Archives and Digital Asset Preservation Intern (Graduate Students), Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, (Boston, MA)

Posted October 30, 2025

Job Summary

The Archives and Digital Asset Preservation Intern will be working alongside Archives and Digital Asset Preservation (ADAP) staff, situated within the Document Management (DM) group in the Office of Quality, Compliance, and Oversight on processing of MBTA records. The ADAP Intern will contribute to DM’s overarching objective to implement systems and standards that enhance the quality of information, guaranteeing its integrity and accessibility, for the lifecycle of the records through the application of Document Control, Records and Information Management, and Archival best practices. This internship provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in archives management while supporting one of the largest transit systems in the nation.

As an ADAP Intern, you will assist the DM team in organizing, maintaining, and improving archival management through the task of archival processing. The position will offer the intern the opportunity to work directly with a team of archival professionals to increase access to critical and historic MBTA records. You will gain experience in applying archival best practices related to arrangement, rehousing, description, and labeling. This role involves the processing of records including creating an inventory adhering to DACS and MODS standards.

The most qualified (or ideal) candidates would already possess a bachelor’s degree in library / information science or archives, at least one (1) year of experience working responsibly with sensitive items, systems, or data, and above average skills in Microsoft Office. We are looking to hire one (1) intern, who will work at least two to three (2 – 3) days in-office (up to 40 hours per week) for at least six (6) months.

Duties & Responsibilities

Conduct physical preservation activities, including but not limited to cleaning and removing fasteners
Rehousing and labelling records in archival folders and boxes
Provide critical analysis of records to determine need for potential conservation
Develop a detailed records inventory
Provide quality evaluation of the records in preparation of digitization
Additional responsibilities may include focusing on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum or hiring manager for department or location specific functions.
Participate in team / staff meetings, organization events, fieldwork, project teams, or other duties as needed.
Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

* The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

Enrolled / matriculated, for entire duration of employment, in the graduate / Master’s degree program of an accredited college / university in the Library and Information Science and / or Archives fields.
1. This position is for graduate students who already possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Interest in public service, government archives, or public transportation and how it operates.
At least one year of experience working responsibly with sensitive items, systems, or data.
Desire to learn about or deepen experience within document control and greater document management activities in a transit authority.
Above average proficiency in Microsoft Office (e.g. Excel and Word).
Above average ability to communicate effectively in English, both in written and oral forms.
Above average ability to work independently and juggle multiple priorities.
Highly organized, motivated, and have great attention-to-detail.
Ability to independently commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
Authorized to work in the United States (international students in CPT, STEM, or OPT programs through a university are eligible to apply). The MBTA does not provide visa sponsorship, such as H1-B status.

* The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required.

Job Conditions

Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required).
Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting their positions and throughout the duration of their program.

Compensation:

$24.00-$28.00 Hourly

How to Apply

Please apply at the following link on the MBTA Careers website: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mbta/intern/jobs/5126686/archives-and-digital-asset-preservation-intern-graduate-students. Applications due by November 12.