Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Position Summary 

Build your hands-on preservation trades skills at San Antonio Missions 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 grounds maintenance 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 landscape preservation.

 

Location 

San Antonio, TX

 

Schedule 

February 17, 2026 - August 8, 2026

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

The TTAP participant at San Antonio Missions will join the grounds staff and assist in cultural landscape management including vegetation removal, tree pruning, irrigation repair, earth works maintenance, and hardscape maintenance. Additional tasks may include other landscape tasks alongside the grounds team. The ideal candidate is excited about hands-on trades work in the field, especially cultural landscapes, and should be able to demonstrate or discuss their interest in the historic preservation. TTAP Placements must be able to commit to a 26-week term. Schedule: January 05 – Jul 03, 2026; full-time, 40 hours/week. Weekends and federal holidays off. Location: San Antonio, TX. No park housing available.

 

Marginal Duties 

• Inventorying tools and equipment
• Light custodial duties including dusting and tidying up areas
• Basic landscaping including mulching
• Replacing lightbulbs or small fixtures
• Covering and protecting materials from harsh elements including weather events
• Assisting members of the visiting public with directions and site information

 

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 (start date flexible)

• 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.

• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to pass DOI driver standards and background check.

 

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 

Local to San Antonio, TX.

 

All applicants must meet Minimum Qualifications to be considered for the position. Those who may not meet all the Preferred Qualifications are encouraged to apply! Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the National Park Service will conduct interviews. No experience in preservation trades required!

 

Hours 

40 per week

 

Living Accommodations 

Housing in not available. A $700/month Housing Allowance will be provided.

 

Compensation/Benefits

• $720/week living allowance ($18/hr equivalent, pre-tax) paid bi-weekly

• $700/month Housing Allowance

• Professional development stipend: $1000 per participant

• Uniform items and basic PPE

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

 

 

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

 

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

 

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.