Internships
We are currently hiring summer interns for the Collections Department:
Position Summary
The San Diego Automotive Museum is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Collections Associate Intern to support the Curatorial Department during the summer of 2025. This unpaid internship offers experience in museum collections work and provides hands-on training in collections care, cataloging, documentation, and object handling.
The intern will report to and work closely with the Assistant Curator, who manages the museum’s collections and library and oversees ongoing collection-related projects. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals exploring careers in museums, archives, or heritage management.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with cataloging and updating object records in the museum’s collections database (Catalogit)
- Photograph and document collection items for digital and internal use
- Conduct condition reports and assist with storage monitoring
- Rehouse and organize objects to meet museum standards
- Support exhibition installation and deinstallation
- Conduct basic provenance or historical research on vehicles, artifacts, or donors
- Participate in environmental monitoring and integrated pest management
- Contribute to curatorial meetings and planning discussions
Preferred Qualifications
- Interest in museum collections, archives, or curatorial practice
- Enrolled in or recently completed coursework in Museum Studies, Public History, Anthropology, Library/Archival Studies, Art History, or a related field
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational and research skills
- Familiarity with or interest in using collections databases (Catalogit experience is a plus)
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a professional setting
- Comfortable lifting up to 30 lbs and working in storage environments
- Reliable and communicative
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the internship, participants will:
- Gain practical experience in museum collections management
- Develop foundational skills in documentation, object handling, and preventive care
- Strengthening research and database entry skills
- Learn about ethical and professional standards in collections work
- Receive mentoring from museum staff and contribute meaningfully to active projects
How to Apply
To apply, please submit the following to curatorial@sdautomuseum.org with the subject line: Summer Collections Associate Intern Application – Your Name
- Resume (no longer than 1 page)
