Preservation Craftsperson Intern

Proprietors of the Cemetery of Mount Auburn•Cambridge, MA

About The Position

As a Preservation Craftsperson Intern, you will work closely with Mount Auburn’s preservation staff to repair and stabilize monuments and headstones using both traditional and modern methods. Responsibilities may include repointing masonry, performing adhesive repairs on marble, slate, sandstone, and granite, and resetting loose or leaning markers. You will learn to mix and apply appropriate mortar formulations, execute high‑quality stone patches, and clean a variety of stone types using approved detergents, steam, and chemical treatments. Additional training may involve resetting granite steps and curbing, assisting with cast‑iron fence work, maintaining wayfinding signage, and using mobile, cloud-based software to survey and prioritize preservation projects. The Preservation Craftsperson is a paid internship. The internship traditionally runs from June through August (12 weeks). Some flexibility on start and end dates. Mount Auburn Cemetery is an equal-opportunity employer. It does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, national origin, age, pregnancy, citizenship status, physical or mental ability, military status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.

Requirements

A strong preservation ethic, patience, and the desire to perform careful, conscientious and lasting repairs to these invaluable historic resources.
Must be able to operate a variety of hand and power tools safely and effectively including but not limited to various drills, circular saw, table saw, miter saw, angle grinder, reciprocating saw, and bench grinder
Basic computer skills required and the ability to use a mouse and/or standard keyboard, iPads and computer equipment.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Heavy work that includes moving, adjusting, or carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds on a [frequent/constant/occasional] basis
Position involves moving in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments for extended period including, remaining in a stationary position and/or performing activities such as climbing, bending, twisting, reaching and pulling.
Must be able to perform physically strenuous work, outdoors throughout the summer in all weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

Prior hands-on preservation experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Repointing masonry
Performing adhesive repairs on marble, slate, sandstone, and granite
Resetting loose or leaning markers
Mix and apply appropriate mortar formulations
Execute high‑quality stone patches
Clean a variety of stone types using approved detergents, steam, and chemical treatments
Resetting granite steps and curbing
Assisting with cast‑iron fence work
Maintaining wayfinding signage
Using mobile, cloud-based software to survey and prioritize preservation projects