Natural Science Internships
Internships in Collections Management, Ornithology, and Entomology
The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA), a science and history based education, conservation, and astronomy and natural science research institution is offering three summer internships in its Natural Science Museum. The Interns will gain valuable experience in operating a small natural science museum, managing its collections and exhibits and learning about the plants, animals and geology of Nantucket Island.
Specific duties include:
• Workday that runs from 8:30 AM to 5 PM Monday – Saturday with evening and Sunday commitments as assigned.
• All Interns will be involved in the daily operations at MMA’s Natural Science Museum in Hinchman House, including reception, gift shop sales, leading guided tours of the facility, exhibit preparation, and maintenance of the facilities and grounds.
• Collections Management Intern will 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; and completing a collection policy.
• Ornithology Intern will assist with research with raptors and shorebirds, will prepare scientific specimens, and will participate in the management of the vertebrate collections.
• Entomology Intern will participate in on-going research on the American Burying Beetle and biodiversity inventories of the Spiders of Nantucket; and will prepare scientific specimens and participate in the management of the invertebrate collections.
• Participate in 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 occurring during the summer
Qualifications:
• Educational background in biology or museum studies with at least 2 years of college experience. Each Intern should have taken at least one course in their internship subject.
• Interest/experience working in museums, with museum collections, in the preparation of scientific specimens and in field research.
• Experience working with the public.
• Self-motivated, independent, and the ability to plan ahead.
• CPR and First Aid Certification required before internship begins
This is an excellent opportunity for students considering a career in museum studies, collections management, and museum related field studies in Ornithology, Entomology and Biodiversity.
Internships pay $2,700 for undergraduates or recent graduates, and $3,060 for graduate students, includes housing, and runs from 31 May to 28 August 2010, with required orientation and training from 31 May to 5 June. Optional internship extension available through 11 Sept 2010.
To apply, complete the application and return along with a resume, detailed letter of interest and college transcripts to Dr. Bob Kennedy, Director of Natural Sciences, Maria Mitchell Association, 4 Vestal Street, Nantucket, MA 02554 by 15 February 2010. Please specify the internship you wish to be considered for – Collections Management, Ornithology or Entomology. Materials or inquiries may be sent by e-mail to rkennedy@mmo.org or by fax to 508-228-1031. Questions? Call 508- 228-1782.
The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association is an equal opportunity employer.