Historic Preservation Trades Intern at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Position Summary 

Build your hands-on preservation trades skills at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area 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 skills will include repair/replace slate and cedar shingles and the techniques needed to properly complete each project

• Masonry skills will include chimney repointing, rock wall repairs, foundation preservation and general preservation repairs depending on the project

• Carpentry skills will include window and door repairs, timber framing and sill repairs, porch and general preservation repairs depending on the project

• Hand and power tools use

• Copper flashing repairs including cutting metal and soldering joints and flashing

• OSHA 10 Construction certification

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

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 

Bushkill, PA

Schedule 

April 20, 2026 - October 16, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Interest in historic preservation trades and continuing into the trades field

• 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.

Marginal Duties 

- Hand and power tool maintenance

- Gutter cleaning

- General site maintenance around historic structures

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.

Hours 

40 per week

Monday-Thursday 6:00a-4:30p

40 hours/week with weekends and federal holidays off.

Living Accommodations 

Park housing is available. If you will need park housing, you will be assigned a room to one of our park houses that are located throughout the park. Details on the location of the house and the room set up will be assigned at a later date.

Compensation  

• $1,440 bi-weekly living allowance (pre-tax)

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

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.

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