Internships

Two interns stand at Green River Road.

NPS Photo.

Cowpens National Battlefield is currently accepting applications for two internship positions. Please see the position descriptions and application information below.


Please note: Summer 2024 Internships have been filled. We will accept internship applications on a rolling basis for the fall 2024 semester.

 

Collections Management Intern

Internship Summary: The collections management intern will perform a variety of collections management tasks at Cowpens National Battlefield. Tasks may include processing the museum collection, creating finding aids, developing a temporary exhibit for an exhibit case in the visitor center, monitoring the museum’s environmental conditions, and developing a project that aligns with the intern’s personal interest and professional goals. The intern will work with professional staff and regional museum staff. The Lead Park Ranger will be supervising the intern and provide them with training and orientation materials based on their assigned duties.

Internship duration: 10 to 12 weeks depending on project and intern availability.

Approximate hours that may be earned: Negotiable based on interns’ availability and experience.

Dates of Service: To be determined based on the intern's availability.

Potential duties:

• Process and organize museum collection (including documents, collection objects, photographs, and more).

• Create finding aids for a small manuscript collection.

• Create temporary exhibits for display in the visitor center.

• Research objects in the museum collection.

• Write articles about the museum collection for the park’s website.

• Create an online exhibit.

• Digitize photographs.

• Assist with integrated pest management (bug traps, monitor environmental conditions, clean exhibit cases).

• Write social media posts highlighting collection.

• Assist in annual museum inventory.

• Present work to park staff, regional staff, and or the public.

• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits to Intern:

• Receive credit from a college or university.

• Receive training in collections management.

• Contribute greatly to the public’s understanding of the history of Cowpens National Battlefield.

• Experience serving at a national park.

• Free housing (if required and available).

Knowledge, Skills, and Expertise Desired:

• Reading, writing, and research skills.

• Public speaking skills (preferred but not necessary).

• Organizational skills.

• Attention to detail.

• Graduate students and or undergraduate students who have just completed their junior year are preferred but all applications will receive consideration.

• Interest in history, curatorial work, museum studies, and library science is preferred.

 

Historic Interpretation and Digital Media Intern

Internship Summary: The Historic Interpretation and Digital Media Intern will perform a variety of tasks to enhance the visitor experience. The intern will serve as a valuable member of the Visitor Services team, providing front-line interpretation and supporting daily operations, and developing a project that aligns with the intern’s personal interest and professional goals. In the lead-up to the anniversary event in January, the intern will also develop social media content to deepen the public’s understanding and appreciation of the Battle of Cowpens.

Internship duration: 10 to 12 weeks depending on project and intern availability.

Approximate hours that may be earned: Negotiable based on interns’ availability and experience.

Dates of Service: November to January.

Potential duties:

• Provide customer service and provide informal interpretation at a visitor center desk.
• Assist in opening and closing procedures of park grounds and facilities.
• Rove the park grounds and provide informal interpretation to visitors.
• Lead battlefield walks and talks to diverse groups of visitors.
• Operate a digital camera and take photographs of the park and events.
• Write social media posts (Facebook and Twitter).
• Assist in planning social media posts that lead-up to the Anniversary Commemoration in January.
• Research the Battle of Cowpens and the Southern Campaign.
• Write articles for the park’s website.
• Develop a new interpretive program.
• Research and laminate photographs for Visitor Services division.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits to Intern:

• Receive credit from a college or university.
• Receive training in collections management.
• Contribute greatly to the public’s understanding of the history of Cowpens National Battlefield.
• Experience serving at a national park.
• Free housing (if required and available).

Knowledge, Skills, and Expertise Desired:

• Reading, writing, and research skills.
• Public speaking skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Graduate students and or undergraduate students who have just completed their junior year are preferred but all applications will receive consideration.
• Interest in history, environmental science, museum studies, parks and recreation, public relations, communications, digital media, and other relevant fields.

 

How to Apply:

To be considered for an internship, please provide us with the following documents:

1. Describe in a cover letter how this internship will benefit your educational career, related work experience, and the period of time you will be available.

2. A resume, three professional and/or academic references and an unofficial transcript.

Please mail or email all materials to:

Justin Holzer
Park Ranger
Cowpens National Battlefield
338 New Pleasant Road
Gaffney, SC, 29341
Email: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone] ext. 2111

Applications will be considered a rolling-basis.