Traditional Trades Program at Klondike Gold Rush National Park

Job Description Position Summary

Build your hands‑on preservation trades skills at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (KLGO) 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 Preservation and Cultural Resource NPS employees to preserve cultural resources and historic infrastructure. TTAP participants will be based at KLGO, with the option to travel to other Alaska Parks and Preserves to assist with project work if these opportunities become available.

This position is a great way to gain practical, hands‑on experience and the foundation for a career in historic preservation, carpentry and more.

Skagway, AK

July 13, 2026 - January 8, 2027

The project work at Klondike Goldrush National Historical Park will primarily focus on preservation of the historic Patterson‑McDermott log cabin. TTAP participants will work alongside KLGO’s Preservation crew to complete the first phase of cabin preservation in preparation for the move to its location within the park. Site work will take place in Dyea, approx. 10 miles from Park headquarters in Skagway, Alaska.

Participants might also be tasked, at times, with assisting the Preservation crew at other historic building locations within the Park. Including exterior wall component repairs/paint on historic structures, and preservation of character defining features during a contracted roof replacement of one of the park’s most iconic buildings.

• Log cabin preservation – removal of a non‑historic dormer, disassembly, rehabilitation through techniques such as paint removal, dutchman joinery and epoxy repairs, and in‑kind log replacement as needed.
• Use of hand and power tools (draw knives, axes, chisels, slicks, power tools, jacks, rigging).
• Assistance to Park maintenance staff on preservation projects on Gold Rush Era Park buildings, Chilkoot National Historical Trail assets, and maintenance facility/woodshop in Skagway.
• Cleaning, repair, preparation, and painting of exterior finishes, trim, windows, and doors, and reinstallation of vertical clad siding and parapet wall caps.
• Potential work on backcountry projects such as the Chilkoot Trail, involving travel and camping.
• Possible travel to other parks (WEAR, BELA, YUCH) for preservation projects pending logistics.
• Work outdoors in all conditions, including rain, wind, mosquitoes, wildlife proximity, and construction site noise.
• Participation in all required safety trainings and wearing all required PPE.

• Upkeep of field tools, including sharpening and cleaning.
• Inventorying tools and equipment.
• Light custodial and site management assistance, including campground maintenance and worksite clean‑up/organization.
• Assisting members of the visiting public with directions and site information while working on projects.

• 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 position for 22‑26 weeks.
• Physical effort is heavy to moderate, requiring occasional lifting or handling of objects or materials up to 50 lbs unassisted.
• Frequently required to stand, climb ladders or scaffolding, and work in awkward positions.
• Interest in using hand and power tools in an outdoor setting to complete projects.
• Ability to commute to the designated meet‑up location daily; arrangements will be made for vehicle commuting between Skagway and Dyea, and at other locations where needed.
• Follow all safety rules and regulations and participate in ongoing safety culture of the site.
• Must have the ability to pass DOI background check to receive PIV card.

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.

• Strong interest in hands‑on preservation work and skill development.
• Ability to work…