Paid Processing Intern, Trustees Archives & Research Center, Sharon, MA

Posted October 9, 2015

Part-Time Paid Internship

About The Organization:

The Trustees is an organization with a fascinating past and an exciting future. Our places are open to all and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in what we do. Founded in 1891, by a group of visionary volunteers, we preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts and work to protect special places across the state. We have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 25,000+ acres on more than 100 reservations that are all open to the public. We are a nonprofit conservation organization funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 40,000 members. 

The Archives & Research Center (ARC) is the hub of The Trustees curatorial stewardship. Located in Sharon, Massachusetts, the ARC provides outside researchers, Trustees staff, and volunteers access to thousands of historical documents, objects, and artifacts related to The Trustees’ properties. The ARC, an energy-efficient, climate-controlled building, opened in 2008 and houses 1,500 linear feet of archival materials which document The Trustees’ founding role in the land trust movement, the stories of Trustees properties across the Commonwealth, and the lives of American families from the 1600s to the present.

The Trustees’ collections represent domestic furnishings, outdoor sculptures, fine and decorative arts from pre-contact to the 20th century.  They include more than 30 private collections featuring exceptional pieces from indigenous Massachusetts peoples to mid-century Modern.  Archival collections include works of art on paper, photographs, maps, architectural plans, garden designs, botanical specimens, manuscripts, letters, diaries, books, business ledgers, legal documents and deeds linked to specific properties and to the organization’s history.

Position Summary:

The Trustees is looking for an ambitious, self directed individual to serve as a part-time (14-16 hours per week) Processing Intern at the Archives & Research Center (ARC). This is a paid position expected to last 3-4 months, coinciding with the intern’s school semester. The Processing Intern will be responsible for the processing and accessibility of approximately 10-25 linear feet of currently unprocessed files from past Trustees leaders.

The Head Archivist and the ARC Manager will ensure thorough training of the Processing Paid Intern in the proper performance of their duties. Once training is complete, the Processing Paid Intern will process collections as directed by the Head Archivist and Archives & Research Manager.

Essential Functions:

• Assists in the processing of the archival collections at the ARC.
• Assists the Head Archivist with the processing of approximately 10-25 linear feet of unprocessed records and files of a particular collection or collections.
• Manages the documentation and digital files associated with the filing and accessibility of records and archives.
• Participates in meeting assignments as needed.
• Performs and reports on special studies, projects and assignments as requested.
• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation. 

Qualifications:

• Enrollment in library science graduate program.
• Bachelor’s degree in library science or related field.
• Experience processing manuscript collections gained through internships.
• Knowledge of archival processing standards and procedures.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of archival processing, cataloging and applied practice.
• Demonstrated skills in problem-solving, strategic analysis and planning.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with a team of diverse professionals and volunteers to produce a high quality outcome on time.
• Possess ambition and be able to work in a self directed manner.
• Strength in oral and written communications and the management of multiple tasks
• Must be able to lift and move up to 40 pounds unassisted.

Salary:

• Paid part time internship position

APPLY NOW – Processing Intern

Click here to see all job opportunities at The Trustees of Reservations

No phone calls please.

In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Trustees of Reservations aim to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of our team.  We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts who are at the core of our mission.