Volunteer Museum Technician

Position Overview

We are currently seeking summer and fall volunteers.

The Museum Technician Volunteer assists park curatorial staff in the care, preservation, and interpretation of the museum collection located in period-furnished room exhibits and in modern offices and storage buildings. Volunteers may work in historic sites such as Melrose Mansion, the William Johnson House, and Fort Rosalie, directly contributing to the preservation of nationally significant cultural resources. This position offers hands-on experience with museum practices, preventive conservation, and collections software — skills valued in museum, archive, and historic preservation careers. Local volunteers are welcome and must volunteer at least two days per month.

Dates & Commitment

Volunteer schedules will be coordinated to meet project needs and may be short-term for specific projects or longer-term for ongoing duties. Those wishing to receive an RV site must commit to a minimum of three months and a maximum of six months. Local volunteers must volunteer at least two days per month. Exact start and end dates are flexible.

• Individuals: 32 hours per week if in RV site program
• Couples: 24 hours per person per week if in RV site program
• Note: Couples wishing to apply should submit separate applications for each person.

Uniform Requirements

• Provided by Park: VIP uniform items in accordance with park uniform standards
• Provided by Volunteer: Neat, park-appropriate attire and closed-toe shoes

Duties & Responsibilities

As a Museum Technician Volunteer, you will:

• Conduct inventories and object condition checks
• Organize, scan, and process photographs and archival materials
• Assist in preventive conservation and collections housekeeping
• Monitor environmental conditions by recording temperature, humidity, and pest activity
• Enter and update records in the museum collection software
• All duties will follow the park’s museum collections policies and professional standards.

Work Environment & Safety

Work is performed in climate-controlled collection storage and office spaces, furnished historic rooms, and occasionally in outbuildings. Some exposure to dust may occur. Certain tasks, such as inventories, may involve lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. and standing for extended periods. Volunteers will review and follow the Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) for this role and complete required safety training before handling artifacts or using any tools or chemicals.

Requirements for Volunteers

• Be a U.S. citizen and provide a permanent mailing address
• Pass a background check if duties involve unsupervised access to collections areas (initiated after conditional selection)
• Completion of NPS volunteer orientation and museum collections training (provided)
• Ability to handle delicate and historic objects with care
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Interest in history, material culture, or museum work
• Knowledge of museum practices and procedures helpful but not required
• Have a positive and helpful attitude
• Be able to work safely and follow all park safety protocols
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential volunteer duties

Why Volunteer?

• Hands-On Experience – Work directly with historic objects, preventive conservation, and museum collections software
• Professional Development – Gain skills and knowledge valued in museum, archive, and historic preservation careers
• Support Cultural Heritage – Contribute to the preservation of nationally significant cultural resources
• Be Part of the Mission – Help the National Park Service safeguard and interpret our shared history

Housing Information

• RV Site: On-site pad with water, sewer, and electric hookups may be available for this position
• Requirement: Minimum of three months and maximum of six months commitment for RV site use