Collections Intern – Collection Processing

This is a University of Iowa Museum Studies Certificate Pre-Approved Internship. 

This Collections Intern will prepare a collection of artifacts for inclusion in the State Archaeological Repository. This process will include organizing, cataloging, labeling, and preparing artifacts for curation.

The intern will be trained in artifact identification, handling, cataloging, and labeling as well as the selection and use of archival-quality materials for housing artifacts for curation. The intern will learn how artifacts are recorded and documented in the State Archaeological Repository’s database and gain a basic familiarity with working in Microsoft Access. Depending on the artifact collection, the intern may be trained in the design and construction of custom artifact boxes.

No specific previous experience or knowledge is necessary. 

Ideal candidates should have a high level of attention to detail and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Previous experience with archaeological artifacts or on an archaeological field school are a bonus but not required.

Length of Internship: One semester 

Scheduling: This internship is available for either 1-semester hour (5 on-site hours/week for 15 weeks, a total of 75 hours) or 2 semester hours (10 on-site hours/week for 15 weeks, a total of 150 hours). Work will be done during regular office hours (weekdays 8:00am-4:30pm). Interns will coordinate with their supervisor to create a regular, weekly schedule.

Supervisor: Office of the State Archaeologist Research Collections Director

Evaluation: Interns will be evaluated at least twice during the course of the internship with a focus on professionalism, interpersonal skills, communication skills, ethics and integrity, and areas for improvement.

Internship Recurrence: This Museum Studies Certificate pre-approved internship will be offered fall and spring semesters.

This internship is on-site without the potential for remote work.

Compensation for this internship is in the form of course credit for the University of Iowa Museum Studies Certificate through the Pomerantz Career Center.