The Maryland Historical Trust Office of Preservation Services (OPS) is seeking an individual to assist the easement program with its reorganization. OPS provides public assistance through the Preservation Tax Incentives Program, Capital Grants Program, Rehabilitation Loan Program, Section 106 Review through Federal and State legislation, Underwater Archeology Program, and the Preservation Easement Program. An Easement is the strongest and most effective way to ensure the perpetual preservation of an historic property. The Trust holds approximately 600 easements throughout the state. In short, a Preservation Easement requires the owner to receive prior review and approval for any work to the exterior, interior, or both (depending on the parameters of the easement document). The Trust uses the Secretary of the Interiors Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties to determine whether the proposed work is appropriate.

The intern will work directly with the Easement Administrator to create a document using Microsoft Access and Microsoft Word that will summarize each easement for quick reference of relevant information. The intern will review each easement document and update any missing or incorrect information in the existing database. After the database is complete, the intern will create a summary of the easements provisions and the easement property in a one page document. The form will be printed, inserted into the easement file, and made available to all staff members for future reference as well as to the public on the Trusts webpage.

In addition to the creation of a summary document, the intern will have an opportunity to participate in a variety of different activities pertaining to the easement program. For example, he/she will partake in on site visits and site inspections to determine the easement propertys condition, historical integrity, and compliance with the Deed of Easement. The intern will have an opportunity to assist with the creation of an easement document, including the review of a Certificate of Title, photo documentation of the easement property, proper archiving procedures using the Standards and Guidelines for Architectural and Historical Investigations in Maryland, and experience the various legal issues associated with an easement. Above all, the intern will be provided with an invaluable opportunity to gain a better knowledge and understanding of the various professional responsibilities and requirements of a State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

Candidate must be a current student in an historic preservation/architectural history/related undergraduate or graduate program.