Traditional Trades Program – Carl Sandburg National Historic Site – AmeriCorps

Description

Position Title: NPS Historic Preservation Training Center – Traditional Trades Advancement Program – Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site – Ameri Corps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements – East

Site

Location:

NPS – Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site

81 Carl Sandburg Lane, Flat Rock, NC 28731

• Start Date: 04/20/2026
• End Date: 10/16/2026
• Ameri Corps Slot Classification: 900 Hours (26 Weeks)

Stewards Individual Placements is an Ameri Corps affiliated program that provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and protect our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting the health of natural areas.

Stewards, in partnership with the National Park Service and Historic Preservation Training Center are seeking individuals to participate in the Traditional Trades Apprenticeship Program. Members will receive introductory training in a variety of traditional trades and will develop an understanding of historic resource stewardship while helping to preserve our nation’s historic resources. This program provides participants with marketable skills and excellent exposure to the historic preservation career field within the NPS as well as the private sector.

The member will serve as an exhibit specialist at the CARL SANDBURG HOME NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE. This position supports the preservation, repair, and cyclic maintenance of historic landscapes and structures, including roofing, siding, painting, and structural repairs. The role involves leading or assisting projects from planning through completion, researching historically appropriate materials and methods, ordering and staging supplies, and executing hands‑on trade work.

• Assist in leading and/or co‑leading preservation and maintenance projects from planning through completion.
• Research historic documentation, materials, and appropriate preservation methods.
• Perform hands‑on trade work including roofing, siding repair, mortar repair, painting, and finish work.
• Complete cyclic maintenance tasks on historic landscapes and residential structures.
• Order, stage, and manage project materials and supplies.
• Inspect structures to assess repair needs and document conditions.
• Follow historic preservation standards and manufacturer specifications.
• Maintain safe work practices including proper PPE use, fall protection, and safe tool operation.
• Set up, use, and maintain tools and equipment safely.
• Coordinate work tasks and sequencing to ensure efficient project completion.
• Perform roof, gutter, and drainage system cleaning and maintenance.
• Assist with interior and exterior rehabilitation and finish work.
• Support documentation and reporting of completed work and project progress.

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
• At least 18 years of age, Veterans up to 35 years of age.
• Ability to commit to a 26‑week experience of combined training and hands‑on work
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an Ameri Corps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
• Ability to operate as a good team member.
• Foundational training in historic preservation practices and principles, and/or trade certifications in fields such as carpentry, masonry, or historic preservation.
• Prior field experience in historic preservation preferred but not required.

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that people with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use of program‑specific tools and a…