Historic Preservation Intern

The U.S. Army Environmental Command (USAEC) is offering an associate-, bachelor's- or master's-level opportunity at the LeRay Mansion Historic District of the Fort Drum, New York, facility.

You will have an opportunity to develop and test programming, social media, historic interpretation, ideas for events, and other forms of outreach that will encourage adaptive re-use of a National Register Listed historic district by members of the military and wider community in the environs of Fort Drum, NY. Home of 10th Mountain, the most deployed Division, Fort Drum plays a critical role in the culture and life of its northern NY region, and the LeRay Mansion Historic District is a treasured asset not just for the installation but also for the surrounding community at large. 

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals.  Along the way, you will engage in activities and research in several areas.

As a LeRay District intern, you will be challenged to think of ways to reach out to and welcome increasingly diverse audiences that we hope will include indigenous people whose ancestors once called Fort Drum home, members of the African American community whose enslaved ancestors played a key role in development of the LeRay Estate in northern NY, family members who lost their homes on Fort Drum in the 1940s, and military audiences who need access to settings that replicate provincial palaces and historic districts in areas of forward operations. You will be encouraged to collect quantitative and qualitative data concerning approaches that maximize use and appreciation of the District while minimizing negative impacts to the grounds and structures.

Fort Drum, New York

The U.S. Army Environmental Command is ready to make appointments effective August 21, 2021. Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and internships or fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

This appointment is a 12-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

You will receive a stipend to be determined by the U.S. Army Environmental Command. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:

About U.S. Army Environmental Command (USAEC) 

The U.S. Army Environmental Command (USAEC) proudly delivers environmental services and solutions in support of the Army's Environmental Program, enabling Army readiness and sustainability. For more than 40 years, USAEC has provided the knowledge, tools, and programs that support ready and resilient Soldiers, installations, and commands by balancing military training with sound environmental practices. Sound natural resources stewardship through ecosystem management is the underlying approach, and elements of the program include forest management, fish and wildlife (nongame and game), threatened and endangered species, habitat and community management, environmental awareness and environmental protection.  For more information about the USAEC, please visit https://aec.army.mil/.

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.

The qualified candidate for the LeRay Mansion Historic District internship will be an individual who has recently graduated with a degree in Anthropology, History, Historic Preservation or a related field of study. The applicant should be comfortable working in a military setting and should demonstrate an adaptability to military culture. The successful applicant will be living in a remote and rural region of NY State and so should be able to drive and be comfortable living and working in a rural community. The applicant should have good interpersonal skills and an ability to function comfortably in public settings. The ideal applicant will also have excellent research skills and an ability to translate the findings derived from sound research into formats that can be appreciated by the public at large.

U.S. military veterans who have been honorably discharged (or who have been medically discharged because of a service-connected disability) and who received a degree within 10 years of the desired start date are also eligible.