Keystone Internship at the State Historic Preservation Office Archaeology

Are you passionate about archaeology, anthropology, or public history and eager to gain meaningful, real-world experience? The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission's Keystone Internship Program provides exceptional opportunities to advance your professional development while sharing Pennsylvania's rich heritage with the public. Apply today to enhance your specialized skill set while embarking upon an exciting career path

The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is offering an internship with the Archaeology section and the Archaeology Curation section of our Environmental Review division. You will be working closely with the PA SHPO staff to make archaeology reports and site location data more accessible to professional archaeologists and to help with digitization efforts. Throughout the summer, you will learn how PA SHPO advises state and federal agencies under the Pennsylvania History Code and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. You will also learn how to record archaeological sites with the PA SHPO, gain experience in data management related to curation, and conduct archaeological site and project field views.

Make the most of this internship by identifying and understanding the areas where you want to grow within the museum profession

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• 10 week internship, May 2026 through August 2026, approximately 225 to 300 hours
• Work hours are flexible and will be finalized between selected interns and their supervisor.
• Telework: This internship will include a hybrid format of 50% telework and 50% on-site work. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary:In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Internship Requirements:

• All applicants must be enrolled at a college or university in an undergraduate or graduate program at the time of their internship.

Additional Requirements:

• You must be able and willing to report to Harrisburg, PA during the Summer Keystone Internship dates, which will be a 10-week period between May 11, 2026 and August 21, 2026. Lodging and transportation will not be provided.
• You must have completed or be enrolled in college-level coursework in anthropology and/or archaeology.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• Pursing a degree in anthropology, archaeology, or museum studies
• Completed an archaeological field school
• Completed college-level coursework in GIS

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

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