Historical Interpretation Intern

Triangle Land Conservancy • Durham, NC

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC) is hiring a temporary, part-time Historical Interpretation Intern to research and synthesize historical information about land use and human history at TLC’s public nature preserves. The intern will create interpretive content, including a blog post and either a public educational program or interpretive signage, to help the community develop a more complete understanding of TLC’s work.

The primary deliverable is a navigable literature review of historical information for Bailey and Sarah Williamson Nature Preserve and one other public TLC preserve, laying the groundwork for a database for future use. Research will draw on resources collected by the UNC Histories Project, interviews with staff and key stakeholders, institutional archives, and organizational partners such as Historic Stagville. The intern will also work with TLC’s communications department to develop interpretive materials and systems for organizing research resources.

The intern will be supervised by the Senior Volunteer and Outreach Associate and work alongside the Education and Outreach team in the Advancement department. The internship is expected to run from mid-January through early April 2027, for 9–10 hours per week over 16 weeks. The schedule is flexible and coordinated with the supervisor. After onboarding, work will primarily involve computer-based research and documentation, with in-person collaboration at a TLC office approximately one day per week and occasional preserve visits as opportunities arise. The position is based in TLC’s hybrid workplace in the Triangle region of North Carolina.

This non-exempt internship pays $20 per hour. It does not qualify for paid leave, health insurance, or other employee benefits. When TLC is closed for holidays, the intern receives unpaid time off. Applications are due by midnight on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program in history, public history, anthropology, museum studies, or a related field.
• Proficiency in historical research, including navigating primary and secondary sources.
• Experience navigating institutional archives, such as university libraries and state and county records.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience or a strong interest in interpreting history accurately and completely, including the stories of enslaved, Indigenous, and marginalized communities connected to TLC land.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office/Office 365, including Outlook.
• Ability to work 9–10 hours per week over 16 weeks, with a flexible schedule coordinated with the supervisor.

Nice To Haves

• Courses in environmental education, communications, or similar fields.
• Ability to commit to 3–5 hour time blocks.

Responsibilities

• Research and synthesize historical information about land use and human history at TLC public nature preserves.
• Create a navigable literature review for Bailey and Sarah Williamson Nature Preserve and one other public TLC preserve.
• Use UNC Histories Project resources, interview staff and key stakeholders, review institutional archives, and work with organizational partners such as Historic Stagville.
• Develop a public educational program or interpretive signage about historical information uncovered through research.
• Collaborate with the communications department on interpretive materials and systems for organizing research resources for future use.
• Write one blog post about information found during the internship.
• Document findings about the history of TLC preserves and the surrounding landscape, including through archival records, deeds, maps, and other primary sources.
• Participate in regular in-person collaboration at a TLC office and occasional site visits to preserves as opportunities arise.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern