Intern - Conservation

TITLE: Intern - Conservation 

LOCATION: Minnesota History Center - 345 W Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102

COMPENSATION: $16.50 hourly 

HOURS: This is a part-time, temporary position from approximately June 8, 2026 to August 30, 2026. A part-time intern must be available to work 15 hours per week. This position offers a flexible work schedule, coordinated with the intern’s school schedule and operational needs.

POSTING DATE: March 3, 2026

DEADLINE DATE: March 23, 2026

SEMINAR EVENTS: Interns are required to participate in three, in-person seminars focused on professional development, learning how cultural organizations operate, and building a network of industry professionals. At the end of the semester, interns complete a final presentation to share their work.

           Please ensure you are available for these dates when applying:

• Thursday, June 18 from 11:30am-1:00pm

• Thursday, July 21 from 1:00-3:00pm

• Thursday, August 13 from 3:30-5:30pm

• Final Presentations: Thursday, August 27 from 11:00am-1:00pm

TO APPLY: Interested applicants must apply online at the Minnesota Historical Society’s career center at www.mnhs.org/jobs and include a cover letter, resume, and any required additional materials by the application deadline date.  

DESCRIPTION:  Intern will work closely with Senior Objects Conservator to support general work.

Projects for Summer 2026 include:

• Reconstructing archaeological ceramics.

• Objects research and data creation in Collections database (EMu).

• Support conservation projects and initiatives

• Participate in collaborative work between Collections Management and Curatorial, as directed.

• Participate in additional laboratory activities to support learning objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  1) Objects review and analysis; 2) Objects documentation; 3) Objects repair, cleaning, and/or stabilization and preservation

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student, or have graduated within the past 12 months at the time of application.

• Ideal candidates might be currently pursuing, or have graduated with a degree in the following areas: American studies, art, art history, history, heritage studies and public history, museum studies, communications, African American and African studies, Native American studies, cultural studies, or other related degrees.

• Research skills

• Interest in history, art, and material culture

• Ability to work well independently and in a team setting

• Detail-oriented and ability to to ask for help/clarity when needed 

• Excellent communication skills

• Interest in and/or experience with museum collections

• Experience with Microsoft Suite & Google Suite

• Ability to use Google Hangouts/Zoom for meetings

Should you have questions with the application process, email internships@mnhs.org or call 651-259-3191.   

At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, interns, volunteers, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society and museum, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer.