Traditional Trades Program; TTAP – George Washington Memorial Parkway

Traditional Trades Advancement Program – George Washington Memorial Parkway

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking two members to contribute to historic preservation projects alongside George Washington Memorial Parkway staff.

The Traditional Trades Advancement Program Corps is intended for enthusiastic individuals who possess an interest in gaining experience in the field of historic preservation. No education or experience in the field is necessary.

For more information about the National Park Service's Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP), please visit our website. For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: June 15, 2026

Estimated End Date: December 11, 2026

* a 26-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/

Description:

The George Washington Memorial Parkway is a 25-mile scenic, limited-access road managed by the National Park Service in Virginia and D.C., connecting historic sites like Mount Vernon, Great Falls, and Arlington National Cemetery. It is open daily, though lane closures from construction may occur through 2026, especially near the I-495 and 123 interchange. The parkway links sites that commemorate important episodes in American history and preserve habitat for local wildlife.

For more information about the George Washington Memorial Parkway, please visit the NPS website.

Members will perform a variety of maintenance and repair projects including painting, graffiti removal, vegetation removal, repairing masonry surfaces, asphalt repair, etc., to support DC Safe and Beautiful efforts. day-to-day duties include painting posts and chains, bollards, picnic tables, large planters, light posts, signposts, curbs/wayside bases and frames, trellises and barriers, etc. They will clean and wax wayside panels and clean the exteriors of structures by removing graffiti and invasive plants.

They will prune trees and shrubs to improve visibility and reduce hazards, and address safety hazards by repairing walkways (softening edges) and securing railings. They will perform water drainage checks. During the term, members will gain experience in preservation, restoration, stabilization, and maintenance of DCs iconic cultural sites and resources.

This placement is designed to facilitate professional development and exposure to land management agencies, with opportunities to shadow different work groups and gain experience in various conservation fields.

Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $720/week to offset food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for 640 hours, total hours may be combined with hours from another PLC-eligible term. PLC projects include eligibility requirements such as age (16–30;

some agencies interpret up to 35 for veterans) and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions or view eligibility information on our website.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or NPS.

Professional Development Stipend: $1,000 of professional development funds will be available for pre-approved uses.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position-specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, including OSHA-10 and Introduction to Preservation Horticulture.

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts.
• Members must have a High School Diploma or GED.
• Members must be ages 18–30 (up to 35 if a U.S. veteran).
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be self-directed/work independently and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver’s…