Old Sturbridge Village is seeking a Carpenter to take on one of the most distinctive facilities roles in New England. Working under the supervision of the Vice President/Maintenance Director, you’ll apply advanced carpentry and preservation skills to the full range of historical and non-historical structures across our 200-acre living history campus — from structural framing repairs and roof shingling to museum exhibit fabrication and interior trim work.
This is a role for a tradesperson who has moved beyond general carpentry and developed genuine expertise in restoration, conservation, and preservation work. If you’re drawn to craft, take pride in working on structures that matter, and want your skills to serve a mission-driven institution, this is a rare opportunity.
What You’ll Do
Historic Preservation & Restoration
- Perform carpentry and masonry work on historical and non-historical structures, with a focus on restoration, conservation, and preservation
- Carry out roof shingling, sidewall installation, structural framing repairs, and interior and exterior trim fabrication and installation
- Complete fenestration work and plaster repairs on historic buildings
- Read and interpret blueprints; create shop drawings as required
Exhibition & Fabrication
- Perform exhibition carpentry in support of museum exhibit installations, including exhibit case fabrication and set construction
- Collaborate with curatorial and facilities staff on exhibit projects requiring precision craftsmanship
Facilities & Grounds
- Assist on projects requiring broad understanding of masonry, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems
- Provide and maintain a personal set of general hand tools; care for OSV-owned power tools
- Assist with snow removal and ice control as needed
- Perform other non-carpentry tasks as required to support campus operations
Museum Standards & Visitor Experience
- Maintain safe, clean work areas and share responsibility for the overall appearance of the campus
- Exercise professional judgment and care when working in or near public-facing areas of the museum
- Provide the best possible experience for visitors by upholding high standards of workmanship and conduct
- Contribute to OSV’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all aspects of the work
Physical Demands & Work Environment
The following describes the physical requirements of this role. These are representative of what an employee must be able to do to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands
- Frequently required to stand and walk across the campus, including over uneven, unpaved, and outdoor terrain
- Frequently required to use hands to grip, handle, and manipulate tools and materials; reach at and above shoulder height
- Regularly required to climb ladders and maintain balance on elevated or unstable surfaces
- Regularly required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl to access confined or low-clearance work areas
- Must regularly lift and carry up to 25 lbs; frequently lift and move up to 50 lbs
- Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
Work Environment
- Frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions while performing exterior work
- Occasionally works at heights on ladders or elevated equipment
- May be exposed to dust, fumes, and materials associated with building trades and preservation work; appropriate PPE is required and provided
- Works within an active public museum environment; awareness of and consideration for visitors and staff is essential at all times
Qualifications
We’re looking for a highly skilled tradesperson with a strong preservation background and the professionalism to work independently on complex, high-visibility projects.
Required
- Associate’s degree, or two years of college, technical school, or accredited vocational training
- 3+ years of carpentry experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Demonstrated ability to read and interpret blueprints and produce shop drawings
- Valid driver’s license; ability to acquire a Massachusetts Hoisting Engineer’s license and Construction Supervisor license
- Ability to follow approved work plans and priorities, and to exercise sound independent judgment within established procedures
Preferred
- Direct experience in historic preservation, restoration, or conservation of period structures
- Familiarity with museum or institutional facilities environments
- Existing Massachusetts Hoisting Engineer’s license and/or Construction Supervisor license
- Experience with exhibit fabrication or set construction
- Demonstrated commitment to working cooperatively with colleagues and guests of diverse backgrounds
Schedule
- Schedule: Monday-Friday 6:30am-3:00pm
This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Individuals in this role are subject to a background check and CORI check upon hire and periodically thereafter.
About Old Sturbridge Village
Old Sturbridge Village is the largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast, depicting a rural New England town of the 1830s. Explore more than 40 original buildings — homes, meetinghouses, a district school, country store, bank, working farm, three water-powered mills, and trade shops — set across more than 200 scenic acres. Talk with authentically costumed historians and see heritage breed farm animals.
Old Sturbridge Village is committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We are passionate about developing and maintaining an inclusive, equitable, and accessible working and learning environment for all visitors, staff, and OSV community members. We believe every member of our team enriches our organization by bringing different perspectives and ways of engaging with the world.
Old Sturbridge Village is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or membership in the uniformed services.
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Monday-Friday, 6:30am-3:00pm
Work Location: In person
Salary: $22-26 per hour
