Museum, Archives & Historic Site Operations Intern

Internship Job Description
Museum, Archives & Historic Site Operations Intern
Employer: Monterey County Historical Society (MCHS)
Work Location: Boronda Adobe History Center, Salinas, California
Position Type: Internship
Reports To: Designated Supervisor
Schedule: To be determined by the employer
Compensation: To be determined by the employer and applicable internship program requirements

Position Summary
The Monterey County Historical Society (MCHS) seeks a motivated, dependable, and community-minded intern to support the day-to-day operations of its museum, historic adobe house, archives, and History Center activities. Under staff supervision, the intern will assist with visitor services, administrative tasks, archival organization, historical research, educational tours, and projects that support the collection, preservation, and interpretation of Monterey County history.

This internship provides hands-on experience in museum operations, archival support, public engagement, historical preservation, and nonprofit administration. The intern will work alongside staff and volunteers to help maintain an inviting environment for visitors, support educational programming, and contribute to the Society’s ongoing efforts to preserve local history for the community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Museum and Historic Site Operations

Assist with daily operational tasks to help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming museum and historic-site environment.
Help prepare visitor areas, exhibits, informational materials, and supplies for public access, scheduled tours, and special activities.
Assist with organizing and maintaining designated indoor and outdoor areas in accordance with site procedures.
Report maintenance, safety, or preservation concerns to the supervisor.
Support general administrative and operational needs associated with the museum, adobe house, and History Center.
Assist with preparing spaces and materials for educational programs, group visits, and community events.
2. Visitor Services and Docent Support

Welcome visitors and provide general information about the Society, museum, and historic site.
Assist with distributing brochures, educational materials, and other visitor resources.
Support the coordination and preparation of guided tours, school visits, and larger group tours.
Assist trained docents with tour preparation and visitor activities.
Participate in training to develop knowledge of the Boronda Adobe and other historic properties and landmarks represented by the Society.
When trained and authorized, assist with delivering introductory information or guided tours to visitors.
Help promote a positive, educational, and respectful experience for visitors of different ages and backgrounds.
3. Archives, Collections, and Historical Research

Receive, sort, and help process historical documents and artifacts according to established procedures and under appropriate supervision.
Assist with cataloging collections and entering information into designated databases or recordkeeping systems.
Help organize, identify, and process historical photographs and related materials.
Assist with digitization, filing, labeling, and organization of approved archival materials.
Support basic historical research for staff, researchers, and members of the public using approved resources.
Help maintain organized records to improve access to the Society’s historical collections.
Follow procedures for the safe handling, storage, and preservation of documents, photographs, and artifacts.
4. Historic Preservation and Special Projects

Assist with projects supporting the preservation, interpretation, and development of the Boronda History Center and other properties or historic resources associated with the Society.
Help organize project materials, historical information, photographs, and documentation for preservation-related activities.
Assist with non-specialized site upkeep and preparation for visitors and events.
Support community outreach activities related to the restoration and preservation of donated historical items, including agricultural equipment, as assigned.
Help staff and volunteers prepare information and materials for special projects and future History Center development.
Report any concerns involving historic structures, artifacts, or collections to the designated supervisor.
5. Administrative and Organizational Support

Assist with data entry, filing, document organization, and routine office tasks.
Help maintain schedules, contact lists, inventory records, and other administrative information as assigned.
Assist with preparing correspondence, flyers, newsletters, educational materials, and other communications.
Help organize museum supplies and identify items requiring replenishment.
Support communication and coordination between staff, volunteers, docents, and visitors.
6. Community Outreach, Fundraising, and Membership Support

Assist with preparing materials for community outreach and fundraising activities.
Help organize information and resources related to the Society’s fundraising initiatives and Founders Club.
Support event preparation and other activities intended to increase community awareness and participation.
Assist with organizing membership or donor-related materials under staff direction.
Help identify and compile information about potential community partners, resources, and opportunities that support the Society’s mission.
Qualifications
Preferred qualifications include:

Interest in local history, museums, archives, historic preservation, education, or community service.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Dependability, punctuality, and willingness to learn.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Basic computer proficiency, including email, word processing, and data entry.
Ability to interact professionally and respectfully with visitors, researchers, staff, and volunteers.
Ability to follow instructions, manage assigned tasks, and work independently when appropriate.
Interest in historical research, public education, or community engagement.
Previous experience in customer service, office administration, archival work, museums, or volunteer activities is beneficial but not required. Training and supervision will be provided for assigned responsibilities.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements
Work may include both indoor administrative and archival activities and outdoor duties at the historic site.
Duties may involve standing, walking, organizing materials, and assisting with light tasks within established safety guidelines.
Some assignments may require working around historic structures and collections that require special care.
The intern must follow site-specific safety procedures and instructions regarding access to archives, artifacts, and historic structures.
Reasonable accommodations should be considered as applicable.

Internship Learning Objectives
The intern will have opportunities to develop practical skills in:

Museum and historic-site operations.
Customer service and public engagement.
Archival processing, cataloging, and data entry.
Historical research and information organization.
Records management and administrative support.
Teamwork, communication, time management, and workplace professionalism.
Historic preservation awareness and responsible handling of historical materials.
Event preparation, community outreach, and nonprofit support activities.
Supervision and Performance Expectations
The intern will receive training, direction, and feedback from the designated supervisor. Responsibilities will be assigned according to operational needs, the intern’s training and abilities, and the learning objectives established for the internship.

The intern is expected to demonstrate dependability, professionalism, attention to detail, respect for visitors and colleagues, and a commitment to following established procedures.

All archival processing, artifact handling, guided tours, fundraising activities, and preservation-related assignments will be performed under appropriate supervision and within the scope of the intern’s training and authorization.

The internship is intended to support the Society’s operations while providing meaningful, supervised work experience that helps the intern develop transferable skills for future employment.