Job Title: Graduate Student Intern
Position Type: W-4 employee, temporary (up to 180 hours), non-exempt
Wage: $21.00/hour
Reports To: Executive Director
Travel Required: Regional, less than 10% of the time
Location: Cascade Locks Historical Museum, 417 SW Portage Rd, Cascade Locks, OR 97014
Schedule: Summer 2026 contract (dates negotiable)

Description: 

Cascade Locks Historical Museum is seeking a Graduate Student Intern to assist with processing an unmanaged outdoor exhibit in poor condition. The intern will work with the Executive Director to identify, condition assess, photograph, catalog, and determine the future of objects.

Project Timeline:

In person (Approximately 3 work weeks)

• Collection management tasks that require physical interactions with objects (photographing, condition assessment)
• Rehoming retained objects

Remote (all remaining hours)

• Computer-based collection management tasks, including cataloging entries and research

Responsibilities:

Support gaining intellectual control of this collection

• Help identify and research objects, matching with existing records when possible
• Photograph objects
• Document object condition
• Create records in Collection Management Software (CatalogIt)

Rehoming retained objects

• Help determine if any pieces can/should come inside, help move and store them according to museum practices
• Help relocate objects to offsite display opportunities in local businesses, including stabilizing, mounting, and creating labels

Deaccessioning items

• Help process documentation for deaccessioned items

Skills and Requirements:

• Must be currently enrolled in a graduate level program in museum studies, public history, history, anthropology, folklore, or related field.

• Physical requirements
• • Ability to work in a variety of outdoor conditions in a shaded area
  • Ability to handle wood and metal objects with personal protective equipment
  • Ability to independently lift objects weighing up to 20lbs and assist with lifting occasional large objects weighing up to 50 lbs
  • Ability to ascend and descend stairs
• Museum Skills
• • Basic knowledge of museum collections practices and operations
• Computer Skills
• • Accurate data entry
  • Familiarity with or ability to learn to operate collection management software (CatalogIt)
  • Basic office software skills (Gmail, Google Sheets)
• General Work Skills
• • Work ethic and desire to learn
  • Deductive reasoning skills to support matching record keeping with catalog entries
  • Attention to detail, particularly when assessing object conditions and creating records
  • Organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Perks: 

• Reciprocal pass for employee + guest admission with 30+ other regional museums and attractions

• Free parking permit for Cascade Locks Marine Park

Application Process:

• Please submit a resume and an informal email describing your interest and experience to director@cascadelocksmuseum.org

• Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

• Interviews will be conducted via Zoom. Applicants will be provided with the standard interview questions in advance to prepare.