Many students in CCS programs intern at the local historic state park Riordan Mansion in Flagstaff, Arizona. The deadlines for applications are:
Summer February 1
Fall April 1,
Spring October 1
Applications are accepted year round and interns are selected through a competitive process.
To apply, submit the following to Park Manager Nikki Lober at nlober@azstateparks.gov. If you have any questions, please email or call 928-779-4395.
- Letter of Interest: include availability, area of interest, reasons for wanting to intern, and
if for academic credit please include program requirements & advisor contact
information. - Resume
- Letter of recommendation
About Internships at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Goal of Internships: To provide Public History, Museum Studies, Arts and Cultural
Management, Parks and Recreation Management and other students in appropriate fields of
study with a quality learning experience in a history museum and park setting.
Overview: An internship at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park is an excellent opportunity to
develop your career experience. Interns at Riordan Mansion are unpaid volunteers. As such you
will be required to complete a Volunteer Contract, background check and all required volunteer
training. Interns will learn to give guided tours and assist in basic visitor services (welcoming
visitors, operating a cash register, and answering questions). In addition to the above duties an
intern can select an area of interest to receive additional training and support as time permits.
These areas include but are not limited to: interpretation, curatorial, archives and maintenance.
At least one internship is available each semester. Internships are generally available for credit
and the hours will depend on the program requirements. Students, with the agreement of
internship supervisors and faculty, may repeat the internship for an additional semester. If funds
are available from the Northern Arizona Pioneers’ Historical Society and Riordan Action
Network a small stipend may be paid.
Student interns will be exposed to the various aspects of museum and public history work
through well-supervised and designed projects. Students will gain quality work experience with
the guidance and mentorships of Riordan Mansion supervisors and NAU faculty advisors.
Depending on the requirements of the program for which a student is earning credit the
completion of an internship project may be required. The parameters of the project will be
determined in collaboration with the intern, park supervisor, and faculty advisor.
Examples of past projects include:
● Exhibit research and development
● Research and development of specialized tours
● Public program development and delivery
● Collections Management
Qualifications:
1. Excellent customer service skills
2. Ability to work weekends
3. Ability to give one hour long guided tours through multi-level historic home.
4. Ability to work as a team member.
5. Skill in oral and written communications.
6. Ability to understand and apply park rules and collect park fees.
7. Ability to communicate with the public in a positive, professional manner under both
friendly and intense circumstances.
