Historic Preservation - San Antonio Missions National Historic Park

Position Summary 

This position will receive training and perform work tasks led by National Park Service staff members including acequia maintenance, grounds preservation maintenance, irrigation system management, landscape bed rehabilitation and other associated tasks within the park’s multiple historic cultural landscapes.

The San Antonio Missions Cultural Landscape Apprentice Program engages young adults in cultural landscape preservation service. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park was inscribed as the first World Heritage Site in Texas by the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO) in 2015, and includes the city’s four southernmost Spanish colonial missions – Concepción, San José, San Juan and Espada. The park was created not only to protect the mission structures but also the irrigation systems (acequias) that were integral to each mission. The ability to irrigate farmlands, and bring water to the mission communities was imperative to the success of the Spanish colonial missions. Preservation of these acequia systems and the historic structures and cultural landscapes is vital to retain historical integrity, and for providing park visitors with a more complete picture of 1700s mission life. This position will receive job training and perform work tasks led by National Park Service staff members including acequia maintenance, grounds preservation maintenance, irrigation system management, landscape bed rehabilitation and other associated tasks within the park’s multiple historic cultural landscapes.

Schedule: January 5, 2026 – July 31, 2026

Daily Schedule: Monday – Friday 7:00 a – 3:30 p

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

· Grounds Maintenance: mowing, pruning, weed trimming, edging

· Vegetation removal, hauling limbs, chipping

· Historic Acequia Maintenance; moving soil, cleaning out debris and trash

· Installing bollard and cable, fencing, or other perimeter materials

· General labor and assistance as directed by NPS crew leads

· Maintaining work areas, materials, and equipment

· Assisting with landscape bed maintenance and irrigation systems

Marginal Duties 

· Assisting with other landscape tasks

· Supporting Park events as needed

Position Benefits

· Training in several cultural landscape skills and tool use

· Networking opportunities with NPS preservation and cultural landscape staff

· America the Beautiful annual Volunteer Park Pass

· Federal resume and hiring procedure mentorship

Required Qualifications 

·      Interest in historic preservation, specifically cultural landscapes

·      18-30 years old or up to 35 for veterans

·      Ability to work on a team and contribute positively to projects

·      Physical effort is heavy to moderate for this position and requires occasional lifting or handling of objects or materials up to 50 lbs, 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

·      Must be able and willing to work outside in various temperatures and weather conditions.

·      Willingness to work outside, learning new cultural landscape trades

·      Ability to pass DOI background check and hold valid driver’s license to qualify for driving a government vehicle

Preferred Qualifications 

·      Local to San Antonio, TX

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

No housing provided - interns must secure housing in San Antonio area.

Compensation  

$1440 bi-weekly living allowance, $1100 one-time travel/commuting allowance

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement 

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. 

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.