Be a Part of SBTHP
VOLUNTEER
Are you curious about the history of our community? Or are you passionate about sharing stories of the diverse people and cultures who call Santa Barbara County home?
The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation Is looking for volunteers like you to fulfill many opportunities at school and public programs, and events at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park and Casa de la Guerra. Connect with other locals to lead arts and crafts activities, assist in our archives and collections, provide historic interpretation for both youth and adults, and even help maintain our historic gardens.
INTERNSHIPS
Programs and Library Internship (Fall 2025)
Public Engagement Division
Weekly Hours: ~10 hours/week
Duration: from hire to end of December
Rate/stipend amount: $25 per hour, not to exceed 100 hours ($2500 total)
About The Organization
The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) is a nonprofit organization that stewards historic places in Santa Barbara, preserving unique structures and also sharing the layered histories and cultural traditions that give them meaning.
SBTHP supports the historic core of downtown through its operation of El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park for California State Parks, ownership of Casa de la Guerra as a historic house museum and stewardship of the surrounding nine-block Presidio Neighborhood with marketing and events that bring awareness to these special places.
This position will support our Public Programs and Research Center departments on several projects over the period of the internship. Intern selected for this position will gain experience in public programs and library collections management. Majority of work will be completed Monday – Friday, between 9am and 5 pm, with limited weekend events required.
Scope of Duties
Presidio Research Center work (3-4 hours per week)
Retrieving items and reshelving materials using Library of Congress Call Number system
Examining books for condition, identifying markings and potential for conservation or repair work
Inputting data into library computer systems, making corrections, and updating records
Programs and Events work (5-6 hours per week)
Assisting with the planning, coordination, and execution of SBTHP’s major public programs and community events, including the Asian American Neighborhood Festival (October 12), Día de los Muertos Craft Day (November 3), and Una Noche de las Posadas (December 13)
Assisting in the development and delivery of field trip programming, including leading tours, facilitating activities, and engaging students of varying ages and backgrounds
Creating and adapting educational and interpretive materials (handouts, activity guides, visual aids) to support tours and programs
Providing on-site support at events, including activity set-up, vendor check-in, wayfinding, and visitor engagement
Assisting with program evaluation and documentation, including gathering visitor feedback, photographing events, and helping prepare post-program reports
Collaborating with staff and volunteers in a team-based environment to gain experience in nonprofit public history operations
Qualifications
Demonstrated interest or experience in program planning, public and informal education, history, museum studies, and/or public history
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Excellent writing and communication skills
Ability to work well with diverse groups
Application Process
Please send a resume/CV and a one-page cover letter describing your relevant experience and interest in this position. Please send materials as a PDF to kat@sbthp.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
WORK WITH US
MAINTENANCE AND JANITORIAL ASSISTANT
Job Description
Reports to: Associate Executive Director for Cultural Resources
Classification: Regular, part-time (20 hours/week), non-exempt
Scope of Position: The Maintenance and Janitorial Assistant assists with routine maintenance and janitorial services for El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park and Casa de la Guerra, including cleaning, landscaping, cleanup and minor repairs.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Conduct routine landscape maintenance tasks at El Presidio SHP museum properties and Casa de la Guerra, such as raking, weeding, and watering, among others.
Conduct routine janitorial tasks at El Presidio SHP museum properties and Casa de la Guerra, including trash removal and cleaning of bathrooms.
Assist with minor property repairs such as whitewashing, plastering, painting, as needed, etc.
Assist staff with moving and setting up equipment for programs and events as needed.
Stock bathrooms and clean bathrooms and the venue before and after event rentals as requested.
Communicate regularly with the Maintenance and Security Supervisor regarding task priorities and instructions.
SBTHP is a diverse organization with a small staff and many activities; all staff members must be versatile and cooperative in carrying out a variety of responsibilities and duties as assigned by the Associate Director for Cultural Resources and the Executive Director.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Must be able to lift 40lbs and use a variety of tools required for basic landscaping, janitorial work, and routine maintenance. Must have good verbal communication skills.
Usual schedule: 20 hours per week 8:30 – 5:00 PM Monday-Friday (specific schedule TBD)
Hourly rate: $19
Personal Equipment stipend: $25/mo.
Application Process
A complete application form, cover letter, and resume are required. Please send the application package to Michael Imwalle at archlab@sbthp.org
Ready to Join Us?
Become a member today and take part in deepening the legacy of Santa Barbara through place, story, and community.