Traditional Trades SkillBridge Program

The Traditional Trades SkillBridge Program of the National Park Service (NPS) provides separating military service members with the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of historic preservation and receive on-the-job training in areas such as carpentry, woodcrafting, finishing, masonry, metalworking, and window restoration. During this hands-on experience, participants train and work alongside experienced NPS employees to preserve the cultural resources and crucial infrastructure of a NPS site. Participants also receive networking opportunities and professional development training (employability, career paths, federal resume writing, etc.) to aid in post program employment. Applications will be considered on a year-round basis for placements at our Frederick, MD workshop and at park units across the National Park System. Applicants must be able to fulfill a minimum SkillBridge term of 15 weeks and as well as relocate to the area, if outside a reasonable commuting distance, to participate. While applicants are not required to possess prior historic preservation experience, candidates with previous experience working in construction or a related field are preferred. Interested candidates are encouraged to complete the following application to be considered for opportunities: https://forms.office.com/g/KbnAy5JXzs

JOB LOCATIONS (12)

ABOUT THE JOB

The Traditional Trades SkillBridge Program is seeking candidates with a strong work ethic and serious interest in historic preservation to learn, practice, and apply traditional trades skills on assigned preservation projects. Projects vary greatly and are dependent upon the national park site where participants work. Work could include activities such as: repairing historic window sash, replacing perimeter capstones on a revolutionary fort, removing old mortar and pointing walls, stabilizing barn foundations, and waxing bronze statues, or restoring a historic viewshed. Depending on the projects, work may be indoors or outdoors. Participants must be comfortable working outside in varying weather conditions and sometimes at heights. Participants must also have a willingness to work hard and get dirty. The skills learned throughout HPTC's internship program can be applied to a wide variety of career fields, including historic preservation, facility operations/maintenance, and construction.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Repairing historic window sash
• Replacing perimeter capstones on a revolutionary fort
• Removing old mortar and pointing walls
• Stabilizing barn foundations
• Waxing bronze statues
• Restoring a historic viewshed

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong work ethic
• Serious interest in historic preservation
• Comfortable working outside in varying weather conditions
• Willingness to work hard and get dirty
• Ability to relocate if outside a reasonable commuting distance

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY

Service members with previous experience working in construction or facility maintenance are highly encouraged to apply.

BENEFITS

• On-the-job training in areas such as carpentry, woodcrafting, finishing, masonry, metalworking, and window restoration
• Networking opportunities
• Professional development training including employability, career paths, federal resume writing

OTHER

While there is no cost to participate, individuals are expected to secure their own housing and transportation during the internship. Applicants should also be prepared to submit a current resume when applying to the program. Resumes can be sent to hptc_skillbridge@nps.gov.