CRDIP Historic Preservation Intern- AmeriCorps

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a Non-Profit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, Boston National Historical Park (BOST) is seeking ONE Historic Preservation Intern interested in dedicating 10 weeks in support of National Park Service. This is an opportunity for the prospective intern to get a behind-the-scenes look at the collections both on exhibit and in collection storage.  Collections include historical and archeological objects as well as archives that document the sites that the park administers at the Charlestown Navy Yard, Bunker Hill, Dorchester Heights and onboard the USS Cassin Young.  

This excellent opportunity is ideal for an enthusiastic young professional who is deeply committed to the preservation of our national parks. Applicants must have strong interest in a career in history preservation and museum collections. They will have a chance to expand horizons of cultural resource knowledge and experience. Engagement in this work will provide the participant with valuable experience performing some of the fundamental work involved in administering a museum program.

Start Date: June 5, 2017

End Date: August 11, 2017

Duration: A 10 week duration is required

Location: Boston, MA

Project Partner Website: For more information regarding Boston National Park, or the National Park Service, please visit www.nps.gov/bost/index.htm For more information on the ACE Internship Program, please visit: usaconservation.org

Compensation: $400/week, $640 relocation stipend 

Housing: Park housing is provided.

AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 300 hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($1,221.96) upon successful completion of the term.

Position Description: This project will consist of annual Inventory of the Boston NHP museum collection working with the park Museum Curator. This is an opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the collections both on exhibit and in collection storage.  Collections include historical and archeological objects as well as archives that document the sites that the park administers at the Charlestown Navy Yard, Bunker Hill, Dorchester Heights and onboard the USS Cassin Young.  The Cassin Young is a WWII and Cold War Era navy ship.  The majority of museum collections at the park embrace over 200 years of history.

This is the sixth year that this activity is being done with the participation of interns.  It is an exciting chance for the participant to glimpse just what is involved in managing a collection of over 400,000 items that is so rich in industrial history, urban archeology and archives that include textual records, photographs and architectural drawings.  Inventory of collections inevitably embraces all facets of the park museum collections profile and so is a great introduction to a park's museum collection.

The major job responsibilities are to positively identify museum objects and archives, check object locations, check accession paperwork, check object and archival condition, and record findings on NPS collection inventory forms.  This work is done with the museum curator and inevitably involves getting around to various storage locations and museum exhibit areas all around the park where these materials are located and checking in on their status. 

In addition, through the work of the inventory, the storage environment of objects or archives is often improved in some way via an internship project that can focus on one portion of the museum collection that is found to require better storage, better description in catalog records or better organization.  A major thrust of the park's museum program this year is records and archival management.  The intern and the curator will identify a group of materials for the intern to address in order to improve the archival situation.

Mentoring: This will be accomplished through a combination of site visits and conversations with park and regional NPS staff and with staff from associated and neighboring institutions around the area.  The outset of this experience involves an orientation to the park, which necessarily includes presentation of the complex group of architectural, cultural landscape and archeological sites and their management that exist in addition to museum collections. 

However, it can also involve an experience working with staff from outside the park alongside NPS staff from the regional office.  The participant would be able to tap into the professional network of the park curator as well as other professionals on the park Cultural Resources staff.  In the past, one intern participated in an archeological remote sensing project at a nearby site, working alongside the NPS Regional Archeologist and his team and another participated in an archeological excavation.  Sometimes an intern has a particular interest that he or she wants to explore further:  this summer internship is a great opportunity to expand horizons of cultural resource knowledge and experience. 

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate their skills and experience through their resume and application and be in pursuit of or have a 4-year degree in the museum, cultural resource management, archaeology, public history, or relevant field. A passion for cultural resource management and museum/collections work is required for this position.  

Required:

• US Citizenship or Permanent Resident
• Intern must be between the ages of 18 and 35
• Ability to undergo a federal criminal history check
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Precise attention to detail
• Direct focus on one task for long stretches of time
• Ability to record inventory results on a pre-established form
• Willing to seek regular review and revisions of work
• Understanding of the fragility of artifacts in a museum environment
• Consistently able to preform job duties in an efficient manner
• Ability to function efficiently in a team setting

The intern must be willing to represent ACE and the NPS in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. Drug users should not consider applying, as ACE reserves the right to require drug testing. 

To Apply: Please submit a thoughtful resume and cover letter along with 3 professional references using the APPLY NOW section located on the upper right hand corner of the position listing on our website here: https://usaconservationepic.applicantpool.com/jobs/.  

Note: Early consideration will be given as applications are received.  This position can close at any time.  If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact the Diversity, Inclusion, and Special Projects Manager, Katy Dalrymple at 385.249.7215 or kdalrymple@usaconservation.org.

Current Openings for CRDIP Historic Preservation Intern AmeriCorps Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC