Historic Structures and Trades

Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC) completes technical preservation projects on historic structures within the NPS system. Interns with HPTC can expect to get hands-on experience and training in preservation trades and building crafts by industry leaders.
Training the Next Generation

These service opportunities operate as apprenticeships for the next generation of historic trades and preservation professionals. Historic structures in our national parks are constantly in need of thoughtful and careful preservation, repair, and maintenance.  By assisting and working alongside HPTC on these projects, participants directly improve the physical conditions of nationally significant park spaces that are accessed and enjoyed by thousands of visitors per year
Mentorship

While enrolled, participants are exposed to valuable experiences, methodologies, and mentorship by supervisory park staff, establishing a pipeline for young people to meaningfully engage with historic landscapes and begin a career in historic preservation and traditional trades
Hands-on Experience

Hands-on experience and training in preservation trades and building crafts

Yosemite National Park 2025 Ttap Simmons Harrison — HPTC is dedicated to training the next generation of federal employees and stresses preservation philosophy alongside specialized training in masonry, carpentry, and wood crafting.

In 2024, a total of 78 members participated in internships with the Historic Preservation Training Center based in national parks, monuments, and national historic sites across the country. The dedicated work of these members contributed to the restoration of at least 57 historic structures and the assessment of conditions on an additional 182. A wide range of member work also produced training videos documenting preservation techniques.

Just this past year, 19 participants secured immediate transitions from the end of their term into relevant roles with federal partners, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.

: Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) provides entry-level opportunities for young adults and veterans with no prior experience. Participants receive hands-on training in essential trade skills while helping address maintenance needs in national parks. This program builds the next generation of preservation workers focused on land and cultural resources, preparing them for careers in both the public and private sectors.
: Historic Stewards/Maintenance Action Teams immersive internships focus on preservation projects for individuals with prior experience or education in trades. Interns work with NPS staff in masonry, carpentry, or wood crafting, gaining advanced skills.
: Build Up Technical Internship Program offers technical internships in fields like engineering, architecture, and project management. Interns work on large-scale projects with NPS teams nationwide.
: Water Lab & Utility Shop Internship provides hands-on experience in water treatment and wastewater management. Participants perform system readings, run tests, and maintain water systems, learning skills essential to maintaining NPS facilities, including emergency repairs.

Open HPTC Positions

Service Opportunity	Park Unit	Location
NPS HPTC Build Up Engineering Intern—Yosemite National Park—AmeriCorps	Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service)	El Portal, CA
NPS HPTC Build Up Project Manager - Point Reyes National Seashore	Point Reyes National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)	Point Reyes Station, CA
NPS HPTC Build Up Realty Specialist - Point Reyes National Seashore	Point Reyes National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)	Point Reyes Station, CA
Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve - Water Lab & Utility Shop Service Member – AmeriCorps	Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve (U.S. National Park Service)	Copper Center, AK
Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Water Lab & Utility Shop Service Member – AmeriCorps	Ozark National Scenic Riverways (U.S. National Park Service)	Van Buren, MO
Virgin Islands National Park- Water Lab & Utility Shop Service Member – AmeriCorps	Virgin Islands National Park (U.S. National Park Service)	St. John, VI
Katmai National Park and Preserve – Water Lab & Utility Shop Service Member – AmeriCorps	Katmai National Park & Preserve (U.S. National Park Service)	King Salmon, AK
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – Water Lab & Utility Shop Service Member – AmeriCorps	Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (U.S. National Park Service)	Empire, MI
Rocky Mountain National Park – Water Lab & Utility Shop Service Member – AmeriCorps	Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service)	Estes Park, CO
Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Water Lab & Utility Shop Service Member – AmeriCorps	Cuyahoga Valley National Park (U.S. National Park Service)	Brecksville, OH
Death Valley National Park – Water Lab & Utility Shop Service Member – AmeriCorps	Death Valley National Park (U.S. National Park Service)	Death Valley, CA
Point Reyes National Seashore Water Lab & Utility Shop Service Member	Point Reyes National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)
Mesa Verde National Park - Water Lab & Utility Shop Service Member	Mesa Verde National Park (U.S. National Park Service)	Mesa Verde, CO
Isle Royale National Park - Water Lab & Utility Shop Service Member	Isle Royale National Park (U.S. National Park Service)	Houghton, MI
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park Water Lab & Utility Shop Member	Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park (U.S. National Park Service)	Fredericksburg, VA
NPS Historic Preservation Training Center Build Up Aspiring Architect – AmeriCorps	Historic Preservation Training Center (U.S. National Park Service)	Frederick, MD

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Historic Structures and Trades

Training the Next Generation

Mentorship

Hands-on Experience

Types of HPTC Programs

Open HPTC Positions

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