The Native American Science Intern in Conservation will participate in ongoing work for the IMLS grant-funded project Northwest Coast Collections: Building Bridges and Detailed Conservation Survey. The goal of the condition survey is to advance stewardship and public access for select objects in the Northwest Coast Collections through a collaborative process with the following communities: Kwakwaka’wakw, Makah, Nuu-chah-nulth, Tlingit, and Haida. The objective of the internship is to participate in object examination and the detailed conservation survey process. The intern will work directly with Conservation and Collections Management staff. Preventive conservation methods, safety, and steps for decision-making for stabilization treatment will be covered. If unfamiliar, the student will be introduced to the American Institute for Conservation’s Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
This internship is open to:
- A currently enrolled or recently graduated (within 2 years) undergraduate of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, First Nations, Inuit, or Métis OR
- A currently enrolled graduate student of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, First Nations, Inuit, or Métis
The Native American Science Intern will participate in the following activities:
- Identify inorganic and organic materials and methods of manufacture, using visual methods and stereo and polarized light microscopy.
- Complete detailed examination of collection items to detect and record signs of physical, chemical, and biological deterioration.
- Work collaboratively with tribal representatives in completing condition survey.
- Generate and update database records in the EMu collections database system.
- Take, complete metadata, and upload digital photographs of examined objects into the DMNS server, and the EMu and IMu databases.
- Other opportunities may include some public programming as it relates to collections, such as assisting with collections open houses, tours, or other events where collections are accessible.
- Share work completed during internship via virtual programming, poster, presentation, etc.
- The Intern must conduct work within the safety guidelines of the Museum and follow Museum health and safety policies and procedures
Preferred Skills
- Experience or education related to conservation, anthropology, or archaeology or interest in working in the fields of collections management and museum studies
- Experience working with museum collections
- Familiarity with relational databases and data processing
- Ability to cooperate with supervisors and accept coaching as well as work as part of a collective group to reach team goals.
- Self-starter with the ability to plan, organize, and establish priorities to meet goals and achieve results according to a timeline with milestones and set deadlines.
- Solid ability to think logically, methodically, and intuitively
- Professional demeanor at all times; ensures professional representation at all times
- Strong attention to detail, patience, and fine motor skills; excellent hand-eye coordination
- Ability to work collaboratively with Museum staff and volunteers
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Work schedule to fall within Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Physical Working Conditions
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
- Ability to climb ladders
- Ability to lift 10 pounds
- Ability to safely work with sharp hand tools and implements
Deadline to Apply
Friday, March 26, 2021
Mentors
Megan Salas
Conservator
Kathryn Reusch
Conservation Techician
Compensation
$6,000 Stipend
Candidates living outside of the Denver area, an allowance for travel and/or housing may also be available. Please inquire.
Schedule
Duration: 10-week internship, 40 hours a week
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
June 1 – August 6 (start and end dates are approximate)
Application Deadline
Friday, March 26, 2021
How to Apply
If you have not previously applied, interned, or volunteered at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, click on the blue box below marked Adult Internship Application to create an account and start your application today.
If you are a current or former applicant, intern, or volunteer, contact Moe Shuley at [email protected] to have your account reset to apply or you can recreate another account but you will need to use a different email address.
All applicants are required to submit a cover letter describing previous experience and a CV to your account. Please combine the cover letter, resume, or CV into a single document and upload it to your current or newly created account.
Questions?
For questions about the application process please contact Moe Shuley at [email protected] or 303.370.8345.