Are you, or do you know of, a student interested in the preservation, enhancement, and sustainable use of our nation’s diverse historic resources? The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) in Washington, D.C., has internship opportunities available for undergraduate or graduate students, as well as individuals at an early stage of their career and professional development. A small, independent federal agency, the ACHP oversees the historic preservation review process for federal projects and conducts a variety of preservation programs dealing with community preservation, economic development, sustainability, promoting public appreciation of cultural heritage, national preservation policy and legislation, Native American interests, diversity, and youth engagement.
Candidates should have an interest in historic preservation and may come from a wide variety of disciplines in addition to history, architectural history, or archaeology, such as planning, law, economics, architectural design, communications, or education. Selected interns will complete projects contributing to, or broadening awareness of, the activities carried out or overseen by the ACHP and our historic preservation partners nationwide. Interns will become familiar with the full range of work of the agency and the roles of preservation partners through orientation, training, and by participating in meetings to observe the development and implementation of federal historic preservation policy, as well as programs with others interning at related agencies and organizations.
How to Apply – Deadline March 4, 2019
Interested applicants should apply using the form at https://www.achp.gov/sites/default/files/2019-02/ACHP%20Internship%20application%20form%202019%20final.pdf and a resume. Save the filled-out form on your computer as a pdf and then attach it to an email along with your resume. Send to Judy Rodenstein, Internship Program Coordinator, at jrodenstein@achp.gov. For more information on the ACHP and its work, please visit www.achp.gov.
Potential 2019 Projects
In addition to supporting emerging priorities through work with the Offices of Communications, Education, and Outreach (OCEO); Federal Agency Programs (OFAP); General Counsel (OGC); and Preservation Initiatives (OPI), summer 2019 interns may:
Assist in the development of the Section 106 training program, including participating in the updating and adaptation of existing webinars to an e-learning format. Learn how to edit PowerPoint files in the e-learning software (Articulate 360) and to produce courses for posting on the ACHP’s Learning Management System. Assist in the development of content for new training webinars and the preparation of fact sheets or other publications to educate federal agency staff, preservation professionals, and other stakeholders about Section 106-related topics. (OFAP)
Interact with and assist OFAP staff in their roles in Section 106 case review. (OFAP)
As part of the federal government’s assessment of its permitting processes for major infrastructure projects, research the intersection of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act, including recent regulatory and policy developments and relevant cases. Research how procedural errors and outright non-compliance with Section 106 is treated by the courts, including whether any after-the-fact compliance may be done to remedy the error or violation. (OGC)
Work as part of the team to respond to questions about historic preservation and Section 106, and on other legal matters as they arise in agency operation, including use of social media and records management. (OGC)
Research and help develop new material related to heritage tourism and the economic benefits of preservation. (OPI)
Assist with enhancing and updating existing online content, managing program information, and acquiring current contacts, images, and program examples. (OPI)
Research and develop materials highlighting the importance and benefits of historic preservation for all Americans. Help develop outreach strategies and communication tailored for a variety of audiences, including Congress, young audiences, preservation partners, and the general public. (OCEO)
Suggest ideas and research and draft content for the ACHP Web site and social media. Help expand the agency’s social media presence. Familiarity with content management systems a plus. (OCEO)
Relevant skills include strong research, writing, and organizational ability; comfort with contacting, meeting, and interviewing people by phone or in person; and experience with using and developing content for the Web and social media. Some familiarity with historic preservation is desirable, but not required.