Job Opening Title
Archives Internship (1,200 hours)
Name of Employer
National Park Service / NCPE
Job Site Location (City AND State)
NPS History Collection, Harpers Ferry Center, Charles Town, WV
Application Deadline
02/26/26
Minimum Degree Requirement
B.A.
Years of experience required
Salary Range
$18.50
Job Opening URL
Job Description (if URL to posting not available). Include instructions for how to apply.
Job Summary: Intern will work with National Park Service (NPS) History Collection archivists to process, arrange, and describe archival collections. Assist with research requests, including scanning materials and embedding metadata per standard operating procedures. Use carts or other means to move boxes weighing between 5 and 40 lbs. within the facility, and conduct environmental monitoring, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and museum housekeeping in archives storage areas. Present information in a clear and concise manner. Work involves prolonged sedentary periods during processing which can be relieved to some degree with available standing desks. Moving collections and monthly IPM and museum housekeeping tasks involve periods of greater activity which may be broken down into shorter activities if needed to accomplish the tasks within an approved timeframe. Intern will be part of a team that assists each other as needed to help everyone succeed. Training provided in the use of Museum Collections Management System (MCMS), the Department of Interior’s collections management database system.
For information on the NPS History Collection: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/hfc/nps-history-collection.htm
For information on NCPE: https://preservenet.org/about-us/
Salary: $18.50/hour. Includes 60 hours paid leave and paid federal holidays. Does not include health benefits.
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Full time (40 hours per week) preferred but a part-time schedule may be possible.
Qualifications: Must be a current student or recent graduate of a graduate-level program in archives or closely related degree. Applicants must be an enrolled student or have graduated within the past 12 months from the closing date of this announcement. Show academic promise (2.75 GPA or higher) and submit transcripts from the most recent 2 years of coursework with application. Must be a US Citizen or permanent resident. Must be 30 years of age or younger (or 35 if a Veteran) when beginning the internship. NCPE encourages all interested students to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation and/or gender identity, or physical or mental handicap. Attention to detail required. Experience with using computer software (i.e., word processing/spreadsheet programs and databases) required.
Duration: Estimated start date is April 2026, although there is some flexibility depending upon availability and course schedules. Start dates may only be confirmed after background checks have been completed.
Other Requirements: This internship is paid through the National Center for Preservation Education (NCPE). Direct deposit and US citizenship are required. Successful candidates must pass the National Park Service’s background security investigation process. This process must be started at least one month before anticipated start date and internship cannot start without this clearance. This is an in-person internship; limited situational telework is available to accommodate doctor’s appointments, inclement weather, etc. if needed. Telework requires supervisory approval and assignments may vary from the primary duties of the internship as needed.
Other information: Internship may be used for credit, subject to university approval. Housing is not provided but may be found in the local area. Public transportation in the area is limited (see https://www.eptawv.com/ for services and routes).
Application Procedures: Applicants should submit a current resume, list of references (with contact information) and a copy of college transcripts. All application materials should be sent via email to hfc_archivist@nps.gov and must be received by 11:59 PM EDT on February 26th.
EEO Statement: The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.