Traditional Trades Advancement Program at Natchez National Historical Park

Position Summary

Build your hands-on preservation trades skills at Natchez National Historical 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.

Location

Natchez, MS

Schedule

October 27, 2025 - April 24, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The projects at Natchez National Historical Park will focus on wood shutter repairs and fabrication, wood window restoration, siding repairs, masonry, painting, historic landscape maintenance, and work in the historic orchard. Additional tasks may include learning metal work, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work from park maintenance staff. 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. This position is scheduled for October 27, 2025 – April 24, 2026. with weekends and federal holidays off.

Skills Training & Support Provided:

• Carpentry, including wood siding, shutters, and window repairs
• Window restoration Painting and finishes
• Masonry and repointing
• Hand and power tools use
• General preservation maintenance
• OSHA 10 Construction certification

Position Benefits:

• $1,440 bi-weekly living allowance (pre-tax)
• $1000 Funding for independent professional development
• Travel and associated expenses for in-person Historic Preservation Fundamentals course
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority (at position completion)
• OSHA 10 Certification
• Training and networking opportunities with NPS and preservation professionals
• Housing assistance may be available for candidates who need to relocate to accept the position.

Marginal Duties

Preservation maintenance tasks, as needed

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

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All 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.

Preferred Qualifications

Local to Natchez, MS (Housing is not provided at this site)

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Housing assistance may be available; Housing is NOT provided at this site

Compensation

$1,440 bi-weekly living allowance (pre-tax) $1000 Funding for independent professional development Housing assistance may be available

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Additional Benefits

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

The (TTAP) is an internship program of the National Park Service for aspiring preservation tradespeople. TTAP participants train and work alongside experienced NPS employees at a specific park site to preserve historic infrastructure and cultural resources. These valuable resources need constant thoughtful and careful preservation, repair, and maintenance. By assisting with preservation projects, participants directly improve the physical conditions of nationally significant park spaces that are accessed and enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year. Participants gain practical, hands-on experience and the foundation for a career in historic preservation. They learn the fundamentals of historic preservation and receive on-the-job training in one or more traditional trades such as masonry, carpentry, woodcrafting, landscape preservation, and more. The program is committed to providing all aspiring preservationists—especially those underrepresented in the trades—with a unique opportunity to work on important real-world projects while building professional experience in America's national parks.

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.