Monuments Conservation Internship 2026

Reports to: Manager of Conservation & Preservation

Department: Park Infrastructure

Status: Seasonal (10 weeks), Non-Exempt, Full-time, Hourly

Schedule: June 1, 2026 - August 7, 2026 / 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, M-F

About the Park and the Central Park Conservancy

Central Park is one of the world's most famous and beloved public spaces. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1858, the 843-acre Park was the country's first purpose-built public park and is a National Historic Landmark and a New York Scenic Landmark. The Central Park Conservancy, a private, not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1980 to rescue the Park, which had fallen into serious disrepair. Since then, the Conservancy has overseen the investment of over $1.6 billion in the restoration of the Park, which now hosts over 40 million visitors a year.

The Conservancy is one of the largest and most successful public private partnerships in New York City and is considered a major civic institution given its impact on the health and vibrancy of both the Park and the City. The Conservancy’s mission is to preserve and celebrate Central Park as a sanctuary from urban life. The City of New York has formally entrusted the care of the Park to the Conservancy which is responsible for every aspect of its care, including landscape maintenance, capital improvements, and the visitor experience. The Conservancy employs roughly 400 people and has an annual operating budget of $100 million.

The Position:

The Conservancy is offering six full-time summer monuments internship positions in outdoor sculpture and architectural conservation and associated park maintenance. Working under the supervision of the Manager of Conservation, interns will be trained in the examination, documentation, preservation, and conservation of the Central Park collection. They will accompany and support CPC preservation and conservation, and infrastructure staff in a working environment that fosters focus, collaboration, and sound judgment. Through thoughtful consideration of goals, rationale, materials, and methodologies, interns will strengthen their competency as conservation technicians, while practicing treatment, honing crucial hand skills, and demonstrating efficiency with personal and public safety in their work.

Selection of possible projects for summer 2026

• Protective coatings refurbishment of the bronze plaque at 7th Regiment Memorial
• Sherman Memorial fine finish refurbishment and pest bird deterrence
• Maine Monument masonry project work
• Columbus Circle Monument masonry project work
• Fort Clinton Monument masonry project work
• Bethesda Terrace and fountain digital documentation, sculptural restoration, and masonry preservation
• Cleopatra’s Needle inspection, documentation and stabilization
• Central Park Conservancy Monuments archive organization
• Preservation and restoration of select bronze donor plaques
• Select Central Park infrastructure department project support

Summary of Essential Job Duties

• Exercise excellent judgment
• Effectively function independently and as part of a team
• Safely operate vehicles and equipment in an urban park environment
• Comfortable working from heights and/or in confined spaces

Minimum Requirements:

• Applicants should have a strong interest and some experience in the professional and scientific methodologies and practices of conservation, historic preservation, and/or another closely aligned field such as archaeology, art history, applied science, and/or the trades, including masonry, metalworking, and fine carpentry
• Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the US before applying, and for the duration of this placement
• Candidates must secure their own housing for the 10-week internship
• Applicants must possess a current United States issued driver’s license or equivalent
• Physically able to move 50 lbs. and to wear a respirator for up to 4 hours per day (with breaks)

Rate: $22.00 per hour

This is an on-site internship.

Interested applicants should respond with a cover letter and C.V./resume by February 27, 2026. Applicants will be contacted after February 27 if selected for an interview.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Central Park Conservancy’s work is guided by the belief that Central Park, and all public parks, must be managed and actively protected as an inclusive and democratic space for all.

Working closely with our New York City partners, we will always strive towards creating and sustaining a sense of belonging for all visitors and advocating for equitable and accessible public use of the Park.

In service of this belief, we are committed to fostering a workforce and organizational culture that is as diverse as Central Park itself and the dynamic city it serves.

Safety Requirements

Establishment and maintenance of a safe work environment is the shared responsibility of this organization and employees at every level. The Conservancy will make every effort to assure a safe environment and be in compliance with federal, state, and local safety regulations. Employees are expected to obey safety rules and to exercise caution in all their work activities. Accordingly, employees should be aware of any hazards, which could cause an injury or accident (e.g., spills, obstacles in walkways, etc.). If an employee discovers a potentially dangerous condition, he/she should alert other employees and notify his/her supervisor immediately.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.