Located at the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT) — a research and education center of the National Park Service (NPS) dedicated to advancing the field of historic preservation through the use of science and technology — the intern will work in NCPTT’s research laboratories to study  the effects of commercially available fire retardants on historic unpainted wood. The intern will work with a team of conservation scientists to learn experimental design, sample preparation, and analytical techniques. Some analytical techniques used will be gloss meters, colorimeters, photography, accelerated artificial weathering, and others. Applicants should have an interest in materials testing. This is an in-person summer internship located in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Low-cost campus housing is available. Transportation isn’t required to access the laboratories; bikes are available.

This position is part of the Internship Program administered by the National Council for Preservation Education (NCPE). The program is a partnership between the National Park Service and NCPE. Eligibility requirements apply; visit https://preservenet.org/ncpe-internships/ for details and instructions on how to apply.

Qualified NCPE interns who successfully complete their internships may count their position towards earning a Public Land Corps (PLC) Non-Competitive Hiring Authority certificate.  Once earned, the PLC hiring authority certificate may be used to apply for eligible Federal temporary, term, or permanent positions. Visit the website listed above for details about this benefit. Successful completion of the internship does not guarantee Federal employment.