Cable Natural History Museum

Museum Exhibits Intern

Cable, Wisconsin

3-credit Paid Internship

June 12 – August 11 (start and end date negotiable)

Must be enrolled for Fall 2007, have filed 2007-08 FAFSA, and must be eligible for Work Study

32-40 hours/week, $7.00/hour

Housing provided 11 miles from Museum, Transportation necessary

Qualifications: This internship is open to undergraduate students with an interest in science, education, or museum professions. Individuals applying should have an interest in gaining hands-on experience in exhibit development and the overall workings of a natural history museum. Applicants must have strong research skills, proficiency in the use of computers, and strong verbal and written communication skills. Creativity, flexibility, enthusiasm, and problem-solving skills are also needed. Candidates must also have an interest in promoting the public understanding of science and natural history. Applicants with prior background in exhibit development, interpretive writing, and collections management will be given preference.

Purpose of Position: The Museum Exhibit Intern is involved in pursuing the Museum’s mission by providing hands-on learning experiences for the public throughout the Museum’s exhibit hall. The responsibilities of this position will be in assisting the Director of Education in research and development of exhibits, exhibit plans, and associated visitor studies and activities.

Principal Responsibilities:

Research and develop creative content for new exhibits at the Museum
Design exhibit experiences by identifying their elements and the way guests are going to interact with them
Define the concepts to be explained in each element as well as on panels and/or other graphic materials.
Research images and assist in the development of graphic design for signage, multimedia and associated materials
Write text for new exhibits
Develop floor plans for a Curiosity Center, Jim Brandenburg and local artists exhibits for 2008 exhibits
Design plans for exhibit fabrication and installation
Recommend content and activity ideas on exhibits as they relate to staff, docent and visitor interaction.
Develop and implement visitor studies for evaluation of exhibits
Work with docents, provide visitor information about the area, re-stock and keep interpretive materials and information pamphlets up-to-date, and maintain the hands-on exhibits in the Main Gallery
Assist in the expansion of outdoor classroom exhibit components
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Located in the heart of northern Wisconsin’s 900,000-acre Chequamegon National Forest, the Cable Natural History Museum is dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of nature and advocating environmental stewardship. Focusing on the natural history of the upper Great Lakes region, the Museum pursues its mission through a variety of programs and resources, including collections, exhibits, field trips, educational outreach programs, classes and workshops, and more. To learn more about the Museum and its programs, visit our website at www.cablemuseum.org.

To Apply: Send or Email a current resume and a cover letter that describes your professional goals, what you would hope to gain from this internship, and what expertise you would bring. Include the names, addresses and phone numbers of two references.

Return your application materials postdated by Friday, March 16, 2007 to:

Sue Benson

Director of Education

Cable Natural History Museum

P.O. Box 416

Cable, WI 54821

Email: sue@cablemuseum.org