MOA’s Conservation department accepts applications for Conservation Interns for two annual internship periods: summer (May – August), and fall (September – December). Internships are open to students who are enrolled in a conservation training program and who require an internship placement as part of their graduating requirements. Specific start dates and duration of internships are flexible to accommodate different program requirements.

MOA Conservation Interns, who are eligible to work in Canada, may apply for two awards in support of their internships. Details of the awards below.

How to apply to become a MOA Conservation Intern:

Please submit resumes with a cover letter describing your goals, area of interest, education, and program requirements to heidi.swierenga@ubc.ca

John H. A. Grant Memorial Award

Successful applicants are eligible to receive the John H. A. Grant Memorial Award, which provides a bursary of up to $2,000 per placement. This award is possible thanks to the generous support of the family of John H. A. Grant (1953–1989). John was born in Vancouver and obtained his BA Hon. Art History from UBC in 1974. After graduation he entered the first training program offered by the Canadian Conservation Institute in Ottawa, studying for three years in the Ethnology/Archeology division. Over the next nine years he worked in the artifacts division at CCI as ethnographic conservator, also doing duty in the Atlantic Regional Laboratory in Moncton and stints on the mobile labs in various parts of Canada. In 1986, as his health began to deteriorate, he joined his family in Halifax, and continued to do occasional consulting and contract work there until his death in 1989. A gifted teacher, John delighted in instructing and in bench work, enthusiasms that are reflected in the nature of the John H. A. Grant Memorial Award. 

 

Judith Eyrl Internship Award

Canadian students, as well as international students who have a valid work permit, are eligible to receive the Judith Eyrl Conservation Internship Award which provides an stipend of $5,000 per 12-week placement in conservation. This generous award, which is available once per year, is made possible through the charitable donation of Mrs. Judith Eyrl, a long-time member of the MOA community. Judith has been contributing her time and expertise to the Museum as a Volunteer Associate since 1990. Although she has devoted time to all departments at the Museum, she became an integral member of the MOA Conservation team in 2006. Judith’s sewing skills are unsurpassed and her handiwork is prevalent in MOA’s storage areas and galleries. She has become an expert in designing storage pillows and dustcovers for museum objects, as well as tailoring backing supports for MOA’s textile collection. Judith is pleased that this award offers conservation students support while they complete their internship at MOA.