Internship Title: Archeological Collections Assistant
Supervising Division/Department/Site: Historic Sites Division - Curatorial Facility for Artifact Research (CFAR)
Semester Internship is Available: Fall/Spring/Summer
Work Location Address: 9013 Tuscany Way, Austin, TX 78754
Duration: To be determined (Can be semester based or as needed for project)
Application Closing Date: Until Filled
Hours/Week: Negotiable. Student interns are expected to commit to at least eight (8) hours per week.
Travel Required: No
INTERNSHIP JOB DESCRIPTION:
This internship provides students with the opportunity to become familiar with standard laboratory and curation tasks associated with archeological collections managed by the Historic Sites Division. The THC’s Historic Sites Division is responsible for the preservation and management of twenty-nine historic sites across the State of Texas. These sites represent a wide range of Texas history and the archeological collections associated with these sites contain a broad array of artifact types, both prehistoric and historic. Successful students will assist the HSD Archeological Collections Manager with cataloging and labelling collections, rehousing collections in packaging that meets curatorial standards, researching collection materials, and preparing final curation documentation. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the unique requirements for collections across a variety of materials and sources.
Complies with all agency Internship Program Policies and Procedures.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:
Interns will be working under the supervision of the Archeological Collections Manager to complete the following tasks:
- Sorting, bagging, and labelling archeological collections.
- Rehousing collections in curatorial-standard materials.
- Cross-referencing collections with archeological reports and field notes to confirm artifact identification.
- Inventorying and cataloging artifacts and associated documentation.
- Object research to enhance artifact typology and descriptions.
- Data entry in Excel, Access, and/or Re:Discovery.
- Developing social media content and outreach materials related to archeological collections.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Coursework or prior experience in an archeological field or laboratory setting is preferred, though not required.
- Students are expected to understand basic artifact typologies, as well as have a strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently.
- Students are expected to be comfortable with using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants should be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program with a focus on anthropology, archeology, history, or closely related field.
Please note: Bus service to the facility is limited, so access to a car (or another mode of transportation) may be needed.
REMARKS (Application procedure, Special requirements): Applications must be submitted on the Texas Historical Commission’s Internship Application available on the web at www.thc.texas.gov. Please e-mail applications to internships@thc.texas.gov. A resume and current transcript must be submitted with your application. Resumes cannot be submitted in lieu of applications. Applications will be reviewed, and top applicants will be contacted for interviews. After a qualified person has been chosen for the specified internship, letters will be mailed to all interviewed applicants letting them know that the position has been filled. Disability access for application submission, testing and interview accommodations can be provided upon reasonable notice.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
