Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) Interns get hands-on experience in historic preservation.
NPS Photo
My time as a Historical Interpreter Intern at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park has been some of the most fulfilling months of my life. Unsure that a career in the National Park Service was right for me, I quickly discovered my love for interpretation and sharing the stories of such important places in our country's narrative. The incredible staff made interns feel nothing but welcomed, encouraged us where needed, but were also super receptive to all our interests and comfort levels. The friendships I've made this summer will undoubtedly last a lifetime. Not to mention the important skills I've gained and developed this summer - from research and public speaking, to confidence and empathy, to critical thinking and asking the tough questions - I will take all of these with me as I move forward with my career in the NPS. I highly recommend this experience for anyone remotely interested in a career with the NPS or public history - or anyone who's looking for an exciting, meaningful way to spend their summer.
An internship with Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park provides an unforgettable, invaluable experience.
While we offer a variety of internships, the most plentiful position is in the Branch of Interpretation and Eduction. Summer interns can expect to work 5 days a week. Spring and fall interns work 2-5 days per week. Weekend work may be required. Other internships are offered as available, depending on workloads and available projects.
Interns share park housing with seasonal employees and other volunteers, and must participate in housecleaning assignments. Interns can expect to have their own rooms. Park housing include kitchen and laundry facilities. A stipend providing meals and mileage reimbursement is offered to residential interns.
If you are looking to apply for seasonal employment, the check online at USAJobs to see which parks are hiring.
Interpretation and Education Internships
Note: Internship applications are accepted on a continuous basis, and interested individuals are encouraged to submit applications early. Interviews and selections for summer internship positions are ongoing in December and January, and after February 1st potential applicants should contact the park to see if positions remain available before submitting an application.
Interpretation interns work on the front lines of history by serving the public and sharing the past with modern visitors, fine-tuning both their research and presentation skills. Our internship program is an excellent opportunity for students and recent graduates to apply knowledge learned in the classroom, gain experience, meet professionals in the field, and determine which aspect of their chosen field is of greatest interest. Most interns serve during the summer season and work 40-hour work weeks. However, fall/winter and spring part-time internship positions are available.
Occasionally the park has the need for an intern position of Education Coordinator, who works with the park Education Coordinator to develop programs and materials.Interns will research and develop lesson plans and conduct programs to school groups either in the classroom or in the park. Internships may be arranged for college students majoring in History or American Studies, who have also taken education course-work.
Created through a unique partnership between the National Park Service and Groundwork USA, the Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) is a 26-week, 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.
