Internship Openings
Overview:
Reports to: Community Archivist Type of Position: Part-time, On-site
2 positions available
Hours/Schedule: 16 hours/week (Monday-Friday preferred)
Wage: $22 per hour Location: 415 Bernard Street, Los Angeles, California 90012
Duration of Internship: 2 months
Priority Deadline:
June 30, 2026
Application Deadline: The positions will remain open until filled
MISSION:
The mission of the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California is to bring together people with a mutual interest in the important history and historical role of Chinese and Chinese Americans in southern California. We pursue, preserve and communicate knowledge of this history, and promote the heritage of the Chinese and Chinese American community in support of a better appreciation of the rich, multicultural society of the United States.
For over 45 years the Society has collected artifacts, books, magazines, reports, films, photographs, textiles, videos and oral histories culminating in a vast archive of physical and digital assets. This summer we are seeking interns to assist with the processing of our archival collections. Interns will support the arrangement, description, preservation, and accessibility of key collections, helping to ensure these materials are organized and available for research and public use.
INTERN DUTIES:
The archival intern will support the arrangement, description, preservation, and accessibility of archival collections.
Projects may include:
●Processing and organizing archival collections
●Creating and updating finding aids
●Rehousing and preserving archival materials
●Assisting with collection surveys and assessment projects
●Conducting research to support collection description
● Arranging and describing archival materials
● Assisting with accessioning and collection management activities
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
The ideal candidate will possess a combination of the following education and/or equivalent experience:
● Incoming MLIS graduate student or current graduate of an MLIS program.
● Minimum of 6 months to 1 year experience in an archive setting.
● Experience handling a broad range of archival materials, including books, digital media, manuscript collections and artifacts.
● Experience following archival policies, procedures and guidelines.
● Experience using a collection management system.
● Knowledge of using ArchivesSpace.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of archival arrangement, description, and preservation practices.
● Ability to set priorities, manage work, and meet deadlines independently and collaboratively.
● Ability to interact and communicate successfully and sustain effective working relationships with a wide range of people including archivists, archival interns, and society members.
● Computer and technical skills and ability to learn new technologies.
● Effective analytic problem-solving and organizational skills.
● Strong written and oral communication skills.
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
●Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
● Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
● Ability to speak effectively before groups or individuals.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an intern to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable persons with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the intern is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. Must be able to lift 30 lbs. Must be able to perform repetitive motions 50% of the time.
To apply applicants must submit a cover letter and a resume and to david.castro@chssc.org. In later phases of the search process, applicants may be requested to provide additional materials.