and background check in order to drive a government vehicle.
Living Accommodations
Park housing may be available, details upon interview.
Personal Vehicle Information
Recommended
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.
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