National Council for Preservation Education
Academic Year 2013-2014 Internships
with the
National Park Service,
& Department of the Interior
The National Park Service and partnering agencies will offer internships during the academic year of 2013-2014. This notice covers the period January – May 2014. A separate notice will be distributed in January 2014 for summer 2014 positions. Internships are for 400 hours (usually ten weeks at forty hours per week) and in Washington, DC except where noted. Stipends are issued based on a rate of twelve dollars per hour. The exact starting dates will be determined on a case-by-case basis. For all internships, computer and word processing skills are desirable.
To be eligible, you must be currently enrolled in an academic program in historic preservation or an allied field, or very recently graduated (degree received December 2012 or later). Interns are not eligible to work more than 1200 hours in this program; previous interns in the program must stay within this overall limit.
To submit your application, please scan your materials electronically and email them as a single Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) file containing both signed application and transcripts to Cari Goetcheus at the University of Georgia (email: cgoetch@uga.edu). Please adhere to the single .pdf format requirement; processing of your application will be delayed if materials are not received in this form. Due to the large number of applications received, files should be kept under 3 MB in size if possible, and any files over 3 MB should be submitted in a compressed file format to make transmittal easier.
Submitting hard copies is discouraged as it will also delay application processing, but if electronic submission is not possible, all application materials should be mailed to the National Council for Preservation Education, Attention: Cari Goetcheus, Associate Professor, University of Georgia, College of Environment and Design, 108 Denmark Hall, Athens, GA 30602. Applications must be received no later than October 18, 2013. Please indicate by number the internship(s) in which you are interested, no more than six total (multiple numbers heading a single description count as one choice).
Please be aware that, unless otherwise noted, interns are responsible for travel to and housing at the internship location. This should be kept in mind particularly for those internships in the West. In some cases the supervising office may be able to assist in locating housing but it is ultimately up to the individual accepting the internship to find accommodations.
Also be aware that, due to Government-wide security requirements, a background check will be required for any position which involves access to Government computers, if you are chosen for that position. This will include providing information about recent housing and employment history. The position supervisor will have more information on requirements and procedures at the time of hiring.
National Park Service Internships
2374. National NAGPRA Program: Working with NAGPRA staff, assists with the organization and cataloging of permanent records maintained by the National NAGPRA office. Duties include review and disposition of permanent NAGPRA records files including but not limited to inventories and summaries, review committee, grants, online databases, civil penalties, tribal training reports, and common records. Other duties may include providing assistance with digitizing records. Background in history, historic preservation, anthropology, archives or collection management preferred but attention to detail and a willingness to learn is also important. Intern should be prepared to work in an office environment (720 hours).
2375. National Capital Region, Cultural Landscapes Program: Works with and assists historians, historical landscape architects and other preservation professionals to complete various Cultural Landscape Inventories associated with a variety of National Park sites in the Washington, DC metropolitan area (DC, MD, VA, WV). Duties include researching the landscape history of a historic property; site visits and field work to document existing conditions with photographs and maps; analyzing landscape features; and entering the information into a database. Knowledge of cultural landscapes, landscape architecture, and the National Register criteria preferred. Strong computer, research, and writing skills essential; working knowledge of graphics programs (Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator and/or CAD) beneficial (400 hours).
2376. National Capital Region, Museum Resource Center: As a museum technician, assists MRCE staff with museum outreach, research, accessioning, processing, cataloging and preparing museum collections for long-term curatorial storage. Position offers exposure to all aspects of professional museum work and the opportunity to be part of a team of museum professionals at a large Federal repository, working with a wide variety of museum collections at the Center, including historic furnishings, natural history collections, archival documents, and historic photographs. Collections come from NPS-administered historic homes and sites throughout the region, including Ford’s Theater National Historic Site; Frederick Douglass National Historic Site; Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial; and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Collection. Located in Landover, MD a close-in suburb of Washington, DC with easy Metro subway access (400 hours).
2377. National Capital Region, Ethnography Program: Assists the Regional cultural anthropologist with the preparation of materials related to ongoing and planned ethnographic (applied anthropology) research projects in the National Capital Region. Primary research duties will focus on collection of pre-existing data of all types that document traditional uses and contemporary associations of groups of people to Antietam National Battlefield, Maryland. Work must be coordinated with park and regional staff, as well as academic research teams. Other duties may include reviewing and indexing existing oral histories; matching existing consent forms with individual oral histories; seeking consent for public use from interviewees/families where possible; and working with park and regional staff to develop public interpretation using ethnographic information as appropriate. Organizational and documentary research skills necessary; background in cultural anthropology or archives management desired. Work will occur primarily in library or office settings, however some outdoor fieldwork may be required (400 hours).
2378. National Capital Region, Ethnography Program: Assists the Regional cultural anthropologist with the preparation of materials related to ongoing and planned ethnographic (applied anthropology) research projects in the National Capital Region. Primary research duties will focus on the collection of pre-existing data of all types that document traditional uses and contemporary associations of groups of people to several park sites, including former contraband camps associated with forts of the Civil War Defenses of Washington. Other duties may include compiling information related to planning ethnographic work on subsistence fishing along the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. Organizational and documentary research skills necessary; background in cultural anthropology desired. Work will occur primarily in library or office settings, however some outdoor fieldwork may be required (400 hours).
2379. Midwest Regional Office, Museum Collections and Records Management Program: Works with the staff Curator to meet National Park Service (NPS) curation standards for managing archival collections. Duties include a variety of curatorial responsibilities including processing and cataloging archival materials as reported on the fiscal year 2012 Collections Management Report (CMR) using the Department of the Interior’s official software, ICMS; regular housekeeping and environmental monitoring tasks; packaging and handling archival materials; and maintaining an access and use log. Museum studies or archives management background required, but attention to detail also important. Housing and transportation are the intern’s responsibility. Located in Omaha, NE (400 hours).
2380. Midwest Regional Office, Museum Collections and Records Management Program: Works remotely with the staff Curator to meet National Park Service (NPS) curation standards for managing the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve archival collections. Duties include re-housing and re-packaging an already processed and cataloged archival collection of historic corporate ranch records. Duties may also include a variety of curatorial responsibilities including working with the Department of the Interior’s official software, ICMS, and other responsibilities as assigned. Museum studies or archives management background required, but attention to detail also important. Housing and transportation are the intern’s responsibility. Located in Independence, MO (400 hours).
2381. Midwest Archeological Center, Archeological Information Management Team: Duties include working with archeologists to create Geographic Information System (GIS) maps for archeological sites monitoring and condition assessment program; creating queries in database systems to determine sites for monitoring and working with Center staff to update site information and inspection schedules; researching history of archeological work and archeological resources in Midwest Region parks and using the information to update GIS data such as site and project locations; and entering attribute data for new sites and revising data for existing records. Housing and transportation are the intern’s responsibility. Located at the Midwest Archeological Center, Lincoln, NE (800 hours).
2382. Midwest Archeological Center, Archeological Collection Documentation for Ozark National Scenic Riverways: Duties include completing a thorough inventory of a large archeological collection containing materials from archeological sites in Southeast Missouri, and associated with Ozark National Scenic Riverways, donated recently to NPS. Research will be conducted to identify potential owners of the material. Other duties with the collection may include rehousing artifacts; identifying archival project documents; and photographing and describing diagnostic artifacts. Attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing required. Housing and transportation are the intern’s responsibility. Located at the Midwest Archeological Center, Lincoln, NE (800 hours).
2383. Midwest Archeological Center, Archeological Collections Management Program: Works with Center staff to meet National Park Service (NPS) curation standards for managing archeological collections. Duties include a variety of curatorial activities such as cataloging archeological collections using official NPS cataloging software (ICMS); packaging and preparing artifacts and archives for storage; and tracking environmental conditions for the storage repository. The collections reflect a wide range of past human occupation from the earliest Native Americans through the fur trade and frontier eras, the Civil War, and presidential homes. Housing and transportation are the intern’s responsibility. Located at the Midwest Archeological Center, Lincoln, NE (400 hours).
2384. Midwest Archeological Center, Great Plains Archeological Research: Assists Center staff with a variety of tasks associated with research conducted on the Great Plains. Assignments may include synthesizing past research in parks such as Badlands National Park, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Scottsbluff National Monument, and others; preparing geomorphological analyses from archeological sites in the region; and processing and curation of artifacts and archives. Other tasks may be assigned as needed. Housing and transportation are the intern’s responsibility. Located at the Midwest Archeological Center, Lincoln, NE (400 hours).
2385. Midwest Archeological Center, Archeological Outreach and Education Program: Works with Center staff to maintain and grow the Center’s online presence via Web site and social media content development. This will involve coordination with archeologists, collections specialists, Library staff, the GIS team, and the Publications team to write short articles and updates related to all aspects of Center activities. Housing and transportation are the intern’s responsibility. Located at the Midwest Archeological Center, Lincoln, NE (400 hours).
2386. Midwest Archeological Center Park Program, Archeological Research: Assists Center Park Program archeologists in compiling information for archeological research in Midwest Region Parks. Research topics include the geoarcheology of landforms and the historic archeology of logging activities. Other park-specific topics may be added at the discretion of the supervising archeologist. Work will focus on past archeological work in parks that border the Great Lakes including Voyageurs National Park, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Isle Royale National Park, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Duties include compiling information such as site records, historic photographs, historic records, aerial photography, and archeological reports; development of information databases; and digitizing maps into a project GIS. This information will be used as a basis for archeological fieldwork and compliance activities. Housing and transportation are the intern’s responsibility. Located at the Midwest Archeological Center, Lincoln, NE (400 hours).
2387. Homestead National Monument of America: Works with park staff to meet National Park Service (NPS) curation standards for managing archival collections. Duties include assisting in developing a records management and museum archives plan for the park, and beginning an archives survey and the development of a finding aid for the monument’s oral history tapes. Additional duties include a variety of curatorial responsibilities: surveying, processing, and cataloging archival materials using the Department of the Interior’s official software, the Interior Collections Management System (ICMS); packaging and handling archival materials; regular housekeeping and environmental monitoring tasks; and maintaining an access and use log. Museum studies or archives management background preferred, but attention to detail also important. Housing and transportation are the intern’s responsibility but the monument may have housing available. Located in Beatrice, NE (400 hours).
2388. Intermountain Region, Historic Structures Inventory Program: Works with and assists architectural historian and other preservation professionals to identify, inventory and evaluate National Park Service owned historic and prehistoric structures in National Park sites in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Duties include researching the history of historic properties; site visits to document the existing condition of listed structures with photographs; and entering the information into the national inventory database. Knowledge of historic architecture, architecture, and the National Register program preferred. Computer skills essential; working knowledge of graphics programs (Adobe Photoshop) and Excel important. Position may be located in an Intermountain Region park or in Santa Fe, NM (566 hours).
2389. Yosemite National Park, Branch of Anthropology: Provides essential assistance to Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) projects at Yosemite National Park (YOSE). Duties include working directly with the YOSE cultural anthropologist and American Indian liaison as well as anthropology, museum, and research library staff to review and revise existing inventory of Native American human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony housed in YOSE Museum collections; conducting library and archival research and literature reviews; providing support for consultation with American Indian tribes and groups; performing database management contributing to cultural affiliation determinations; and assisting with the development and publication of relevant Notices that are required in advance of repatriation and reburials. Archival and library research skills essential. Knowledge of and interest in Native American issues highly desirable. Cultural anthropology, archeology, and/or NAGPRA background highly desirable. Must be professional, well-organized, and attentive to detail. The intern must have a valid driver’s license. Low to moderately priced park housing is available. Located in El Portal, CA (960 hours).
2390. Yosemite National Park, Cultural Resources Branch: Works directly with the Yosemite and Pacific West Region cultural resources programs to compile, synthesize, and report existing information on the park cultural resources programs in the Region. Other duties include conducting research and staff interviews; discussing cultural resource program review goals with project leads; performing database management contributing to State of the Parks reports for Pacific West Region; and assisting with the development and publication of State of the Parks reports. Oral interview and library research skills essential. Knowledge of and interest in National Park Service cultural resource programs highly desirable. Cultural resources, historic preservation, and protected area policies background highly desirable. Must be professional, well-organized, and attentive to detail. The intern must have a valid driver’s license. Low to moderately priced park housing is available. Located in El Portal, CA (960 hours).
2391/2392. Yosemite National Park, Museum Program: Assists in reducing the Yosemite Museum catalog backlog as reported on the 2012 Collection Management Report. Duties involve work with a variety of collections including ethnographic objects, archeological artifacts, natural history specimens, historic photographs, and a variety of other historic collections, and include background research of the collections; descriptive cataloging; inputting records into the National Park Service catalog database Interior Collection Management System (ICMS); and preparing collections for long-term curatorial storage. Established in 1924, the Yosemite Museum served as a prototype museum program in the National Park Service, and today consists of over 4 million items. Strong computer skills and attention to detail essential. Moderately priced park housing available. Located in Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park (680 hours).
2393/2394/2395. Olympic National Park: Assists Park historical architect and preservation carpenter on a variety of tasks including condition assessments on backcountry structures. Work will include both office and field work. Knowledge of basic architectural terminology and historic preservation principles and practices is required. Skills in hiking and backpacking are necessary for this position. Knowledge of log construction is helpful. There will likely be opportunities for hands on preservation work. Office skills required include computer use (Microsoft Office), graphic programs (Adobe Creative Suite and/or AutoCAD), and good research and writing abilities. Located in Port Angeles, WA (480 hours).
General Services Administration Internships
2396. General Services Administration (Historic Preservation Specialist): Assists the Historic Buildings Program Manager and staff in coordinating activities and initiatives to maintain the functionality, integrity, and economic viability of 480 public buildings controlled by GSA and to increase GSA leasing of historic buildings and reuse of historic buildings on sites the Government acquires for new construction. Conducts research, prepares educational material on GSA’s historic buildings, and provides guidance and support to GSA headquarters and regional staff. Also coordinates with preservation specialists in educational, non-profit, and public institutions outside GSA to respond to requests for assistance. Advanced professional-level research and writing skills required, to prepare historic building brochure copy with minimal supervision. Knowledge of architectural terminology and historic preservation theory and practice essential; experience with software programs for digital image manipulation helpful. Writing sample(s) required; please submit with application (400 hours).
Department of the Interior Internships
2397. Interior Museum Program, Office of the Secretary: Assists with Department-wide projects of the DOI Interior Museum Program. Activities include compiling data on DOI bureau museum collections; researching and drafting policy and procedure documents; preparing material for training courses; researching issues on various topics dealing with federal museum collections; and updating the Interior Museum Program Web site (1200 hours).
2398. Interior Museum Program, Fish and Wildlife Service, DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge: Assists in the organizing, cataloging and re-housing of a large number of 150-year-old artifacts such as buttons, suspender clips and associated textiles. Duties include fully describing and measuring the textiles and placing them on mounting boards to facilitate future handling and conservation, and possibly some work involving 19th-century hand tools and assorted other objects. Other duties may include entering older object treatment information on individual objects in the catalog records and attaching digital photographs to the records. The ability to accurately describe and measure objects, and a willingness to learn how to cut acid-free cardboard for textile mounts and to learn the use of digital photography as part of the documentation process, will be essential. Familiarity with Interior Collection Management System (ICMS) helpful but not vital (training will be provided). Housing on the refuge will be provided. Located near Missouri Valley, IA (600 hours).
2399. Interior Museum Program, Bureau of Land Management: Assists the California BLM’s State Office work on the curation of archeological collections retrieved from BLM lands and now located at the Fowler Museum at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). Duties will focus on collections from Central and Southern California and include basic curation and conservation of specimens, and inventory and digitization of collections. Background in archeology and California Native prehistory preferred; applicants should be familiar with Microsoft Office and Paradox. A background check is not required as the individual will not have access to a government computer. Located in Los Angeles, CA (480 hours).
2400. Interior Museum Program, Bureau of Land Management: Assists the California BLM’s State Office work on the curation of prehistoric archeological collections retrieved from BLM lands in Modoc and Lassen counties and now located at California State University (CSU), Chico Department of Anthropology. Duties will focus on collections management in the performance of condition assessments and the organizing of archeological collections within Chico State’s newly completed Archaeological Curation Facility. Position may involve moderate physical activity. Background in prehistoric archeology preferred; applicants should be familiar with Microsoft Office. A background check is not required as the individual will not have access to a government computer. Located in Chico, CA (800 hours).
2401. Interior Museum Program, Department of the Interior Museum: Works with the Interior Museum collections staff as a museum technician assisting with museum collections care issues including database management, registration, photography, object handling, research, and related projects. Work environment: sedentary office space and collections storage areas. Requires the ability to lift 50 lbs., opening boxes or packages, and may require standing for extended periods (800 hours).
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