Historic Preservation Trades Placement at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Location: Bushkill, PA
Program Dates: April 20, 2026 – October 16, 2026
Schedule: 40 hours/week, Monday–Thursday 6:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (weekends and federal holidays off)
Compensation: $1,440 bi-weekly living allowance (pre-tax)

Position Summary

Build hands-on preservation trades skills at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area through projects addressing a range of historic preservation needs. During this 26-week immersive experience, TTAP participants train and work alongside experienced National Park Service (NPS) employees to preserve cultural resources and critical infrastructure.

Interns will gain practical, career-building experience through roofing, masonry, carpentry, and general preservation projects, including work on historic structures such as chimneys, rock walls, timber framing, and porches.

Program Overview

The Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) is an internship program of the National Park Service for aspiring preservation tradespeople. Participants work alongside NPS staff to preserve historic infrastructure and cultural resources.

Through hands-on projects and formal training, participants gain practical skills in traditional trades such as masonry, carpentry, woodcrafting, and landscape preservation. TTAP provides participants with career-building experience while supporting nationally significant park resources.

Skills Training & Support Provided

• Roofing: repair and replacement of slate and cedar shingles

• Masonry: chimney repointing, rock wall repairs, foundation preservation, general masonry repairs

• Carpentry: window and door repairs, timber framing and sill repairs, porch repairs, general preservation repairs

• Copper flashing: cutting metal and soldering joints

• Hand and power tool use

• General preservation maintenance

• OSHA 10 Construction certification

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Participate in hands-on preservation projects including roofing, masonry, and carpentry repairs

• Perform chinking, timber framing, and window/door restoration as assigned

• Follow proper safety protocols when using hand and power tools

• Assist with general site maintenance to support historic structures

• Commit to full 26-week program

Marginal Duties

• Hand and power tool maintenance

• Gutter cleaning

• General site maintenance around historic structures

Required Qualifications

• Interest in historic preservation trades and pursuing a career in the field

• Age 18–30 (or up to 35 for veterans)

• Commitment to the full 26-week program

• Physical effort is heavy to moderate: lifting up to 50 lbs, standing for extended periods, climbing ladders/scaffolding, bending, stooping, and working in awkward positions

• Ability to commute to daily meeting location

• Interest in using hand and power tools in outdoor settings

• Willingness to follow all safety rules and participate in ongoing safety culture

Preferred Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass DOI driver standards and background check

Hours

40 per week (Monday–Thursday, 6:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.)

Living Accommodations

Park housing is available. If needed, interns will be assigned a room in one of the park houses located throughout the park. Specific housing assignments will be provided later.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Compensation & Benefits

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

• $1,000 funding for independent professional development

• Travel support for in-person Historic Preservation Fundamentals course

• OSHA 10 Certification

• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority eligibility (upon successful completion)

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

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SCA fosters a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect and is committed to maintaining a workplace where individuals can grow personally and professionally.