Becoming a Seasonal Preservation Worker with the National Park Service

Preserving the architectural heritage and cultural monuments of America is one of the most rewarding missions in public service. The National Park Service (NPS), operating under the Department of the Interior, is currently accepting applications for the role of Preservation Worker (Seasonal) at the WG-07 grade level. Earning between $23.94 and $32.66 per hour, selected workers will contribute directly to the physical conservation of historic structures, monuments, and landscapes in Natchez, Mississippi, and Sullivans Island, South Carolina.

Because this hiring announcement is restricted to the first 100 applicants, understanding the position requirements, application rules, and duty expectations is essential to submitting a competitive package before the window closes.

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About the Department of the Interior & National Park Service

The Department of the Interior (DOI) manages hundreds of millions of acres of public lands and protects America's cultural national treasure troves. Within the DOI, the National Park Service is tasked with preserving iconic natural and historical resources for current and future generations.

When you work for the National Park Service, you become part of a legacy dedicated to public stewardship. Seasonal preservation workers provide essential trade labor, ensuring that historic sites remain safe, authentically restored, and structurally sound for millions of annual visitors.

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Job Responsibilities & Core Trade Duties

As a Seasonal Preservation Worker (WG-07), you will perform skilled, multi-disciplinary trade tasks required to repair, restore, and maintain historic assets. These structures include historic residences, coastal fortifications, statues, military markers, and historic artillery pieces.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

• Plastering & Interior Restoration: Applying, repairing, and finishing historic plaster surfaces inside landmark buildings and structures.
• Carpentry & Woodwork: Measuring, cutting, building, and modifying composite and traditional wood elements to restore historic integrity.
• Roofing Repair: Stripping damaged roofing materials, assisting with roof replacement, and operating specialized heating equipment like asphalt kettles.
• Surface Painting & Finishing: Applying protective coatings, varnishes, shellacs, and paints using brushes, rollers, and spray equipment.
• General Labor & Workshop Upkeep: Maintaining tools, sweeping work quarters, excavating areas, and ensuring site safety compliance.
• Vehicle & Tool Operation: Safely driving light motor vehicles and four-wheel-drive trucks to transport passengers, materials, and towing equipment across rural or urban terrain.
• Material Procurement: Purchasing necessary supplies, specialized components, and restoration gear according to project specifications.

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Requirements & Qualification Standards

Federal Wage System (FWS) trades positions evaluate applicants based on demonstrated practical knowledge, quality of experience, and physical capability rather than academic credit hours.

Mandatory Qualifications:

1. U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must hold U.S. citizenship or national status.
2. Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old (or 16+ with high school diploma/vocational certification).
3. Screen-Out Factor: You must demonstrate the ability to perform WG-07 preservation work without more than normal supervision. Failing to clearly detail this capability on your resume will result in immediate disqualification.
4. Driver's License: A valid state driver's license is mandatory for operating government vehicles on public roads and rugged park trails.
5. Background Investigation: Candidates must undergo a federal background investigation and suitability determination.
6. Physical Fitness: Candidates must be capable of lifting and carrying objects weighing over 50 pounds, climbing ladders/scaffolds, and performing strenuous labor (bending, crawling, kneeling) in extreme ambient weather conditions.

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Salary Overview & Position Structure

Preservation Workers are hired under the Federal Wage System (FWS) at Grade 7. Hourly rates vary according to step progression and local wage schedules.

Position Metric	Details
Job Title	Preservation Worker (Seasonal)
Pay Grade	WG-4701-07
Hourly Pay Range	$23.94 – $32.66 per hour
Duty Locations	Natchez, MS / Sullivans Island, SC
Work Term	Seasonal (Typically March/April – November 2027)
Hour Cap	Not to Exceed 1,039 Hours (or 1,560 Hours depending on park)
Application Limit	Open to the first 100 applicants

Note: First-time federal hires generally start at Step 1 ($23.94/hr) of the WG-07 scale unless prior high-level federal service applies.

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Key Benefits & Perks

While seasonal positions are temporary, working with the National Park Service offers distinct advantages:

• Competitive Compensation: Earn strong hourly pay with potential overtime during peak operating seasons.
• Uniform Allowance: Receive an official allowance to purchase standard NPS uniforms.
• OPM Health Coverage: Access to prospective federal healthcare coverage benefits based on service duration.
• Non-Competitive Rehire Eligibility: Re-hire rights allow returning seasonal workers to accept future NPS positions within the 1,039-hour service year standard without re-competing open public announcements.
• Career Advancement: Build direct, documented federal trade experience that strengthens future applications for permanent career-conditional federal trade roles.

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

To ensure your application is reviewed before the 100-applicant quota is met, follow this step-by-step strategy:

Step 1: Craft a Compliant Federal Resume

• Strict 2-Page Limit: Your resume MUST NOT exceed two pages. Resumes longer than two pages will be discarded without review.
• Formatting Guidelines: Use standard 0.5-inch margins and a minimum 10pt font. Do not include photographs, portfolio links, or attached extensions.
• Detail Trade Competencies: Clearly document your knowledge of plastering, carpentry, tool maintenance, specification interpretation, and safety practices.

Step 2: Complete the USA Staffing Online Application

• Navigate to USAJOBS and select Apply Online.
• Fill out the comprehensive background forms and complete the Assessment Questionnaire.
• Double-check that your answers on the questionnaire are fully supported by documented evidence in your 2-page resume.

Step 3: Attach Mandatory Supporting Documents

• Veterans' Preference: Attach your DD-214 (Member 4 copy) or official VA disability rating letter if applicable.
• CTAP/ICTAP Priority: Submit RIF separation notices, latest SF-50, and performance ratings if claiming priority placement.

Step 4: Final Submission

Submit your package prior to 11:59 PM Eastern Time on October 30, 2026—or ideally, within hours of posting to beat the 100-applicant threshold.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is government housing provided for this seasonal role?

Government housing may be available at certain park units, but it is not guaranteed. Candidates selected for interview should discuss housing options directly with the hiring park.

2. Can trade school education count toward qualifications?

No. Under Federal Wage System guidelines, formal education cannot be substituted for hands-on practical trade experience.

3. What happens if I submit a resume that is 3 pages long?

Any resume exceeding two pages will be automatically flagged as ineligible and will not be reviewed by human resources staff.

4. How will I know if my application was successfully submitted?

Once you complete the USA Staffing submission, you will receive an automated email confirmation. You can monitor your application status directly through your USAJOBS account dashboard.

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If you possess skilled trade capabilities in carpentry, masonry, painting, or historic restoration, working as a Seasonal Preservation Worker for the National Park Service is an exceptional way to serve your country while advancing your trade career. Act quickly, tailor your 2-page federal resume to highlight your unsupervised trade achievements, and submit your application today before the 100-applicant limit is reached!