Job Listing
🔗NPS Mellon Humanities Postdoctoral Fellow: Examining the Intersections of Indigenous Collections, Context, and Contemporary Art
American Conservation Experience
The Indigenous History and Collections Fellow will advance scholarship, interpretation, and community engagement around Indigenous history and culture reflected in the museum collections of Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site. The Mellon Fellow’s work will intersect with an NPS-funded project to pilot a new Indigenous Artists Program. The Fellow’s research will build a strong scholarly foundation for the planning and pilot phases of the Artists Program, and for the site’s broader engagement with Indigenous history. The Fellow will build on this scholarship to advance the public interpretation of Indigenous history at LONG through digital media, interpretive programming, and artist collaboration.
The Mellon Fellow will be supported by a National Park Service mentoring team from LONG, TCA, NARP, and NMSC, as well as an external partner mentor with scholarly expertise. Each NPS Mellon Humanities Postdoctoral Fellow will complete work in three areas. Fellows will (1) perform project-based research; (2) develop programming to share research results; and (3) produce and substantially contribute to interpretive and educational products.
1) Research: The Mellon Fellow will synthesize existing documentation of objects of Indigenous origin in the LONG museum collection and conduct original research into the historical and cultural context associated with them, and the site more broadly. Based on this research, the Fellow will author a report and an accompanying Research Guide to Indigenous History in the Longfellow Archives (which will present the material aimed at a more scholarly or specialist audience).
Indigenous objects in the collection are largely, but not exclusively, Massachusett, Ojibwe, and Dakota in origin. These collections span the pre-colonial period to the 19th century development of the United States. In connection with the Artists Program, the Mellon Fellow’s research and interpretive work will address the overarching question: “How can the history and collections associated with LONG help us move past dominant narratives toward a more complex, inclusive, and honest understanding of Indigenous history?”
Several key research areas include:
- Massachusett history and archeological collections
- Interactions between Indigenous leaders and George Washington during his nine months headquartered in this house
- Henry Longfellow’s The Song of Hiawatha and associated collections
- Alice Longfellow’s engagement with Indigenous youth through her involvement with the Indian School at Hampton Institute and the Massachusetts Indian Association.
In year two, the Fellow will consult with their mentorship team, as well as other subject matter experts as needed, to propose a project for their second year.
2) Programming: The Mellon Fellow will share their research with a broad internal and external audience through innovative programming. Key programming opportunities include:
- Participation in Indigenous Artists Fellowship Program planning workshops alongside several community partners to build professional connections and to offer scholarly perspective.
- Staff briefings on research findings.
- Collaboration with two Artist Fellows and NPS staff to host at least two creative, interdisciplinary public programs.
- Additional co-programming with local, regional, national, and/or tribal partners.
The Fellow will be expected to develop and sustain connections with program-provided mentors and host staff, associated NPS staff, members of their Fellowship cohort, and other Fellows across the tenure of the program. In addition to being provided mentorship and support themselves, the Fellow will have the opportunity to mentor others and to enrich staff knowledge by organizing events such as virtual speaker series and presentations. Twice a year, the Fellow will participate with their cohort and other Fellows in a virtual conference for NPS staff and partners to provide updates about their research. The Fellow will be responsible for tracking and reporting accomplishments and for supplying copies of interpretive, educational, and research products to their host and to the National Coordinator.
3) Interpretive and Educational Products: The Mellon Fellow will lead the development of an Indigenous History landing page on NPS.gov/long. As a cornerstone of the page, the Mellon Fellow will develop an online feature of key objects in the site’s collection associated with Indigenous people, which will present the Fellow’s research for a public audience. This may complement a physical exhibit developed in conjunction with LONG curatorial staff.
LONG staff will provide mentorship in developing engaging, audience-centered, accessible products. Staff are also prepared to support the Mellon Fellow in developing at least one additional interpretive product; this could include developing a “counternarratives tour” of the Longfellow House, pop-up display, or additional digital content.
4) Career-Focused Work: In consultation with their mentors, the Fellow will carry out a career-centered project. About 20 percent of the Fellowship will be dedicated to this scholarly work that advances the Fellow’s career path. The Fellow will be supported by a multidisciplinary team that draws on local, regional, and partner expertise. In addition to NPS staff, the Fellow will also have an external mentor whose work focuses on Indigenous art, history, and culture in a museum context. In addition to their research report, the Fellow will draft at least one public facing article with the potential for scholarly review and publication.
Essential Responsibilities and Tasks:
- Synthesize existing documentation of objects of Indigenous origin in the LONG museum and archival collection and prepare a brief written survey of these collections.
- Complete an original research report on the history and context associated with the site’s Indigenous collections, and an accompanying Research Guide to Indigenous History in the Longfellow Archives. Provide briefing to NPS staff, key partners.
- Serve as a periodic mentor to interns supporting the Indigenous Artists Program, helping them to develop fundamental research skills and deepening their knowledge of Indigenous history and collections.
- Collaborate with Indigenous Artist Program and NPS staff to develop and promote creative public programs showcasing artistic and scholarly work.
- Develop Indigenous History content for NPS.gov, including introductory material, an online feature of key objects, and additional article content based on research report.
- Develop one additional interpretive product (a tour, pop-up display, exhibit plan, public program, or additional digital content) emphasizing connections between Indigenous History and the site’s founding era history, in conjunction with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
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NCPE Internships: Eligibility & How to Apply
Benefits
All NCPE interns received an hourly stipend, the rate is listed at each position description. Additionally, interns receive paid time off (PTO), paid Federal holidays if working full-time, and access to NCPE's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for career and personal counseling, coaching, and referrals. Project sites may also offer a housing allowance and/or commuting stipend; this information is also listed in the description or offered during the interview.
As an organization operating under Public Land Corps Act (PLC) authority, many NCPE positions qualify the intern for Federal Hiring Preference if (1) they complete a minimum of 640 hours at one or more qualifying conservation project(s); (2) are between the ages of 16 and 30 years (35 if a veteran); and (3) apply for a Federal position at USAJOBS with PLC noted in the announcement within two years of completing the internship. Find out more about this hiring preference during the interview or contact manager@preservenet.org for details.
Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must be currently enrolled in a degree-seeking academic program or recently graduated (within the past 12 months) and be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident. Interns are not eligible to work more than 1200 hours total in the program; previous interns must stay within this overall limit. The length of an internship can vary from 10 to 30 weeks if full time (40 hours per week) or longer if on a part-time schedule. If selected, the exact starting date will be determined by you and the NPS supervisor. The stipend rate is $17.00 per hour unless otherwise listed.
The successful candidate is responsible for finding and paying for travel to and housing at the internship location; some exceptions apply. The supervising office may be able to assist in locating housing but it is ultimately up to the individual accepting the internship to find accommodation.
The National Council requires all interns working in-person at Federal facilities and/or with Federal employees receive the Covid-19 vaccination. Please be advised that you may also be required to wear a mask, depending on the protocols adopted by your work site. Also be aware that, due to Government-wide security requirements, a background check will be required if you are selected for a position. This will include providing information about recent housing and employment history. The position supervisor will have more information about these requirements and procedures at the time of hiring. You may direct any questions to NCPE's Internship Program Director, Julee Johnson, at manager@preservenet.org.
Please note that interns are not NCPE or NPS employees. Stipends are academic awards and taxes are not withheld, nor are social security contributions made on your behalf. These funds may be taxable, however, so consult a tax preparation professional if you have questions.
How to Apply
You may review NCPE's internship opportunities during the Summer and Winter application rounds without registering. Use the search function to find listings by location, keyword, or area of interest/category. Once you identify one or more positions of interest, there is a 3-step application process.
Step 1: Click on the Apply for Job button, then select Universal Application. Click on Register to create a User Account, which requires a username and email. A link will be sent to you from manager@preservenet.org to create a password. We suggest that you add this email to your safe senders list so you don't miss receiving this important link. You will be instructed to Log In to Preservenet using your user name or email and password, which will take you back to the Universal Application.
Step 2: The Universal Application is required to apply for all NCPE internships. You fill out this form only once. In addition to contact information, educational status, work history, and experience, it requires two attachments: (1) the 2 most recent years of academic transcripts. These may be unofficial transcripts if official versions are unavailable. PDF only, labeled Your Last Name_Your First Name_Transcript. (2) a resume or CV (curriculum vitae). Please limit to a maximum of 4 pages; 2 pages preferred. May be .doc, .docx or PDF. Label Your Last Name_Your First Name_Resume. This form may be saved as a draft and completed later. Use the link provided to return to the form.
Step 3: Once you submit the Universal Application, you may browse and apply for NCPE internships using the link provided. Complete the application process by clicking on the Apply for job button found at each internship listing and upload the required Essay. Use the essay to explain why you are applying for an internship, including how your interest areas will benefit the National Park Service (NPS) and how the internship will further your studies and career goals. Be as specific as possible; there is a 400-word maximum length. Submit the essay to finish the application for that position. You may apply for a maximum of 6 internships during this application round. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!
Once the deadline for submission has passed, NPS supervisors will review the applications and may contact candidates for a phone interview. Candidates who are not selected will be notified. Please allow about 4 weeks after the deadline before inquiring about the status of your application.
Quick Tips on How to Apply
#1 If you feel you need to bolster your resume or expand your knowledge base in a certain area, consider offering research assistance to an authority at your university and/or design a 1-credit reading course with an eminent scholar or practitioner.
#2 "Experience" is more than paid work. It is any activity that gives you the knowledge and ability to do something well. So include in the Universal Application all relevant research projects, academic extracurricular activities, and volunteer interests to show your initiative, leadership, and competency.
#3 Proofread everything. The qualification most sought after for any job or internship is strong communication skills so start off on the right foot with no spelling or grammatical errors in your application.
Logging in with a Registered User Account and completing the Universal Application is required to apply for NCPE Internships. Please visit the Universal Application page to register for an account and complete the form. After logging in and completing the form, refreshing this listing will display the Job Application to apply online.