Employment Opportunities | Shelburne Museum

2026 Summer Conservation Internship – Graduate Level

2026 Summer Conservation Internship – Graduate Level

Shelburne Museum, Shelburne, VT is offering a paid 10 week summer work project for a student currently enrolled in a conservation graduate program with an interest in textile conservation and/or objects conservation. The intern will undertake projects related to preparing hooked rugs for exhibition, cleaning one of the painted canvas panels with painted wood frames from the Museum’s 1902 Dentzel carousel, participate in a variety of preventive conservation projects related to integrated pest management and environmental data collection and analysis, and contribute to a growing reference collection of hair and plant fiber microscope images.

Shelburne Museum, located outside of Burlington, Vermont and nestled between the Green and Adirondack Mountains, displays its collection within 39 historic vernacular buildings and purpose-built structures on 40 landscaped acres. The intern will join a team of three conservators in the conservation lab: an objects conservator who also serves as the department director, a textile conservator, and a preventive conservator. More information about Shelburne Museum’s conservation lab can be found here: https://www.conservation-wiki.com/wiki/Shelburne_Museum_Conservation_Lab

The intern will be paid a stipend of $8,000 and an onboarding allowance of $6,000 to help defray the costs of housing and transportation. It is strongly recommended that the intern have their own vehicle as options for public transportation, while available, are extremely limited.

The internship would commence in June 2026, but the actual start and end dates are negotiable.

Interested individuals should send a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 3 references (a maximum of 2 from academia) to Nancie Ravenel at nravenel@shelburnemuseum.org by February 15, 2026. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Shelburne Museum is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. If you’d like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the EEO brochure to view your rights.

Preservation Carpenter

Preservation Carpenter
Position Type: Full-Time, Hourly
Department: Preservation and Landscape
Reports to: Director of Preservation and Facilities
Salary Range: $26.00–$35.00 DOE

The Preservation Carpenter will perform skilled tasks to support the conservation and repair of Shelburne Museum’s 40 historic buildings, many of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Reporting to the Director of Preservation and Facilities, the successful candidate will primarily focus on preservation carpentry, with occasional involvement in special projects and a variety of semi-skilled tasks.

Essential Job Functions:

Perform a wide range of carpentry tasks, including framing, finish work, and the installation of elements such as sills, posts, beams, rafters, doors, windows, floors, staircases, interior and exterior trim, roofing, and more.
Assess deteriorated wooden components and assist in developing restoration or repair plans.
Install and repair wooden elements on both historic and non-historic structures, employing modern and traditional techniques.
Assist with sourcing and researching materials, products, and contractors appropriate for historic preservation projects.
Safely use ladders, scaffolding, and other equipment as required.
Work in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Adhere to building codes, regulations, and best practices.
Assist in documenting historic buildings through hand-measured drawings.
Collaborate effectively in a team environment and adapt to changing tasks and schedules.
Repair of any type of building material such as, but not limited to walls, floors, roofs and foundations.
Construct gallery cases and shop-based projects.
Assist with the opening and closing of exhibit spaces and buildings, as well as manual tasks like snow removal, tent setup for special events, and installation or deinstallation of air conditioners.
Respond to maintenance requests from all departments and prioritize carpentry tasks to ensure completion.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility:
Supervise museum volunteers in the Preservation and Landscape department as needed.

Qualifications:

A minimum of 5 years of experience in preservation trades is preferred, but a strong appreciation for historic preservation is essential.
Knowledge of traditional construction methods and historic finish carpentry practices is required.
Experience with historic timber framing is preferred.
Familiarity with framing repairs using period joinery, wood roofing, and other historic trades (e.g., masonry, plastering, metalworking, slate work) is a plus.
Knowledge of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties is preferred, as all work on historic structures is guided by these standards.
Capable of identifying plumbing, electrical, and carpentry issues and directing them to the appropriate tradesperson.
A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record is required.
Skilled in use of carpentry equipment with strong adherence to safety and security guidelines.
Creative, detail-oriented, versatile, and able to work collaboratively across departments.
Experience working carefully in historic and gallery spaces.
AutoCAD experience is a plus.
Completion of pulmonary function and respirator fit tests required.

Physical Requirements:

• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly.

• Climb ladders, bend, kneel, perform repetitive motions, and work in confined spaces.

• Work outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions; perform physically demanding tasks such as snow removal and heavy lifting.

Hours: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM Monday – Friday

Terms:
The Preservation Carpenter is a full-time, full-benefits, hourly, non-exempt, employment-at-will position.

Compensation and Benefits:

Full Museum benefits package including health, dental and generous paid time off. Spectacular working environment; committed, friendly co-workers; discount at the Museum Store and Café; passes to the museum to share with friends and family; and reciprocal benefits at regional museums and attractions.

To apply:
Please email our Human Resources department at HR@shelburnemuseum.org and provide a Cover Letter and Resume (PDF format preferred). For more information, visit our careers page: https://shelburnemuseum.org/about/employment/. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon a clear background check.

Director of Preservation and Facilities

Director of Preservation and Facilities
Position Type: Year-round, Full-time, Management position
Department: Preservation
Reports to: Museum Director
Salary range:$75,000-$100,000 DOE

The Director of Preservation and Facilities plays a vital leadership role in the long-term stewardship and conservation of Shelburne Museum’s historic buildings, collections, and physical assets. This position is responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans, coordinating historic preservation and maintenance projects, and ensuring all work aligns with museum goals and historic preservation standards. The role requires collaboration across departments, with project teams, external contractors, regulatory bodies, and funding partners. Shelburne Museum stewards 40 structures over a 45-acre campus, all requiring ongoing maintenance and preservation.

Essential Job Functions:

Develop and execute preservation plans for historic buildings, grounds, and physical assets in alignment with the organization’s mission and strategic goals.
Assess the condition of structures and assets, to determine immediate and long-term preservation and maintenance needs.
Manage all museum building and structure projects, including planning, bidding, contractor oversight, and documentation.
Actively participate in and perform preservation work, including hands-on restoration and maintenance of historic structures and building systems.
Prepare construction documents, solicit bids, oversee execution, and ensure timely and accurate project billing and reporting.
Ensure compliance with historical regulations and processes, integrating best practice for historical preservation and restoration.
Partner with the Development Department to assist with grant writing process and procurement of funding from various sources to support preservation projects and goals.
Provide expertise and guidance on architectural preservation techniques, materials and methodologies to internal teams and external partners.
Document preservation efforts, including assessments, plans, project progress and outcomes.
Oversee and manage a team of buildings and museum services employees and volunteers.
Generate, implement, and track fiscal budgets that take into account ongoing costs as well as grant initiatives and capital expenditures.

Supervisory Responsibility:
Directly supervises the following year-round staff: Museum Services team (3 employees), Buildings staff (5 employees), and the Systems Maintenance Technician (1 employee). Also responsible for overseeing seasonal staff and volunteers.

Education and Experience:
An advanced degree in historic preservation, architecture, history, or a related field is highly preferred; however, candidates with a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience will also be considered.

Minimum of 7 years of experience in architectural preservation, with a proven track record of developing and executing preservation plans.

Prior supervisory experience required, ideally managing a team of five or more, including seasonal and volunteer staff.

Physical Requirements:
This position requires the ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments, often in varying and sometimes inclement weather conditions. The Director of Preservation & Facilities must be capable of walking across the 45-acre campus, accessing historic structures that may have uneven flooring, narrow staircases, and limited accessibility. The position requires the ability to lift materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications:

Strong team leadership and management skills, with experience supervising a multi-disciplinary team.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities, with experience collaborating across departments and with external partners.
Demonstrated passion for and commitment to preserving historical buildings and assets.
Hands-on experience in building restoration and construction practices.
Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Comfortable with public speaking and presenting preservation work to stakeholders.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant tools or software.

Benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance & AD&D and Short/Long-Term Disability.
Combined time off up to 160 hours per year, 8 hours for your birthday, and 8 hours for community service leave.
Employees may contribute to the Museum’s Retirement plan, effective 1st of the month following their start date. After one year of service employees are eligible for a 2% Match and 3% Safe Harbor contribution, paid for by the Museum.
Other benefits include free Museum access for immediate family members and an employee discount at the Museum store and café.

To apply:
Please email our Human Resources department at HR@shelburnemuseum.org and provide a Cover Letter and an updated Resume (PDF format preferred). For more information, visit our careers page: https://shelburnemuseum.org/about/employment/. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon a clear background check.