Historic Preservation Training Center's Individual Placement Program: Forging a New Generation of NPS Stewards

The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) is undeniably transforming our National Park Service Parks with the substantial annual funding dedicated to enhancing and preserving these treasured spaces. While GAOA often focuses on large-scale infrastructure projects, it also enables vital smaller-scale projects executed by regionally based Maintenance Action Teams (MAT) to take place. These teams, composed of skilled National Park Service trades staff, address a range of needs, from historic preservation and carpentry to trail maintenance, and building component renewal.

Recognizing both the opportunities presented by GAOA and the critical skills gap in the trades, the Park Planning, Facilities, and Lands (PPFL) Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC) developed a specialized Individual Placement (IP) program, a shining example of innovative workforce development. This program, established through a valuable partnership with Conservation Legacy, is a shining example of innovative workforce development. It showcases how GAOA funding can effectively support smaller to medium-sized parks and communities.

More than just preservation, the IP program is a multi-pronged approach that actively engages young adults and veterans, offering hands-on experience in skilled trades and providing a direct pathway to fulfilling careers within NPS. It's a win-win: preserving our nation's heritage while cultivating the next generation of dedicated stewards. The IP program is an integral part of the larger NPS Historic Preservation Training Center Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP), which focuses on building a skilled workforce to preserve our national treasures.

“GAOA's true legacy lies not just in the revitalization of our parks, but in empowering the next generation with the skills to safeguard them. By investing in these stewards, we ensure America's most precious treasures remain in capable hands for generations to come,” said HPTC Superintendent Moss Rudley.

Don’t take our word for it, meet some of our interns benefitting from the program.

Devin Burkhart works with a handsaw at a project site.

NPS

Devin Burkhart:

From exploring different trades to finding his calling in preservation, Devin's journey with the IP program took him across the country, working on diverse projects at iconic parks like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes National Park. Gaining expertise in everything from roofing to masonry, Devin's internship led to a 10-year Term Preservationist appointment with HPTC - a testament to the program's ability to launch fulfilling careers. 

Matt Wooten marks a piece of wood while working at a project site.

NPS

Matthew (Matt) Wooten:

Matt's passion for Historic Preservation was ignited at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and his internship with Conservation Legacy allowed him to deepen that passion while contributing to preservation projects from Kansas to Maryland. This experience not only honed his skills but also secured him a 10-year term, WG-5 maintenance worker position, demonstrating the program's direct link to NPS employment. 

Joe Glowack works on a project site.

NPS

Joe Glowack:

A chance encounter at Voyageurs National Park sparked Joe's interest in preservation. Through the IP program, he gained hands-on experience at various parks, balancing his internship with earning a Bachelor of Sciences degree. Joe's journey highlights the program's flexibility and its ability to support students while providing invaluable work experience that translated into a 10-year Term Preservationist position.

Ben Glowack works with tiles on a building roof.

NPS

Ben Glowack:

Ben's dedication to the NPS and his passion for preservation led him to an internship with HPTC, where he applied his knowledge from his Wilderness and Park Management degree to real-world projects. Traveling across the Midwest, Ben gained extensive experience in preservation techniques, showcasing the program's ability to provide diverse learning opportunities and inspire a lifelong commitment to protecting our national treasures.

Jalani Stable paints gates along a building exterior.

NPS

Jelani Coggins:

Hailing from St. Croix, Jelani's journey with the IP program showcases its impact beyond the mainland. Through hands-on experience on projects like the historic Bandstand at Christiansted National Historic Site and masonry training, Jelani's skills flourished, leading to a TERM WG-05 position with the HPTC Caribbean Section. His story is a testament to the program's ability to create opportunities and nurture talent in diverse locations.

The HPTC's Individual Placement program is not only preserving our nation's most treasured cultural resources, but also fostering the growth of a dedicated workforce. By providing hands-on experience and direct pathways to employment, the HPTC is ensuring that the legacy of our national parks remains in capable hands for generations to come.