Traditional Trades Advancement Program at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

Position Summary

Build your hands-on preservation trades skills at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve 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.

Schedule

June 2, 2025 - August 22, 2025

Location: New Orleans, LA

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The projects at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve will focus on the repairs on the historic home at Chalmette Battlefield. TTAP placements will be able to learn flooring and stabilization and exterior repair and preservation techniques. 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 May 5 – July 25, 2025 with weekends and federal holidays off.

This position is classified as a DHA (Direct Hiring Authority) Internship. Applicants must be a current student enrolled in an associate's degree or higher from an accredited institute of higher education. Proof of enrollment will be required before an official offer is made. Applicant must successfully complete the internship and graduate from their degree program to receive DHA eligibility status.

Skills Training & Support Provided:

• Stabilization techniques

• Preservation maintenance

• OSHA 10 Construction certification

• NPS Operational Leadership training

• Assistance applying for federal jobs

• Ability to request temporary work assignments with other crews and divisions within park, based on interest (e.g. trails, interpretation/education, natural/ cultural resources, etc.)

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 (after position completion)

• OSHA 10 Certification

• Training and networking opportunities with NPS and preservation professionals

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 12 weeks (start date flexible)

• Must be a current student enrolled in an associate's degree or higher from an accredited institute of higher education.

• 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 work for 9+ hours in extremely hot weather conditions.

• Ability to commute to meet up location daily

• Follow all safety rules and regulations and participate in ongoing safety culture of the site.

• Must be able to pass a government background check

• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to pass DOI driver standards and background check

Preferred Qualifications

• Local to New Orleans, LA – Park housing is not available

Hours

40 per week

Compensation

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

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

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.

The Traditional Trades Advancement Program (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.