Traditional Trades Advancement Program at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Historic Preservation Internship at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Build your hands-on preservation trades skills at Great Smoky Mountains National 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 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 historic preservation.

Skills Training & Support Provided:

• Roofing, including safety standards
• Masonry (rock skirt and chimney)
• Window restoration (glazing and replacement)
• Chinking on log cabins
• Hand and power tools use
• General preservation maintenance
• OSHA 10 Construction certification

Position Benefits:

• $1,000 Funding for independent professional development
• Travel and associated expenses for in-person Historic Preservation Fundamentals course
• Health Insurance
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority (at position completion)

Location:

Gatlinburg, TN

Schedule:

November 2, 2026 - April 30, 2027

Key

Duties and Responsibilities:

This position is a great way to gain practical, hands-on experience and the foundation for a career in historic preservation. The projects at Great Smoky Mountains will focus on roofing projects for various structures including log cabins, barns, and wood frame houses. Additional tasks will include log cabin floor repairs, window restoration, masonry, and chinking replacement on log cabins. The ideal candidate is excited about hands-on trades work and should be able to demonstrate or discuss their interest in the historic preservation field.

TTAP Placements must be able to commit to a 26-week term.

Marginal Duties:

Documentation, research, and project reporting;
Custodial duties, as needed and within reason

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Valid driver's license and ability to pass DOI driver standards and background check in order to drive a government vehicle.

Hours:

40 hours/week with weekends and federal holidays off.

4/10's Monday through Thursday

Living Accommodations:

Housing is not provided.

Compensation:

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

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

Personal Vehicle Information:

Recommended

Additional Benefits:

Ameri Corps:
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.