Native American Science Internship at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Opportunity Description:
The Native American Science Intern in conservation’s focus will be participating in ongoing work for the IMLS grant-funded project Northwest Coast Collection: Building Bridges and Detailed Conservation Survey. The intern will gain experience conducting examination of collection materials and taking a collaborative approach to their conservation and care. Visit the project webpage to learn more. This is a 10 week, 40 hours per week internship.
The Native American Science Intern in Conservation will participate in the following activities:
- Complete detailed examination and documentation of collection items to detect and record signs of physical, chemical, and biological deterioration.
- Identify inorganic and organic materials and methods of manufacture, using visual methods including microscopy.
- Participate in collaborative visits with tribal representatives.
- Gather contextual information for collection items via desktop research and outreach.
- Take, complete metadata, and upload digital photographs of examined objects into the DMNS server.
- Gather contextual information for collection items via desktop research and outreach.
- 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.
- Disseminate work completed during internship via web content, presentations, or publications.
- Generate and update database records in the EMu collections database system.
Primary Responsibilities:
The intern must conduct work within the safety guidelines of the Museum, ensuring personal safety and the safety and security of the collections. Their responsibilities include:
- Maintains prompt and frequent communication with supervisors; ensuring that instructions are understood and followed; communicates problems immediately.
- Accurate data entry, maintains and associates correct data with collections
- Maintains a professional demeanor; ensures professional representation at all times
Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements:
This internship is offered to:
- A currently enrolled or recently graduated undergraduate of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, First Nations, Inuit, or Métis descent OR
- A currently enrolled graduate student of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, First Nations, Inuit, or Métis
The following qualifications are required:
- Previous experience in conservation or working with museum collections preferred
- Interest in working in the field of conservation preferred
- Education related to anthropology, archaeology, museum studies, or conservation
- Familiarity with relational databases and data processing
- Strong attention to detail
- Strong communication skills
- 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
- Ability to work with a diverse group of staff and volunteers
Application Process:
If you have not previously applied, interned, or volunteered at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, fill out the online application here. If you are a current or former applicant, intern, or volunteer, contact Moe Shuley at Moe.Shuley@dmns.org to have your account reset.
All applicants are required to submit a cover letter describing previous experience and a CV to your account. Please combine the resume/CV and cover letter into a single document and upload it to your current or newly created account.
Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. Completing your application and CV/resume and cover letter before the deadline is highly encouraged.
For questions about the application process please contact Moe Shuley at Moe.Shuley@dmns.org or 303-370-8345. For questions about the internship contact Megan Salas at Megan.Salas@dmns.org.