State Archaeology Collection Intern

The Mississippi Department of Archives & History (MDAH) is seeking an intern to join the archaeology section of the Historic Preservation division to serve as a State Archaeology Collection Intern. Interns will assist the Collections staff in the inventory of state-owned archaeological collections as we work with tribal descendant communities to repatriate cultural items and ancestors under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Intern will assist in documentation of post-contact collections important to the history of Mississippi, including items from the Civil War Period. Interns will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in NAGPRA and 36CFR79 curation standards, collection management, and conservation practices, as well as participate in consultation with tribal descendant communities.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Clean, label, and analyze artifacts
• Record and prepare inventory for entry into a collections database
• Accession artifacts and collections (curate and inventory)
• Rehouse artifacts according to curation standards

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree program, preferably in archaeology or related field
• Strong confidentiality skills
• Ability to follow strict guidelines for handling and storing archaeological materials, including federal curation standards and NAGPRA
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to perform technical work, make careful observations and record data accurately and legibly
• Physical ability to bend, kneel, or climb occasionally
• Ability to push, lift, and carry a minimum of 40 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Archaeology field school or comparable preferred
• Knowledge in 19th -20th century historic artifact analysis and identification
• Knowledge of American Civil War military history and artifact identification

Time Commitment:

This internship spans from September 14 to December 4, with a requirement of 140 in-person hours at our Jackson, Mississippi campus. Working hours are flexible, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The specific schedule will be established in accordance with the availability and mutual agreement between the intern and MDAH staff.

How to Apply:

Submit an online application through the MDAH website by August 7, 2026.

For more information, please contact Meredith Kent, HR Programs Manager, at (601) 576-7304 or mekent@mdah.ms.gov.