Bandelier National Monument is accepting applications from enrolled students (or individuals accepted for enrollment) for a 2009 summer internship. The selected individual will work as an architectural conservation intern in the parks Vanishing Treasures (ruins conservation) program. Two major projects are planned for the 2009 field season, and the selected individual will work on one or both of the projects described below.

Project Description

The first project involves the application of conservation treatments to a wide variety of cavate pueblos in the Tsankawi unit of the park. Cavate pueblos are groups of cliff dwellings carved into the soft volcanic tuff deposited by multiple eruptions of the Valles Caldera volcano. The remaining networks of hand-carved caves are often plastered and ornamented, and many retain original masonry enclosures. Conservation treatments may include infilling of erosional voids, masonry stabilization, plaster conservation, intensive documentation, erosion control, stone consolidation, graffiti mitigation, and similar treatments. The selected individual should be prepared to carry 5-gallon buckets filled with water, lime, soil, and supplies over rugged terrain to the work site (1/2-mile to 1ﾽ miles, depending on the project).

The second project is the stabilization of Tyuonyi Pueblo, a 15th Century Ancestral Pueblo village. Work will involve repointing the prehistoric stone masonry by removing 20- to 50-year-old cement mortar, replacing it with an earth and acrylic mortar, and completing graphic documentation of the finished work. The selected individual should be prepared to mix mortar, lift stones weighing up to 30 lbs, work with hand tools, describe their work to the visiting public, and keep a careful record of preservation activities.

For both projects, the selected individual should expect to spend most days outside at an elevation of approximately 7,000 feet and be prepared for extreme weather conditions. Temperatures are typically in the 80s and 90s but can exceed 100 degrees, and the intern should be able to carry sufficient personal drinking water. Work days will be Monday through Thursday from 7:00 to 5:30, with Friday through Sunday off.

Area Information

Bandelier National Monument is located in New Mexico's high country approximately one hour from Santa Fe. Renowned for its prehistoric cliff dwellings carved into soft volcanic stone, the park features some of the most distinctive architectural remains in the southwest. The park is bordered by the Rio Grande and offers dramatic canyons, spectacular geology, sweeping vistas, and rugged backcountry. Bandelier is uniquely situated a the intersection of mountain and desert, offering abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Popular area activities include hiking, rock climbing, fishing, mountain biking, camping, and visiting local hot springs.

The nearest city, Los Alamos, is located 15 miles from the park and offers a grocery store, restaurants, and most services. A personal vehicle is not necessary, but is helpful due to the semi-remote location of the park. Interns who do not have a personal vehicle may able to find rides to stores with other employees. No public transportation is available between the park and Los Alamos.

Please visit www.nps.gov/band for more information.

Internship Dates

June 8  August 14, 2009

Beginning and ending may be adjusted based on the availability of the selected individual.

Compensation and Housing

This is a paid internship. Compensation will be commensurate with the applicants academic and experience level at the start of the internship. Only U.S. citizens are eligible to receive compensation.

Undergraduate level

" Freshman - Sophomore (1-59 credits): $11.34 per hour

" Junior  Senior (60-120 credits): $12.73 per hour

Graduate level

" $14.24 - $17.64 per hour, depending on number of credits completed and level of experience

On-site shared housing may be available for $200 - $400 per month. Non-U.S. citizens may be eligible for no-cost housing through the Volunteers In Parks program. Pets are not permitted in park housing.