https://www.nps.gov/jeff/index.htm
The Archival Processing Intern will work primarily within the Archives Research Center located in the historic Old Post Office building in downtown St. Louis. The internship is largely office-based, with daily responsibilities focused on processing, organizing, and documenting archival collections in a climate-controlled environment.
Most work will be performed at archival workstations and within collection storage areas. The intern should be prepared for occasional standing, bending, reaching, and lifting archival boxes weighing up to approximately 30 pounds while retrieving and organizing collections. Fieldwork is minimal, as the internship centers on archival preservation and documentation rather than outdoor resource management.
Because nearly all work takes place indoors, weather conditions have little impact on daily responsibilities. The internship provides a quiet, professional work environment dedicated to the long-term preservation and accessibility of National Park Service historical collections.
The Archival Processing Intern will play an important role in strengthening the archival collections at Gateway Arch National Park during a period of continued growth and development within the park’s Archives Research Center.
Working alongside the Park Archivist, the intern will assist in establishing intellectual and physical control of archival collections by conducting inventories, processing historical materials, and creating professional finding aids that improve public and staff access to important historical resources.
Primary responsibilities include:
Throughout the internship, the participant will work closely with archival materials while learning professional standards used throughout the museum, library, and archival professions. The work completed will directly support future research, interpretation, and long-term stewardship of the park’s historical collections.
The internship provides practical experience in professional archival processing, historical research, preservation, and records management.
The intern will develop skills in collection assessment, archival arrangement and description, preservation practices, inventory management, and professional documentation. Working under the guidance of the Park Archivist, the participant will gain experience applying archival principles such as provenance, original order, and standardized descriptive practices, including Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS).
By completing a full archival processing project from beginning to end, the intern will strengthen research, analytical writing, critical thinking, organization, and independent project management skills while building a strong foundation for careers in archives, museums, libraries, cultural institutions, and public history.
The Archival Processing Intern will receive individualized mentorship from the Park Archivist throughout the internship.
The internship begins with a comprehensive orientation introducing the Archives Research Center, the National Park Service mission, archival policies, and project objectives. The Archivist will work closely with the intern to establish project goals, review archival standards, and provide guidance on processing decisions, preservation practices, and descriptive writing.
Regular progress meetings will provide opportunities for feedback, professional discussion, and career guidance. The intern will also have opportunities to interact with staff involved in interpretation, cultural resource management, and park administration, gaining a broader understanding of how archival collections support research, education, and visitor experiences.
Professional development opportunities may include observing reference services, participating in interdisciplinary meetings, and learning about career pathways within the National Park Service and the archival profession.
Preferred qualifications include:
Coursework or experience related to archival processing, collection management, library science, museum studies, or public history is beneficial but not required.
Gateway Arch National Park commemorates President Jefferson’s vision of a continental nation, the individuals and cultural groups who helped shape its history, St. Louis’ role in westward expansion, and Dred and Harriet Scott, who sued for their freedom in the Old Courthouse.
Stipend: $17.20/Hour
Duration: 11 Weeks (Full-Time)
Location: 815 Olive Street, Suite 20, St. Louis, Missouri 63101
Gateway Arch National Park is located in the heart of downtown St. Louis, Missouri, along the Mississippi River. The Archives Research Center is housed in the historic Old Post Office building, providing interns with a professional workspace in one of the city’s most significant historic buildings.
The downtown location offers convenient access to restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, museums, theaters, public transportation, and major medical facilities. MetroLink light rail and MetroBus services provide easy transportation throughout the region, making a personal vehicle unnecessary for this internship.
St. Louis experiences warm, humid summers and offers a vibrant mix of history, arts, architecture, and outdoor recreation. Interns will have opportunities to explore numerous museums, cultural institutions, professional sports venues, and historic neighborhoods while living and working in one of the nation’s great river cities.
No, park housing is not available.
Yes, a personal vehicle is required, and you must have a valid driver’s license.
