Traditional Trades Advancement Program at Cape Lookout National Seashore

Position Summary 

Build your hands-on preservation trades skills at Cape Lookout National Seashore 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 

Beaufort, NC

Schedule 

October 19, 2026 - April 16, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

The projects at Cape Lookout National Seashore will focus on carpentry, wood window restoration and fabrication, door removal and install, staining and finishes, and trim work. Additional tasks may include learning about the process of foundation work and raising a building for piling installation and repair. 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 19, 2026 - April 16, 2027 with weekends and federal holidays off.

Marginal Duties 

• Inventorying tools and equipment
• Light custodial duties including dusting and tidying up areas
• Basic landscaping including mulching
• Replacing lightbulbs or small fixtures
• Covering and protecting materials from harsh elements including weather events
• Assisting members of the visiting public with directions and site information

Required Qualifications

• Participants must be between 18 and 30 years of age.

• Veteran participants must be between 18 and 35 years of age and possess a DD214 with a discharge status of Honorable or General under Honorable Conditions.

• Participants must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent legal resident.

• Interest in historic preservation trades and continuing into the trades field

• No prior trades experience is required to be eligible to participate in the TTAP Program.

• Physical effort is heavy to moderate for this position and requires occasional moving or positioning of objects or materials up to 50lbs, unassisted, following proper procedures to avoid injury. Frequently required to stand while working, ascend ladders or scaffolding, and move and work in awkward positions at varying heights above the ground.

• Other safety or logistics requirements unique to park site.

• Ability to commute to meet up location daily (less than 10 miles from park housing)

• Willing to travel by boat to project site regularly

• 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

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 

No experience in preservation trades required!

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

• Shared, park housing available

Compensation  

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

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Additional Benefits

• Health Insurance

• $1,000 Funding for independent professional development

• Travel and associated expenses for in-person Historic Preservation Fundamentals course

• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority (at position completion)

• AmeriCorps Education Award valued at $3,697 (upon successful completion of position)

• Training and networking opportunities with NPS and preservation professionals

AmeriCorps: Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement 

SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.