News & Resources

GROUNDWORK USA IS RECRUITING FOR PAID HISTORIC PRESERVATION INTERNSHIPS
March 25, 2022 | |

Groundwork USA is currently recruiting applicants for its Traditional Trades Apprenticeship Program (TTAP)! Created through a unique partnership between the National Park Service and Groundwork USA, the Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) is a 20-week, 800-hour, paid internship program. In the program, participants will have the opportunity to learn from construction and preservation experts, develop the skills to enter the industry, and work in, and preserve historic structures in a National Park.

Learn more about the National Park Service’s TTAP Program.

We are currently only recruiting for Sleeping Bear Dunes at this time.

 

What kinds of things will interns learn?

  • How to preserve and restore historic buildings and structures
  • Woodworking, painting, masonry, glazing, etc. depending on the needs of the park
  • How to operate hand tools and power tools
  • Material handling and project management
  • Construction drawing and construction math
  • Construction industry standards and procedures
  • Historic Preservation Fundamentals Training
  • OSHA Safety Training (OSHA-10 certification)

Where will the training and work take place?

We are currently only recruiting for Sleeping Bear Dunes at this time.

  • Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park – Fredericksburg, Virginia
  • George Washington Birthplace National Monument – Colonial Beach, Virginia
  • Thomas Stone National Historic Site – Port Tobacco, Maryland
  • Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve – Jacksonville, Florida

 

Is housing provided for this internship?

  • Housing in the park is available for some positions. If not available, some housing assistance can be provided for interns that do not already have housing in the area.

In addition to training, what other benefits are there?

  • $16 per hour stipend, paid bi-weekly
  • Uniform shirts and a tablet (tablets will be used for training and work but will be kept by the interns at the completion of their term)
  • OSHA-10 certification (needed for work at construction sites)
  • Public Land Corps hiring authority for two years that can be used to help gain employment with the National Park Service. Find out more here.
  • Networking opportunities with the National Park Service
  • Career development and placement assistance from Groundwork USA and the NPS

 

Who is eligible to apply? 

  • Young adults aged 18-30 (Veterans up to 35 with Honorable Discharge).
  • Female-identifying and LGBTQ+ persons are encouraged to apply.
  • United States citizens or legal residents. Interns must be able to read and communicate in English. Some writing may be required during the term.
  • No minimum education level is required. However, applicants must be able to read and understand training materials and complete a basic reading and math test.
  • No prior experience with construction or historic preservation is required. Applicants should have a career interest in building trade skills (carpentry, masonry, etc.) and/or historic preservation.

 

General requirements:

  • Applicants must be comfortable working outside in varying weather conditions and at heights, have a willingness to work hard and get dirty, and have a love for the outdoors and working with their hands. Some work days may be up to 10 hours long, depending on the needs of the park.
  • Must be able to commit to a twenty-week experience of training and hands-on, full-time work.
  • Must be substance free in accordance with our drug-free workplace policy, be able to pass a criminal history check as prescribed by the Serve America Act, and adhere to safety requirements and expectations.
  • Must complete Groundwork USA paperwork in a timely manner (timesheets, reports, and forms)
  • Have a serious attitude toward safety all day, every day
  • Have the ability to think critically and creatively and have a positive attitude
  • Have effective communication abilities
  • Have a professional and respectful attitude and works well within a team
  • Flexibility to work outside of traditional hours may be required
  • Moderate to heavy physical effort is required for this position, including occasional lifting or handling of objects over 45lbs using proper techniques.
  • Standing or kneeling for long periods and will be required to climb ladders, work from scaffolding or platforms, work on uneven or angled surfaces such as a roof, and/or be able to work in confined spaces.
  • Ability to stoop, bend, kneel, climb and walk in all manners of environmental conditions such as rain, mud, and extreme heat or cold.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license (depends on site)
  • Must have transportation to the site

APPLY ONLINE:

We are currently only recruiting for Sleeping Bear Dunes at this time.

  • Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park Application
  • George Washington Birthplace National Monument Application
  • Thomas Stone National Historic Site Application
  • Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve Application

 

Deadline to apply: September 6, 2022

Have questions?

Contact Program Manager, James Foster at 251-479-8477 or james@groundworkusa.org