Maria Mitchell Association

Museum Internships in Collections Management and Research

 

2012 positions now posted!

Field Research Internship
Museum Collections Internship

 

Field Research Internship:

Download the application     Download the internship description

Introduction
The mission of the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) is to help people experience Nantucket’s land, sea and sky. Programs and facilities focus on environmental education, ecological research, astronomy, and historic preservation.

The MMA is offering a research internship through its Natural Science Museum during the 2012 summer. The research intern will gain valuable experience collecting data and organizing logistics for several research projects, assisting in the operation and programming of a small natural science museum, and learning about the plants, animals and geology of Nantucket Island.  This position works closely and collaboratively with both the Collections intern and the Education staff and is fully immersed in the study of natural science and environmental education.

The ideal candidate has an interest and experience with entomology and ornithology.  This internship is a unique work opportunity for students who are looking for experience with biological field research and environmental education.

 Responsibilities and Tasks include

-Available to work a flexible schedule: hours of operation are from 8:30 AM to 5 PM Monday – Saturday with evening and Sunday commitments as assigned.  Research projects can require very early hours some days.

-Assist in planning logistics and carrying out field work for the following research projects: on-going American burying beetle reintroduction, snake biodiversity, invertebrate biodiversity, as-well-as preparing scientific specimens and assisting in the management of the invertebrate collections.

-Actively participate in the daily operations at the Natural Science Museum for 10 hours each week, including reception, leading guided tours of the facility, public programs, exhibit preparation, maintenance of the facilities and grounds, and gift shop sales.

-Help in leading and facilitating field trips and/or adult and children’s summer courses offered by the MMA.

-Engage in MMA activities, field trips, and programs, including staffing special summer events.

Key Requirements and Qualifications
-Educational background in biology/ecology or related field with at least 3 years of college experience.
-Interest and experience in field research, working in museums and with museum collections, and in the preparation of scientific specimens. Experience with insect specimen preparation is preferred.
-Experience working with and interacting with the public, both adults and children.
-Comfortable with live animals including non-venomous snakes, insects and spiders.

Skills
-Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and with a team.

-Familiarity with basic ecological fieldwork methods (transects, quadrats, GPS, etc.)

-Ability to plan ahead, organize and prioritize with an attention to detail.

-Clear communicator both verbally and written.

-Teamwork and community leadership.

Internship compensation is $2,700.00 for undergraduates or recent graduates and $3,060.00 for graduate students, position includes housing. This program is scheduled from 29 May to 1 September 2012.  There is a required orientation and training from 31 May to 5 June 2012.  Possible internship extension is available through 11 Sept 2012. 
CPR and First Aid training is provided during orientation week.

To apply, please download the application at http://www.mmo.org/about/internships.html and return it along with a your resume, a detailed letter of interest and college transcripts to Andrew Mckenna-Foster, Director of Natural Science Education and Programs, Maria Mitchell Association, 4 Vestal Street, Nantucket, MA 02554 no later than 15 February 2012.  Materials or inquiries may be sent by e-mail to amckennafoster@mmo.org or by fax to 508-228-1031. For questions, call 508- 228-9198.

 

Museum Collections Internship

Download the application      Download the internship description

Introduction
The mission of the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) is to help people experience Nantucket’s land, sea and sky. Programs and facilities focus on environmental education, ecological research, astronomy, and historic preservation.

The MMA is offering a collections internship through its Natural Science Museum during the 2012 summer. The collection intern will gain valuable experience maintaining biological collections and preparing new specimens as well as operating a small natural science museum and learning about the plants, animals and geology of Nantucket Island.  This position works closely and collaboratively with both the Research intern and the Education staff and is fully immersed in the care and use of a small biological collection.

The ideal applicant has interest and experience with biological collections including birds, mammals, arthropods, and plants. This internship is a unique work opportunity for students who are looking for experience with a biological collection with both historic and contemporary specimens.

Responsibilities and Tasks include:

-Available to work a flexible schedule: hours of operation are from 8:30 AM to 5 PM Monday – Saturday with evening and Sunday commitments as assigned.

-Oversee all aspects of MMA’s biodiversity collections, including developing fluid collections for vertebrates and invertebrates; cataloguing and inventorying all collections; improving collection management practices to the highest standard in the profession.

-Assist with ongoing research projects including bird banding, insects, and snakes.

-For 10 hours each week, be involved in the daily operations at MMA’s Natural Science Museum, including leading guided tours of the facility, public programs, exhibit preparation, reception, gift shop sales, and maintenance of the facilities and grounds.

-Help lead and facilitate field trips and summer adult and children’s courses offered at the MMA.

-Involvement in other activities of the Maria Mitchell Association, including staffing special events that occur during the summer.

Key Requirements and Qualifications:
-Educational background in collections/museum studies or related field with at least 3 years of college experience
-Interest/experience working in museums, with museum collections, and in the preparation of scientific specimens
-Experience working with and interacting with the public, both adults and children
-Comfortable with live animals including non-venomous snakes, insects and spiders

Skills
-Biological specimen preparation and maintenance
-Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and with a team
-Ability to plan ahead, organize and prioritize with an attention to detail
-Clear communicator both verbally and written
-Teamwork and community leadership

Internship compensation is $2,700.00 for undergraduates or recent graduates and $3,060.00 for graduate students, position includes housing. This program is scheduled from 29 May to 1 September 2012.  There is a required orientation and training from 31 May to 5 June 2012. Possible internship extension is available through 11 Sept 2012. 
CPR and First Aid training is provided during orientation week.

To apply, please download the application at http://www.mmo.org/about/internships.html and return it along with a your resume, a detailed letter of interest and college transcripts to Andrew Mckenna-Foster, Director of Natural Science Education and Programs, Maria Mitchell Association, 4 Vestal Street, Nantucket, MA 02554 no later than 15 February 2012.  Materials or inquiries may be sent by e-mail to amckennafoster@mmo.org or by fax to 508-228-1031. For questions, call 508- 228-9198.

The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D