Careers
PITTOCK MANSION SOCIETY
PRESERVATION INTERN
Description
Pittock Mansion Society seeks a highly skilled historic preservation intern to work with our Preservation Committee and Portland’s Pittock Mansion staff. This internship is open to aspiring historic preservation specialists, archivists, historians, and cultural resource management consultants. Architecture, communications, technical writing, or engineering backgrounds are a plus but are not a requirement. Highly motivated college students, graduate students, and recent graduates are encouraged to apply. Responsibilities will include supporting Preservation Committee members and Pittock Mansion staff with historical research, technical writing, records management, and developing recommendations in accordance with The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Additional opportunities may be available based on expertise and interest. This position is located at the Pittock Mansion campus in Portland, Oregon.
Responsibilities
- Assist in the identification, organization, and cataloging of historic documents, drawings, plans, photographs, and studies related to the construction and maintenance of the Mansion and supporting structures and landscape
- Assist with technical writing, including compilation of existing studies into a single comprehensive Pittock Mansion Building Preservation Plan
- Assist in the identification of unreliable, dated, and missing information related to the construction and maintenance of the Mansion to inform future studies and completion of the Pittock Mansion Building Preservation Plan
- Develop a preliminary plan to identify missing and store extant building artifacts
- Plan, attend, and support Preservation Committee meetings
- Contribute to Pittock Mansion Society culture, initiatives, and learning programs.
- Potential for hands-on condition assessment and material analysis dependent on skill and interest
- Potential for contributing to briefing papers for the Preservation Committee, Board of Directors, City of Portland, and potential donors
Qualifications and Terms
- Studies in Historic Preservation, Archival Studies, or closely related field
- Evidence of strong technical writing skills
- Ability to work independently
- Graphic presentation skills
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite
- A minimum of two references
The selected candidate will have the opportunity to be part of building a sustainable approach to the long-term preservation of the Pittock Mansion campus and surrounding gardens. You will report directly to the Senior Manager of Operations. You will work with diverse committee members, including professionals with degrees and/or experience in architecture, historic preservation, horticulture, engineering, museum management, risk management, and project management. You will also be part of the larger Pittock team that manages and executes the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the Pittock Mansion, its collection, and its engagement with the public. The duration of this opportunity is approximately 1,040 hours, which will be completed within twelve months, with flexible work weeks to be negotiated upon appointment.
To Apply
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and two references to jobs@pittockmansion.org. Please include “Preservation Intern” in the subject line. No phone calls, please.
Qualified candidates must complete a background check before hiring.
Physical Activities/ Other Conditions
- Ability to work in a shared / open space office environment
- Ability to travel locally for research and meetings
- Workstations may not be in a climate-controlled environment
- Wearing personal protective equipment (e.g., face covering, gloves) may be required
- Light to medium work that includes moving objects up to thirty pounds
- Opportunity for remote work
About Pittock Mansion:
Pittock Mansion is a 1914 historic house museum and one of Portland’s top tourist destinations. Pittock Mansion Society, a private nonprofit organization, collaborates with the City of Portland, Parks, and Recreation to operate the Mansion. The premises include the Mansion, the Gate Lodge, and the Garage with beautiful gardens adjacent to the Pittock Viewpoint. Our mission at Pittock Mansion Society is to inspire understanding and stewardship of Portland history through the Mansion, its collections, and programs.
