Pre-program Conservation Intern, Wooden Objects (Parks and Recreation Aide 6)
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation
Cohoes, New York
United States
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Posted:
Jul 12, 2025
- Salary: From $21.57 to $21.57 Hourly USD Hourly
- Salary Top:21.5721
- Full Time
- Environmental Services
- Internship
- Parks and Recreation
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Job Description
Duties Description
ABOUT NYS PARKS:
Established in 1972, the Bureau of Historic Sites provides technical support to New York's state-owned parks and historic sites. It is headquartered at the Peebles Island Resource Center, a rehabilitated factory complex located in Peebles Island State Park, a scenic, 158-acre green space at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers. The Bureau helps to safeguard New York's rich heritage through a variety of projects and programs that document, preserve, and interpret historic, cultural, and natural resources at state parks and historic sites. The Conservation Unit is made up of seven discipline-specific labs with separate dedicated workspaces, along with shared analytical equipment, photography studio, and spray booth.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the supervision of a NYS Parks conservator, the selected candidate will perform various tasks related to the conservation and preservation of New York State’s historic collections.
Job duties may include but are not limited to:
• Creation of custom storage housings for collections objects
• Writing examination reports and treatment proposals
• Conducting basic conservation treatments
• Working with TMS database to upload treatment documents
• Analysis of objects using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, and/or InGaAs Infrared imaging
• Photography of artworks before, during, and after treatment
• Preparation of solutions and mixtures for cleaning, adhering, varnishing, etc.
• Collecting and analyzing environmental data from HOBO dataloggers
Supervision and training will be given in all of the above tasks; candidates are not expected to be able to perform these duties alone from the start. Other training may include: art handling, microscope use, and research/reading about conservation ethics, treatment philosophies, etc. Assistance with the preparation of a graduate-school-level portfolio will be offered.
Work will take place mostly at the Parks facility on Peebles Island near Albany, NY, with the potential for some off-site day trips (during work hours, in a provided state vehicle driven by the supervisor). The intern will work in the Wooden Objects Conservation Lab mostly, but may interact with the six other conservation departments (Frames, Textiles, Paper, Paintings, Decorative Arts, and Architecture), based on available projects and interests of the candidate.
Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
There are no minimum qualifications per Civil Service.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree or working towards a bachelor’s degree in studio art, art history, chemistry, history, archaeology, or another related field.
• An interest in pursuing a graduate degree in the conservation field.
• Previous experience in a conservation lab or research facility.
• Previous experience with woodworking or other 3-dimensional craft.
Additional Comments
OPERATIONAL NEEDS:
• Organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Must possess basic computer skills, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently as well as with others.
• Ability to perform medium to heavy physical labor, including medium-heavy lifting.
• Will be required to wear a half mask respirator with cartridges.
BENEFITS:
This position has the option to join the NYS Employee’s Retirement System. Is eligible for health insurance, dental and vision coverage. Opportunity for paid time off in the form of vacation, sick, personal and holiday leave after time & service requirements has been met.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Closing Date/Time: 07/25/25 -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation
Show moreThe mission of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation is to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources.
From the shores of Long Island to the mighty Niagara Falls, New York's 180 state parks offer countless opportunities to explore your natural environment, escape from the grind of the everyday and experience exciting new adventures. Beaches, boat launches, hiking trails, campsites, and golf courses all await you!
New York's state parks... With all there is to see and do, how will you spend your time?
NEW YORK STATE IS KNOCKING IT OUT OF THE PARKS!
Come work with us, and...
- Be a part of the premier park system in the United States - with more than 250 state parks, historic sites, golf courses, swimming pools, beaches, campgrounds, marinas, trails, and museums and nature centers.
- Work in some of the most beautiful, scenic, and historic places New York State has to offer.
- Make a tangible impact on your community. Parks are for everyone, and all are welcome here: People of every age, ability, color, or creed belong here – without exceptions – yourself included! People of every kind come visit us in order to have experiences – and at OPRHP, we get to be part of these special times in truly meaningful ways. See how you can make a difference as a part of Team OPRHP!
State parks and historic sites are staffed by a core of permanent employees who work year-round to maintain these precious resources. During the peak of our operating season (May through September) the permanent staff is supplemented by several thousand seasonal employees who work to ensure that our patrons have a positive and safe experience when visiting our sites.
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